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White Woman Asks A Black Man About Racism, Receives The Cold Truth
A Facebook post about a conversation between a black man and a white woman is going viral for all the right reasons.
On May 30th, Caroline Crockett Brock, 45, told the Internet what she had learned about racism from talking to her appliance repairman, Ernest Skelton.
From derogatory language to random police stops, Ernest spilled everything on his day-to-day life in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, revealing just how much prejudice and ignorance he has to deal with.
Caroline said it was the first time she had such a sincere talk about racism; she said it was “illuminating”. So, thinking there probably are more people who would appreciate learning about these complicated social dynamics, the woman shared a rough transcript of the discussion she had with Ernest on her Facebook account. And she was right. Over 220K people reacted to her story and more than 182K shared it, thanking her for the cold truth and a lesson in empathy.
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It looked like their relationship will gonna be something special right from the beginning.
“People judge me before I even come in the door, so that’s the reason why I ask, ‘Is it OK for me to come in?'” Skelton told WMBF News.
The question really surprised Brock.
“She said, ‘Why wouldn’t I let you in? You’re coming to check my appliance.’ Then, I explained to her that’s what we go through because people look at us different,” Skelton explained.
When Skelton returned to Brock’s home for their second appliance repair appointment, she asked him a question that was a little more personal.
“I just decided to ask him straight out, ‘How are you doing right now given the current climate?'” Brock said.
At first, Skelton thought she was talking about the coronavirus, but Brock wanted to get an understanding of his everyday life. This was when Skelton opened up and told her some stories about how racism has affected him.
Ernest was happy to get his picture taken
Image credits: Caroline Crockett Brock
Brock asked the repairman if she could post their interaction on Facebook, and he thought it would be a great idea. Fast forward a few days, and they’re all over the Internet.
“In the comments, people, a lot of white people say, ‘I’d love to have these conversations, but I’m scared. I’m scared I’m going to say the wrong things. I’m scared I’m going to approach it wrong. I’m scared I’m going to offend someone,'” Brock explained.
However, these folks should keep in mind that Skelton, for example, said he wasn’t offended by Caroline’s questions at all. It’s because he had built up trust with Brock prior to addressing these serious topics and knew she was sincere when she asked about them.
“If we want to change the world and make our country stronger, we have to be willing to step into the uncomfortableness and pain in this country,” Brock added.
“When are the lines going to draw so I can say it and tell them back in the day it was a white man’s world, but now we united,” Skelton added.
The two hope that their interaction can inspire others have similar conversations as well.
For now, however, Skelton said he will continue asking his customers if he can come in.
Here’s what people said after reading Caroline’s post
89Kviews
Share on Facebook What do you think ?
LindaS 5 years ago
I'm overjoyed and tearful at the same time. What an amazing lady and beautiful man. That is the dialogue that is needed to help in ending this terrible injustice
Christy Leong 5 years ago
This is why I hate it when the US goes around lecturing other countries for what they deem as "human rights violation" as if they have the moral high ground. Fix your own problems first.
Something 5 years ago
No, one does not have to come at the cost of the other. We can respect all human rights.
Load More Replies...
deanna woods 5 years ago
I can understand what Ernest has gone through because I have gone through some of these situations myself. I have been followed around stores to make sure I am not stealing. I have had people switch store aisles to get away from me. I have been called names because of the color of my skin. These are the kinds of discussions that need to take place right now. We need to stop trying to silence people and get them to shut up and we need to just listen. The only way that things will change is if we listen to each other.
GirlFriday 5 years ago
I am so sorry that this happened to you. My eyes were really opened to how prevalent racism is when my cousin married a black man and became a mother to his two boys. I see what they go through and it is awful. We are working together to make the world a better place for her boys and for everyone. You have my respect, my love and my support.
Load More Replies...
Curry on... 5 years ago (edited)
Years ago I use to wear a close cut Afro. I also had to be at my job at zerodarkthirty, so I was driving in the wee hours through my own neighborhood when it was still dark outside. I got pulled over for no reason. When the cop saw that I was a female, he mumbled out some asinine reason for stopping me (I don't remember what he said, but I was rolling my eyes privately), and 'allowed' me to go my way. I have a son, daughter and five grandsons. I worry about them daily.
Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago
It is a joy and a heartbreak to read. I think Bored Panda is very remiss in letting the racist morons post here and leave posts standing, even though they are voted down. The fact that they LET garbage sit in the street like that means I will NEVER click an advert link.
Anita Marx 5 years ago
Imo BP let the dumbest things and racist comments standing to read by us, to show to all of us: yes, they're out there! And also BP shows the down votes, the comments of people telling the truth about life and how this could be. Or should be. In Germany we learned, that this is how democracy works. Say what you want, but be aware of the consequences. It could be prison or applause. (Excuse my bad English, I'm not a native speaker.)
