I have found, when the discussions are about black men/women and crime, some folks don't want to look at the individual black man or black women. They are "okay" with using language that implies we are monolithic.
There is a frequently used common thread among many on social media that "lump" us all together to make it seem as though black men/women are inherently criminals. Goes something like this: "Blacks are 13% of the population and they commit 50% of all crime."...or... (my favorite, since I live in Michgan) "What about Chicago?"
The implication is all 13% of black men and women are committing all of those crimes. Are there some black men and women that engage in criminal behavior? Yes. Are black men and women inherently criminals? No. Duh.
The other implication is all black men and women content with or contributing to all of the crimes in Chicago. I hate to be repetitive but... Are there some black men and women that engage in criminal behavior in Chicago? Yes. Are black men and women, in Chicago, inherently criminals? No. Duh.
Whatever the case may be, many folks believe that black men and women are inherently prone to negative/criminal behavior. It's a FASLE and terrible belief to harbor in one's heart. Sadly, many are willing to take (what they believe to be reciprocal) violent action because of it. That is frightening. (Like, super freaking scary for me, as a black woman!)
Frankly, as long as that narrative is continually packaged and distributed as a 'true' representation of all black men and women - I cannot waiver from my understanding that some folks don't want change. They happy feeling 'superior'.
I have to navigate in the world I actually live. And some folks, in this world, will only see the color of my skin and won't give a damn about the content of my character. Or my life.
I must always tread carefully. And it's exhausting.
Created 10/22/2017
No comments:
Post a Comment