Man Is Afraid To Walk Alone In His Neighborhood Because He’s Black, And His Rant Goes Viral Interview With Author
Nobody should be forced to live in fear of walking around their neighborhood alone. However, that’s exactly what best-selling author and TEDx speaker Shola Richards’ life is like. In a viral Facebook post, the father of two shared how he’s “scared to death” to go outside without taking his girls or his dog with him. And that’s even after having spent the last 4 years living in his house in Los Angeles.
Richards told Bored Panda that he didn’t expect his post to get so many people’s attention. “After the unarmed killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, I was devastated. I have always been a highly-sensitive person, so I tend to feel things more deeply than most folks, and these brutal executions hit me hard,” he revealed how strongly he reacted. “After seeing the Christian Cooper/Amy Cooper confrontation in the park, it completely pushed me over the edge into despair. Some of my white friends couldn’t understand why I was so upset, so I wrote the Facebook post in the hopes that it would be informative to them, and cathartic for me. But no, in a million years I would not have ever expected this amount of attention.”
Scroll down to read Richards’ story in his own words and for the rest of his interview with Bored Panda.
More info: Facebook | Twitter | SholaRichards.com
Shola Richards is scared to walk alone in his neighborhood, so he takes one or both of his daughters and his dog
Image credits: Shola MRichards
Richards’ post went viral and got a lot of people’s attention
He told us that based on what he’s hearing from people all around the world, his post changed a lot of people’s perspectives. “When I write, my hope is to explain things in a way that is easily understood, and ideally, in a way that could open minds to a different way of thinking. I’m thrilled and humbled to hear that many people thought that I was successful in that effort.”
The neighborhood reacted “exceptionally well” to Richards’ story on Facebook. “The level of support and kindness that I’ve received from my neighbors in the past two weeks has been off the charts. In some cases, some neighbors admitted to me that my post has caused them to re-examine some of their biases, and I’m grateful for that. Most importantly, our neighbors are now having the often awkward, messy, and complicated conversations about race (that were avoided before), and I am very hopeful that we will be a better neighborhood because of it.”
Here’s a photo of best-selling author Richards and his dog, Ace
Image credits: Shola MRichards
Richards is an optimist and he told us that he feels very hopeful about the direction that the world’s headed in right now. “The level of energy, passion, and dedication around addressing systemic racism feels different to me, and I believe that long-term positive change will come from these efforts.”
He continued: “Sure, there are people who would rather stay asleep as they wish for a return to the Tiger King-binging, Zoom background-searching, stimulus check-cashing part of 2020, but that ship has sailed. The reality is that we’re all here now, and I sincerely hope that we will use this opportunity to literally change the world. As always, in order for it to happen, we will need to do it together.”
Richards also shared that he published a follow-up article to his post which you can read right here.
Richards’ Facebook rant and list of his insights about how the world works got a lot of attention. It got more than 494k reactions, was shared over 596k times, and was widely covered in the news.
Some people call Richards a cheerleader and Brother Teresa while he sees himself as a champion of those who value integrity. He has written two books (Go Together and Making Work Work) and he speaks to organizations all over the US about creating safe, collaborative, and bully-free work environments. Oh, and Richards is an ENFP in the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, so he has that in common with yours truly.
This is how social media users reacted to Richards’ post
That is truly so very sad!!! I am a white woman, and it just shows, where you are, also makes a difference. My "white privileged " life in South Africa, although I know I ám privileged, is certainly not enough to keep me safe in the streets! We're from opposite poles, but here in South Africa, I know all about reverse discrimination - I NEVER accepted apartheid, and have always treated people equal, but whites in South Africa truly feel your pain. I hope I haven't offended anyone, but that is MY reality. Love you all folks, and I pray, one day, we will all just be people, not black/white/green, but just people. I've always said, it's behavior, NOT COLOR, that matters.
