Amidst the Eric Garners, Trayvon Martins, Mike Browns, and countless others, America still has no idea what the life of a black male consists of. White supremacy has pervaded every level of society all over the world and it has systematically made us enemies in the subconscious of everyone, including our own people. That being said, black males must learn and understand how the world views them in each and every possible situation that can occur in a given day. Read on and I will detail the daily interactions I experience as a young, educated black male living in America.
Growing up with four older brothers, I have been conscious of how society views me for as long as I can remember. I credit my parents, home life, personal experiences, and propensity for reading black literature, for helping me to see the world the way it is. Unfortunately, the bulk of young black men don't have a strong support system of brothers AND/OR a father figure to teach them how to navigate the proverbial cloud of white supremacy. This causes a lack of knowledge that is essential to the SURVIVAL of black males in this country.
The Package
These days, I wear whatever clothes I want because I enjoy comfort while out running errands and whatnot. Whether it's a tee shirt, polo shirt, jeans, khakis, or shorts, I make sure that my clothes fit properly and my pants aren't sagging. Why? Because if you look unkempt as a black male, people think you're a criminal. Each day I have to be careful about the package that I present in public because otherwise, people will assume I'm just another "robbing, stealing, killing nigger."
I walk with a purpose, keep my head held high and I speak to all people using proper english because that's how I was raised. I walk with my head up because I enjoy seeing the reactions of white folks and others when this skinny black guy is walking down the street. Rarely do I see another black man during my ventures and if I do, they always get a hello or nod of recognition. Others however, stare at the ground, clutch their purses tighter, walk faster, and my personal favorite, refuse to acknowledge your presence. I see the looks and I know what they're thinking based on their facial and physical demeanor. And these are just the cases of strangers whom I don't know and will never get to know.
These are just the little things that happen everyday that I notice. There are always the store associates that follow me around the store, policeman shining their flashlights in my face whilst riding my bike home at night, the elementary school teacher that told me I'd never amount to anything, getting arrested and the cops letting my white friend go home free while me and two black dudes are sent off to jail, and the list goes on. . .
This is America
I don't let these things affect me anymore, because I expect it to happen. This is America, a country founded on the backs of free labor and white supremacy. They brought our ancestors here against their will, and now they don't want us here and will continue to kill and imprison us at every chance they get. So black men, know that white supremacy exists and we are at the bottom of their hierarchy.
It's our job to survive and support our families, so don't even give them the opportunity to say they were "defending themselves" because as we know, it always ends with an acquittal or lack of indictment, and a dead black man.
Brothers
In order to get a better understanding of self, I urge my brothers to read the books of the past by black male authors. Their stories are just as relevant today, if not more so. We have to get an appreciation for what they went through in order to find your path and figure out how you can make a positive impact. Some must reads include: Native Son by Richard Wright, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X & Alex Haley just to name a few.
It's not about hating white people, it's about loving yourself and your people. We define the culture. Know that you have worth!! Black is Beautiful!!
"The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less." - Eldridge Cleaver, Soul on Ice
Peace
K. Plattinum
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