A.D.: You know what? I just want to tell you that when I see you, I don’t see color. I actually don’t see any color anywhere in the world at all. Just want you to know that before we get into this conversation. But I do want you to know that I think it’s marvelous how articulate you are. Okay. That’s all. How about some racism?
Blake: Thanks, sir. I echo those same sentiments in regards to you. In response to your racism question, yes, how about some racism? Wait, is it going to be that new age, passive-aggressive racism or that old-school, in-your-face, stewed-to-perfection racism? It matters, you know?
A: Yes, it does. Thank you for asking for clarification. I prefer the old-school brand, with signs and songs, with ‘Separate But Equal’ sounding like a good deal, but everyone understanding that it means those who dictate the separation are really just letting you know your place. That brand of racism is the kind I want. The kind that makes you aware of your blackness…or lack thereof. Speaking of which, how aware are you of your blackness in your everyday life (in the presence of black and non-black people)? I ask you that to get to the more pressing question: Do you ever find yourself altering your behavior for the purpose of making yourself seem “safer” for other people who are very apparently aware of your blackness?
B: I agree. That brand of racism eliminates a lot of unnecessary uncertainty. It lets you know exactly where people stand. It’s certainly better than walking on eggshells or pretending like racism doesn’t exist. Everyone’s aware of it but it’s almost as if it’s taboo now. I’d much rather know that someone thinks less of me because of my skin color than to not know, befriend that person, and find out later. I’m very aware of my blackness though. In a perfect world, there would be no reason to have to maintain that awareness but time and time again, it’s been made painfully obvious that it does, in fact, matter. On top of that, I’m a fairly towering individual. Pair that along with my skin color and I’m sure I fit the description of a person who’s up to no good. There are times when I’m forced to muster a smile when approaching non-blacks just to communicate to that person that I pose no threat or I mean no harm. And this only came about from having to witness the reactions I received when I didn’t “caution” that person that I was indeed “safe”. Extremely sad state of affairs but it’s the hand I was dealt. I’m sure you can relate. Do you have any similar experiences?
A: When I was in college I was told by a mentor to “wear a tie every day, regardless of what your co-workers wear.” This mentor so happened to be a black man who wore a tie every day. He never really attached race to the advice, but over the years I have come to discover that there are racial implications to that—appearance is important, and a big part of my appearance is the color of my skin. That is a fact that cannot be denied. I think that we all have an awareness of ourselves from situation to situation, and I know that I act accordingly—intentionally making an effort to show through outward gestures—a smile, small-talk, etc.—that I’m not a menacing person. But I have times where I forget that I’m not at work and I don’t have a tie on—I’m wearing a hoodie, and people’s reactions are strange (in my eyes), and I’m reminded of what I must look like to them, whatever that means (and I’m sure it means a lot). I don’t really let it bother me, though. What it makes me realize, though, is that if I can forget about it, what about the kids who never learn that they may be treated differently because of the color of their skin, and even more so because of the color of their skin combined with the way they dress? Is this a conversation you think parents need to be having with their children? And is this a conversation that should only be occurring in black homes? And even more, is it necessary for the parents of a non-black child to have to tell their child that not only can you not judge a kid based on his skin color, his choice of clothing should be of no consequence as well?
B: This is definitely a conversation that parents need to have with their children, so long as the message isn’t put forth in a way that would lead to the child looking for or anticipating discrimination. Responsibly informing your children is much better than pretending like these issues are nonexistent. Simply hoping that your children never have to experience such a situation is a terrible approach. In a perfect world, this conversation would occur in black AND non-black homes, but that would first require the parents to address and acknowledge these issues themselves. And judging by society today, we haven’t even gotten to that point yet, let alone passing it along to our children. Parents can teach their children life lessons and rights & wrongs until they’re blue in the face, but children are more likely to replicate the actions of their parents, not just their words alone. It honestly has the potential to be a difficult fix. There’s a whole culture that needs changing. And that brings me to this question. Regarding discrimination and racism, do you ever realistically see it going away completely? And if that’s possible, what steps are needed to accomplish that? Should our end goal be to eradicate entirely or simply minimize?
A: Racism and discrimination will not go away. So long as there are differences between people, people will treat people differently because of them. What’s important, I think, is awareness of difference, acknowledgment of difference, acceptance of difference, and ultimately proficiency in understanding that these differences make us better, not worse. I say awareness, acknowledgment, acceptance and proficiency because I think that we are told a lot to teach tolerance, and tolerance is what has gotten us to where we are. We are taught to put up with one another despite our disdain or dislike…and we hardly ever get past tolerance. Once something happens, such as the case with Trayvon Martin, where race is easily attached to the crime (or cause[s] thereof), all that tolerance goes out the window, and we seem to start back at square one. If we have awareness, acknowledgment, acceptance and proficiency (or striving toward proficiency in understanding our differences), then we can have all that you mention above, and not have to worry much about the issues that are currently only spoken about in hushed tones amongst people who are speaking to others they feel believe the same as they do about all things pertaining to race. But that’s in a perfect world. For now, I guess we have to deal with the brand of racism we have, right?
B: Correct, because this world isn’t perfect and it never will be. Plus, there will always be people who label every unfortunate situation involving themselves and another race as racist, whether it truly is or not. I’m sure there’s a black person somewhere ready to accuse Microsoft of racism because the dictionary in Microsoft Word doesn’t recognize “Trayvon” as a real word. These type of people really exist. So, steps need to be taken on both sides before we see any substantial results in society. Until then, Black people will just keep being _______ who eat _______ & __________ and don’t ____. White people will continue being ________ who ______-____ their ____ and can’t ____ or _____. Asian people will continue being ______ who ____ their ____, love ___________ and can’t _____. And Mexican people will continue being _____ who are ____, smell like _____ & ____, and are probably here _________.
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