Racism and aesthetics based privilege differs by regions. Racism in the USA is different than the racism in S. Africa. Europe has yet another way of racism, and east Asia another one and so on. And either way is sad and shouldn't be happening. We should see people as just people, not as an exotic animal, just because they look different. Stay strong, sister
I was born in SA and lived there until 19yrs of age (1978-1997). Because I am mixed race (or to use the lovely South African term, urgh, 'coloured'), before the end of Apartheid I was deemed "too black" then after it was abolished, I couldn't find work due to being "too white"...you bet I long very much for the day we have a truly colourblind world...
I fully agree and was about to make a similar comment. It is absolutely terrible that human beings are prejudiced towards or bias because of a person's skin colour, what truly matters is a person's personality, intent and how they treat the people around them. But being white and living in South Africa, our reality is that we experience what Shola Richard is describing here, I cannot feel safe enough to go for a walk/jog without my 50kg dog or my husband. This is a very sad reality as I am a very empathetic person and always belief that people are innately good, but I also don't want to risk my life.
I would take a walk with this man, and his fluffy dog any time. This is absolutely heartbreaking. That a full grown man, cant feel safe in his own street, because of his race and the reaction it gives to others. Those others should be given a good ass whooping for being such absolute idiots.
I am mostly white. In fact, at first glance, I AM WHITE. Guess what? My eyes are very dark. I was stopped ON THE STREET, in a small town i nOhio, and asked what I was doing "outside Jewtown". Yes, that really happened. B/c of my eyes being dark. Just my eyes. Lived in that racist hellhole for two long eternities (years?). I got that repeatedly. "Are you part n--word? Are you Jewish?" for TWO YEARS b/c I had dark eyes. Ridiculous and yet true. (BTW, no, I'm not white *enough* for Klukkers, Hitler, and similar, and frankly, I'm proud of that. I'd hate to belong to any club of theirs.)
When we lived in Texas, people kept asking "where are you FROM". I would answer, "Canada", and they would say, "No, really, were are you FROM." They were demanding (in a really obnoxious and rude way) to know where my family came from before North America. Since the family has been in Canada for 150 years, I can say Canadian. ...///... Finally, I told one woman that my family (150 year ago) came from Eastern Europe. She said, "Oh, you're not white, then, " as if it mattered. ...///... Let the record show that I am a green-eyed pale blonde, and my skin is so white I'm practically transparent.
BTW, she never spoke to me again, and neither did any of her friends. It was kind of nice. It saved me from telling those nasty redneck bigots to take a hike.
Aunt Messy, I feel that. "Where are you FROM?"... America. No, really. Where? WTH? My dad's got ancestors were here boefre the Europeans invaded, thanks, and my mom's family escaped serious oppression and this is what we get: "Nope, not really white." My fam, btw, came from Eastern Europe in the last 75 years. Still not enough. And then I see some tiki-torch-bearing idiot with Slavic ancestry and just want to cry in despair.
I grew up being told I was English, Irish, and Scottish. Then my dad got super into family lineage and when he traced it back we found that 5 generations back, 20% of our ancestors were already living in Canada. But nobody here ever talks about being part Canadian, no, you have to go back until you find someone who came from elsewhere and that's where you're "from". It's pretty crazy. Somehow that attitude translates to many into thinking of second- or third-generation Canadian POC as "other" and that has GOT to stop.
I am so sorry that you had to deal with that, Aunt Messy. Let me assure you that not all of us Texans behave that way. I wouldn't have given a flying flip where you are from originally.
Too all you folks and you little snide comments like "grow a pair" or "he' s paranoid".......i don't know if you are saying this for laughs or if you are just plain ignorant but just because you have not experienced it, doesn't mean that it isn't happening. reverse the roles. put yourself in an all black neighborhood, no really think on it for one second. or are you too privileged to even think that this could even happen to you? just know that there are things that are happening outside your little box that are affecting other people. here in Trumps america, i am made aware i am black every single day, be it getting a little extra attention at store or rather being called the "n" word at work as an essential worker, yes, even an essential worker gets no respect! and for those of you who are apologetic and sensitive to our pain, it helps and is appreciated. yes its very hard and gets harder every day.
Aiyshag, I hope things get easier for you and your family. Maybe this time there will be a fundamental shift in the right direction. I hope so.
