What would life be like if I were a Black man?
I have tried to imagine this at different times but, after a
few seconds, it’s too difficult to fathom so I go back to what I know: life as
a white woman…where I can go for a walk in my neighborhood; I can stroll around
the mall; I can drive anywhere; I can hang out in coffee shops; I can travel in
my state, in my country and abroad, too.
I can do all these things whenever I want and be fairly
certain that I’ll be returning home safely.
I am aware that the color of my skin gives me the freedom to
live the way I want to.
But if tomorrow I were to wake up as a Black man, how would I feel?
I am sure I’d be panic-stricken, knowing I could easily be
singled out in any environment, pulled over, asked to leave somewhere, made to
feel uncomfortable, worried about arrest – even death.
And if I were a parent or grandparent of a young Black man, I’d
always be frightened, just waiting for something awful to transpire…tonight,
tomorrow, anytime at all.
In Donald Trump’s world, these fears multiplied. His lack of character combined with his hunger
for power further oppressed Blacks and other marginalized populations; he empowered neo-Nazis and White Supremacists so that he could continue to receive
their support, giving them an amplified voice which in turn has caused
widespread anxiety and dread in and danger to the Black community.
He’s had no problem with KKK rallies, police brutality,
random acts of violence against Blacks, discrimination, racism in every form
and so on.
CNN political commentator Van Jones, a Black man, reacted to Joe Biden’s winning of the presidency with tears that brought my own as well.
His hope is that as a parent he will be less
fearful and that his sons will have an appreciation for the fact that character and being a good person matters.
As an early childhood educator I've always worried about the adorable little boys of color who grow up to be young men of color. I worry about their safety. Hopefully under new leadership things will improve.
ReplyDeleteHope so! By the way, I will always be grateful to you for being such a kind and loving presence for Michael, way back when.
DeleteI also cried with Van Jones. Don’t miss Dave Chappelle’s 16 minute monologue on SNL last night, for more of what it feels like to live in black skin.
ReplyDeleteDave Chappelle's monologue was so powerful. Cory Booker a couple years ago shared his story, and I was blown away how many people deal with their skin color being a problem for others on a daily or minute-to-minute basis.
DeleteJudy, I also cried while watching Van Jones and Dave Chappelle as well. I cried with and for them. I cry because, like you, I can never know what it feels like to be a person, particularly a man, who is black in this country. I can only listen to their voices and try to do what I can to show my support, but it never feels like enough. I do believe that with our new leadership there is more hope, and at least, for now, that is something.
ReplyDeleteBiden's leadership has to make a difference because he will denounce racism in all its ugly forms and work to bridge gaps and not cause them, so I am hopeful too.
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ReplyDeleteCheers to a better, brighter, kinder, more peaceful and more hopeful future....
ReplyDeleteAmen.
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