police brutality, institutional racism
police brutality, institutional racism
I hope this is seen as respectful, as that's how it's intended. I'm a white guy, but I want to say something about Tyre Nichols.
I have two biracial sons (7 and 5). They are sweet and smart and kind. My kids are the light of my life. I love them so much, and am so grateful to be able to know them.
I feel lucky, though, that my oldest usually passes for white. I say that not because I want him to look more like me, or because I think he should be white or whatever. I say that because I believe it means he'll be less likely to be targeted by police and beaten to death.
But at the end of summer, when he's spent a lot of time outside, he's a nice milk chocolate. He's a beautiful, handsome young man. But that worries me.
My younger son does not pass for white. He looks a lot like my wife. I see him, and I'm reminded of how much I love her. He's such a good kid.
But I'm scared. I worry that ten years from now, one of my boys could be visiting a friend in a mostly white neighborhood, and some cop could think he's in the wrong place. And then I get a call saying that he disobeyed an order from a cop, or some other bs excuse, and that I can't see him as doctors are trying to save his life. I worry that they'll call me the next day to tell me he succumbed to his injuries, and I will never see his smile again.
I hate this. I hate that I worry when he spends too much time in the sun that that could be what gets him killed. I hate that my son's best friend doesn't have the privilege of maybe passing for white because he's 100% black. I hate that my son could come home one day and tell me that he watched his best friend put on a stretcher after the police beat him close to death. I hate that he could have survivor's guilt when his friend doesn't make it.
I offer no suggestions. I don't know how to fix a broken system.
I was talking to my older son the other day about Dr. King. I told him that it was people like MLK who fought for equal rights that made it possible for his mom and I to get married. That without brave people who were willing to stand up to power that he would never have been born.
But how do I teach my kids to hope and fight for a better future when so much of the present is still broken?
police brutality, institutional racism
police brutality, institutional racism
@danjones000 My Son is mixed and looks white too, and I also know the feeling of being relieved that when he gets pulled over, he does not have to fear like I have to. Don't feel bad about that feeling, it's not our fault we are faced with that thought.
@danjones000 what you're describing is definitely worrying for any Dad, everywhere out in the World.
You've asked, where or how to start to fix a broken System.
I say you start at the Basics of Language, the Wording. You shouldn't be forced to justify what Skin tone you or Children of yours have, it shouldn't be matter in the Language.
We as Persons are all Humans, that's what units us not what should seperat.
For me it's that way.
Just my humble Opinion on the matter.