4 years with walks twice a day (with kids too) and your neighborhood still doesn't know you enough that you feel comfortable? That's a pretty unfriendly neighborhood.
This story makes me want to be somewhere far from the human race.
I personally have seen my neighbors question a black man walking in our neighborhood. They were retired cops and noticed this black guy walking down our street. They went out and questioned him. Turns out he was house sitting for a friend and he was just going for a walk. It's sad these things are still happening.
This post is very insightful. Even though I am white, my husband and children are not. I suffer some of the same fears for my family as any black person might. I raised my kids in diverse neighborhoods but recently had to move back to my home town where it is all white. I worry about my daughter in school not being treated fairly. So far things have been ok but each day is a new day where my family have to interact in this world.
TBH, I'm still shocked every time I read about this. It seems in europe, this issue is far less dangerous to black people than in the US ... I can't say I know how this man feels (I have never taken off my light skin colour). It is a problem around here, too, but far from being that ... deadly. I wish I'd have a solution for this. Science can tell us the difference between differently coloured humans are inferior ... judging is to be done on the individual level, or often not useful at all ... but not everyone will know, many might doubt, and those who doubt may eventually gain access to power - already did....... I hope the current protesting, in the US and elsewhere, will contribute to making this better, to overcome racism ... hopefully during your and my lifetime.
Thank you for sharing this post. It is outrageous that in this very day and age that a black man has to fear for his life just going outside for a walk with his daughters and dog. Racism is a virus that exists all around the world and has been around for ages- we are just more aware of it now because of social media outlets and activists who are going out of their way to capture it.If you honestly believe that racism doesn't exist and it isn't as bad as people are saying it it, I please ask you to sit down and have a very long and hard talk with yourself. Racism is learned and we really need to do better to educate people of all all about tolerance, history, and acceptance. I'm angry at my self for not speaking up more in the past and know that I need to do better because this can't keep on happening over and over again.
Loved this post. Just wanted to comment on the fact that he said there is no reverse racism. Which is correct, because racism is treating someone differently because of their race, which can be ANY race. Including white.
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No, dude. That's not how it works, at least in the U.S. You may have experienced prejudice as a white person, but you did not experience racism. Please educate yourself. http://www.aclrc.com/myth-of-reverse-racism
Geth, You cite 2-3 obscure paragraphs and determine it's gospel. I read the material at your link and it's a bunch of crap and OPINION not FACT. Take your head out of your butt and start thinking on your own instead of being a cut and paste moron.
Judging people based on the colour of their skin is racism.. End of...
Geth, unless by being a minority makes you unable to be responsible for your own actions, POC can and do have the ability to be racist. By saying that only white people can be racist, you are saying that POC are essentially less than their white counterparts.
For those who continue to be in denial because it doesn't affect them,I hope karma catches up to you.
This really illustrates how horrible racism is and how it pervades every aspect of a person's life. I'm not black, but I am a woman and I would never walk alone after dark on most streets in a city. I am afraid.
As a "white" woman in Australia I can relate to being afraid. I can only just begin to imagine how scared a "black" woman must feel here. And her fear is totally appropriate. If you think Australia is not racist then you are a white person who does NOT listen to the truth.
It's@ Patti Moore kind that make black people unsafe,I hope you experience the same thing.
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Right back atcha Beeyotch.
You wouldn't survive a minute in my neck of the woods. How sad that you haven't experienced anything outside of your own sheltered life.
Until any of us can say - if it comes to you or me, I'll protect you, your life matters to me as much as mine does - we're guilty. We are all one - Science - you can't make or destroy energy and matter is compressed energy - we are all the same energy. Bible - In the beginning was The Word and The Word was God. All there is is God - you, me, plants, the universe - we're all one.
I lived and went to college in East Oakland, CA. (Laney Jr. College), as a white minority during the period of Black Panther, La Raza, and the Berkeley riots. I was raised to see a person not a color. I got along quite well with my classmates and participated in the protests. But it was NOT safe to walk through some of the black neighborhoods near where I lived even during the day. Looking back at it, I suspect that it was one of the things that kept it equal, that there were racists of every color who saw anyone different as being a target. It was understood and if I had to walk home in the dark after class black friends escorted me, and if they needed an escort, I was happy to return the favor. One of the differences between then and now was that regardless of their color the people I went to school with then considered anyone that referred to another “color” disparagingly was viewed as a racist
"Reverse racism" doesn't exist. It's a ridiculous term. There is only "racism" and anyone can do it, unfortunately.
