In recent years... I'm not sure if it's due to social media or what but... it seems that more and more young black men are being killed while the assailants, clearly using excessive force, walk free.
Our 10th planet fan is very diverse. All colors and creeds. I assume up front that no one is racist... Overtly or subconsciously without realizing it.
In the wake of the Tray on case, I feel it somewhat necessary to warn my brothers about subtle racism so that you are not a victim or transgressor.
About me:
I'm a white looking Hispanic who has lived in rich and poor areas. In rich areas I was discriminated against. In poor areas, namely black neighborhoods, I was given a pass. I've been on both ends of racism. my point is that racism is much more real than people think. It seems people believe it's over because no one is being lynched or fire hosed. But racism has become much more subtle. It's become subconscious. It's been engrained in us. Its economic and cultural. Its handed down to us from our parents. Its been confirmed by some folks who fulfill stereotypes... because those stereotypes have been deemed hate worthy and fearful, while white stereotypes are simply annoyances and inconveniences. We fear the big black man on the sidewalk but don't bat an eye at the hot tempered roided out frat boy who has had 20 bat fights. We fear that some Hispanic kid is going to rob us but don't worry about sue happy neighbors looking to make a quick buck off of you.
I know that my white 10th planet bros have worked their assess of to get to where they are so they might be skeptical that things are harder for people of color. But I promise you, white privilege is real and darker skinned folks not only have to deal with all the crap you do, they have to shoulder the burden of everyday racism; both subtle and overt. I have literally experienced both sides.
My point: Don't diminish their experience until you've walked in their shoes. I'm sure most of you have lived a hard life. I'm taking nothing away from that. But black people (and other minorities) have to deal with the same issues, PLUS the burden of racism. All I'm saying is, try....try...at least try to be sensitive.
If you can be sensitive to people with disabilities, you can be sensitive to people who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
Yes, Tray on was a delinquent. Some of the media villifies him for smoking weed. Half of 10th planet smokes. He is a villain for fighting in and outside of school. I'm sure half of us have had our fair share of fights in and out of school. But did we deserve to die? Of course not. And thats something real to consider. A horrible dangerous thug didn't die. A young, impressionable teen was profiled, confronted, and killed. Legal technicalities aside; we know that this kid didn't need to die.
None of you may think like white supremecists, but there are forces in play that are very much about that. Who makes up the prison population? Who has the poorest schools? Which neighborhoods are the most impacted by drug abuse?
Again, I'm not saying to give anyone a pass. In the end we are all responsible for our choices. I'm just saying to be sensitive because for some people, the choices are either very limited, difficult, or altogether unknown.
