Racism affects us everyday. The real question is where? A lot of black people say whites are racist against blacks and vice versa; whites say blacks are racist against whites. Now while some of that may be true, I firmly believe that specifically in the black community, racism exist where we live. Think about the phrases we say to each other: "he dresses white" or "she talks white.". Both of which are synonymous with saying he dresses preppy/professional or she speaks proper English.
The problem occurs when we are quick to point the finger at another race for being racist. I got pulled over because I'm black, no, you got pulled over for disobeying traffic laws. I got detention because I'm black, no, it's because misbehaved in a classroom setting or on school grounds. There are a million and one scenarios we like to use in our defense for our own mishaps, but all consequences are our own.
Same goes for the standard we hold of ourselves; it is very low. We hate to be profiled and stereotype but we do it so often to each other. We like to act surprised at the sight of someone who is educated and can talk about more than the newest rap song and it's ever so nonintellectual lyrics. Why are we so surprised at achievements within our own community? Do we not believe in ourselves that we are meant to be great? Do we instill false hope in our youth that they can he whatever they want? And then are amazed that they did only what they set out to do?
As a race, we have no belief in ourselves and are therefore creating an inner prejudice race of people. We must first start by breaking the stereotype. We cannot continue to use race as an excuse, as set back, or as a reason why we cannot do something. We need to reverse our mind set and thought process and use that negative energy to create positive people. Your race does not determine who you are or who you were meant to be, but it says a lot about where you came from. We are a strong people, a nonconforming group of people, a fearless people, we are rebellious, we are powerful!
But as a people, we suffer from racism. We feel like the oppressor owes us something, so we act as though they do. Like we are supposed to receive reparations for our ancestors for things that happened to them. Was it wrong? Yes. Should we fight for reparations? Yes. But at the end of the day, we cannot allow race to be a barrier between what we are and what we are meant to be!
