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.