White Privilege

I just read an article Different Rules Apply, and I was profoundly moved. In this article, a Caucasian man comes to the realization that white privilege is actually a thing here in America. Of course, he has known about white privilege, but he has just now understood what white privilege actually meant. While reading this article, I also realized that not all white people are out to get us blacks. Of course, I had already known this. I have many white friends. But for this man to actually speak about the injustice done to blacks and other minority groups was really intriguing to me.

Now, I am not one of those people who hates the police. I have never had a bad encounter with policeman, but of course, most of the policemen I have come into contact with have been black. I say this to say that not all cops, whether black or white, are bad cops. However, the ones who do practice racial profiling, should really take a close look at themselves and fine out what really makes their skin boil over the sight of an African-American.

I admit, back in the day, I used to racially profile. I would caution myself whenever an African-American male walked past me on the street. I never reacted the same when a white man was around me, because I never thought a white male would speak to me. That changed on my birthday.

On my birthday, July 25, my boyfriend and I went out to the movies. We had originally wanted to go to TGI Fridays' (because it was a Friday), but it was closed when we got out of the movie. Instead, we went to waffle house. After we finished eating, he paid for the meal and went to get his car. I had to use the restroom before we left. When I walked outside to the car where he was, a white man asked me if I would like to go home with him. Granted, the man did seem a little drunk and I guess he thought he was being funny. Whatever the case, I was not amused. I got in the car and my boyfriend and we continued on our way home.

I say all of this to say that racial profiling is the bane of this country's existence. We are so often scared of African-Americans, but do not take the time to realize that whites do just as much harm as any other racial group, if not more. Who knows how many times a white person may have gotten away with something, just because they were white. Now, I do not hate white people. All I am saying is that racial profiling needs to end. NOW. A white person can harm others, just as well as any other race can. Racial profiling only creates room for injustice and unnecessary fear. Racial injustice should have ended with the death of Emmet Till, Martin Luther King Jr., and Trayvon Martin. Instead, it is still a snake, crawling deep within our hearts and minds, waiting to infect the next victim with its venom.

Michael Brown

Unfortunately, we have lost another young, black male to a senseless crime. The black community, as well as others of different races, are in an uproar over the shooting of 18 year-old Michael Brown. As an advocate for social justice,I am disheartened by the shooting of this young man, as we do not know the accomplishments that this young man may have achieved. As I read the story, I imagined my own brother being shot, and pain shot through my heart like a sharpened sword. I send my condolences to the family and I hope that justice will soon be served for Michel Brown. Michael Brown's family will continue to be in my prayers, as this tragedy continues to gather the nation into action.

As for the peaceful, and not-so-peaceful, rioters in Missouri, I commend your strength and valor in this time of uproar. It is unfortunate that the citizens of Ferguson, Missouri have had to resort to thievery and vandalism in order to get their point across, and I hope that the protesters will revert back to non-violent protesting. Again, I will keep Ferguson, Missouri in prayer, as well as the rest of the nation as we continue to struggle with decreasing racial tensions in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Back Home!

I am so excited to be back here at Home at SPELMAN COLLEGE! I have had an amazing summer with my research, but now it it is time to get back to school. I am so ready to start school again, as I will be involved in many organizations. Hopefully I will not be stretched too thin this semester, but we will see how it goes.

To all of the students returning back to school, I hope you all have a wonderful an prosperous school year and God bless!