Load More Replies...
Jerry Xu 5 years ago
Not only white people, me, a Chinese, also feel a little scared of black guys. I think probably because of the media reports and crime rates and some discrimination to Chinese people from the black. I was also discriminate by a black stranger when I was in the first year in university, he told "Ching Chong, Ching Chong" and did slanted eyes to me even I don't know him. At that time, I just came from China and no idea what he's doing. I smiled at him then left.
Viviane 5 years ago (edited)
I hope no one else behaved that way with you (white people discriminate, too -- a white friend made a joke and I told her her "Don't use that term"). You have every right to let people know that their behaviour is offensive.
Load More Replies...
Odette Boisvert 5 years ago (edited)
I live in Sorel-Tracy, Québec CANADA, a small town where we did'nt had much colours or diversity when I was young. It all change now and my kids (16yo boy & 19yo girl) have a lot of friends from various backgrounds and life is simple now!! at the end of the day my swimming pool is full of beautiful teens and I think it's wonderful!! =0)
CParks 5 years ago
Quebec is legalizing racism by banning religious garb (hijabs, kippa etc) I think it's great your kids have friends of different ethnicity but maybe get to work on Bill 21 before attempting to declare victory in Quebec.
Load More Replies... LindaS 5 years ago
I'm overjoyed and tearful at the same time. What an amazing lady and beautiful man. That is the dialogue that is needed to help in ending this terrible injustice
Christy Leong 5 years ago
This is why I hate it when the US goes around lecturing other countries for what they deem as "human rights violation" as if they have the moral high ground. Fix your own problems first.
Something 5 years ago
No, one does not have to come at the cost of the other. We can respect all human rights.
Load More Replies... deanna woods 5 years ago
I can understand what Ernest has gone through because I have gone through some of these situations myself. I have been followed around stores to make sure I am not stealing. I have had people switch store aisles to get away from me. I have been called names because of the color of my skin. These are the kinds of discussions that need to take place right now. We need to stop trying to silence people and get them to shut up and we need to just listen. The only way that things will change is if we listen to each other.
GirlFriday 5 years ago
I am so sorry that this happened to you. My eyes were really opened to how prevalent racism is when my cousin married a black man and became a mother to his two boys. I see what they go through and it is awful. We are working together to make the world a better place for her boys and for everyone. You have my respect, my love and my support.
Load More Replies... Curry on... 5 years ago (edited)
Years ago I use to wear a close cut Afro. I also had to be at my job at zerodarkthirty, so I was driving in the wee hours through my own neighborhood when it was still dark outside. I got pulled over for no reason. When the cop saw that I was a female, he mumbled out some asinine reason for stopping me (I don't remember what he said, but I was rolling my eyes privately), and 'allowed' me to go my way. I have a son, daughter and five grandsons. I worry about them daily.
Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago
It is a joy and a heartbreak to read. I think Bored Panda is very remiss in letting the racist morons post here and leave posts standing, even though they are voted down. The fact that they LET garbage sit in the street like that means I will NEVER click an advert link.
Anita Marx 5 years ago
Imo BP let the dumbest things and racist comments standing to read by us, to show to all of us: yes, they're out there! And also BP shows the down votes, the comments of people telling the truth about life and how this could be. Or should be. In Germany we learned, that this is how democracy works. Say what you want, but be aware of the consequences. It could be prison or applause. (Excuse my bad English, I'm not a native speaker.)
Load More Replies... Jerry Xu 5 years ago
Not only white people, me, a Chinese, also feel a little scared of black guys. I think probably because of the media reports and crime rates and some discrimination to Chinese people from the black. I was also discriminate by a black stranger when I was in the first year in university, he told "Ching Chong, Ching Chong" and did slanted eyes to me even I don't know him. At that time, I just came from China and no idea what he's doing. I smiled at him then left.
Viviane 5 years ago (edited)
I hope no one else behaved that way with you (white people discriminate, too -- a white friend made a joke and I told her her "Don't use that term"). You have every right to let people know that their behaviour is offensive.
Load More Replies... Odette Boisvert 5 years ago (edited)
I live in Sorel-Tracy, Québec CANADA, a small town where we did'nt had much colours or diversity when I was young. It all change now and my kids (16yo boy & 19yo girl) have a lot of friends from various backgrounds and life is simple now!! at the end of the day my swimming pool is full of beautiful teens and I think it's wonderful!! =0)
CParks 5 years ago
Quebec is legalizing racism by banning religious garb (hijabs, kippa etc) I think it's great your kids have friends of different ethnicity but maybe get to work on Bill 21 before attempting to declare victory in Quebec.
Load More Replies...
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