Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson, better known as Diamond and Silk, are two sisters from North Carolina who have taken the internet by storm with their politically conservative views and signature catchphrases.
Since joining YouTube in 2015, Diamond and Silk have amassed a large following, with over 2 million subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. They have also become regular guests on Fox News, and even testified before Congress in 2018 about alleged censorship by social media platforms.
They first gained national attention during the 2016 US presidential election, when they staunchly supported Donald Trump and frequently made appearances at his rallies. Their entertaining and unfiltered approach to politics struck a chord with many Americans who were frustrated with the traditional, media-driven discourse.
Diamond and Silk have often voiced their support for Trump’s policies, and their unflinching loyalty to the president has earned them a devoted fan base. They represent a growing faction of African American voters who identify as conservative or Republican, challenging the long-held assumption that black voters are overwhelmingly Democratic.
However, their outspoken views have also landed them in hot water. In 2018, Facebook deemed their content “unsafe to the community” and reduced their reach on the platform, sparking accusations of bias and censorship. The incident caught the attention of Congress, and Diamond and Silk were called to testify before the House Judiciary Committee about their First Amendment rights.
While many have criticized Diamond and Silk’s stances as regressive and harmful, their fierce dedication to their beliefs has earned them respect from their followers. They are unapologetic about their support for Trump, and are quick to defend his policies against detractors.
But Diamond and Silk’s appeal goes beyond just politics. They have become cultural icons, thanks to their trademark phrases and vibrant personalities. They often play off each other in their videos, with Lynnette, or Diamond, delivering punchy one-liners while Rochelle, or Silk, reacts with exaggerated expressions.
Their catchphrases, such as “We don’t do oppression over here!” and “You can’t put a price on common sense,” have become ubiquitous on the internet, and their fans can even buy t-shirts and other merchandise featuring their sayings.
With their high-energy videos and unabashed conservatism, Diamond and Silk represent a growing phenomenon of online personalities who have found a niche audience by challenging mainstream political discourse. While their rhetoric may be polarizing, their success is a testament to the power of the internet in shaping public opinion and creating new forms of media influence.
Whether you agree or disagree with Diamond and Silk’s views, one thing is certain: these sisters are not afraid to speak their minds, and they have captured the attention of millions by doing so. With the 2020 presidential election on the horizon, it’s likely that we will be seeing a lot more of these two online stars in the coming months.