This is really sad. I live in a very nice area of the UK. There aren't many black people here, but we are very accepting of people from all walks of life. When I was at school, out of around 500 students there were only a couple of black kids. The most popular girl in my year was black
I don't know where you live, but if you were in my neighborhood, I would walk with you. :)'
I am truly sorry this is happening. But as a white person, I would never live in a black neighbourhood. Just makes life easier. There are so many fearful people out there.
What A Shame!!!!1
All people have the ability to be racist. If you think differently, you're ignorant.
Most people have the ability to see that someone looks different than themselves. But people also have the ability to take time to educate themselves and understand empathy.
Someone needs to shake this imbecile loose of his fantasy. You can't refuse to leave a warzone and then cry about bullets whizzing around you. If you want to be treated as a modern sentient regardless of what sleeve your consciousness manifested in, do not live in a third world theocracy. It's just that simple. Middle and south america are chock full of amazing nations with rich diverse cultures, and Canada is about as idyllic a place as this planet has to offer. Stop whining about the heat and get OUT of the burning building, for pete's sake; you are NOT safe there!
I grew up a poor white kid in a black neighborhood (California). I was beat up regularly. I've been throw in a dumpster, spit on, and generally treated like a piece of shit. I was made to feel worthless because of my skin color. If that isn't racism, I don't know what is. In this current climate, I'M a racist because of my skin color. I'm being judged because of something that has nothing to do with me. I didn't own slaves. My ancestor were native American and European mut. But that doesn't matter in a world where where all white people are evil. Now it's time for YOU to tell ME why I'm garbage, and I don't deserve happiness.
So what happened wh3n you walked alone. Sounds like pure paranoia. Now you know How women feel I travel alone but I could never go to the woods to trail alone, or camp alone or walk home alone at night without fear. You black man afraid people will look at you? Women are looked at to the point men slow down roll down there windows to gawk, think that doesn’t FEEL creepy.? Get over yourself, crysacking, buttercup. You’d never survive being a beautiful woman
Love Trumps Hate! Trump Hates Love!!
I- w- what... What does Trump even have to do with this? Not everything has to be about how stupid and terrible Trump is.
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Coming to a rap label near you, "Straight Outta Tha Suburbs" lol
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I wonder if CNN spooked him?? LOL Thanks CNN. The 24/7 Racial Grievance Porn is addictive to many.
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Wow, this guy has really taken the Left's 24/7 victimology to heart. In the very small likelihood that he's killed in his neighborhood, the odds are very good it'd be at the hands of another black. Best to stay inside I guess? Whatever works for you.
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He is a straight up racist. Period.
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This man is racist and paranoid. He also might genuinely need to be treated for mental illness, as his paranoia is clearly interfering with his ability to function in daily life.
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Dude, you gotta let that all go, this is extreme paranoia and probably something you should talk to your family doctor about. He may be able to prescribe you something to reduce your anxiety.
it figures you would say something like that. please don't ever, ever speak on something that you have absolutely no clue about. maybe you should get on some medicine because your outright denial makes YOU sound insane. just because its so out of your realm doesn't mean that it doesn't happen to people.
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Where does racism comes in when a person who was caught red handed doing crime dies at the hands of police RACISM IS ONE THING, CRIME IS ANOTHER
are you referring to when the lady was in her bed and the cops came into her house and killed her because they thought she was another black person she was looking for; didn't even wake her to ask who she was, they just thought they were in the right neighborhood. or are you talking about the lady who was eating playing video games with her nephew who was shot in her own house or about the man shot sitting in his car with his girlfriend and child in the back seat or the cop who wanted the kid to reach for his ID in the glove compartment so he can say he was reaching for a gun and said as much until he found out he was being recorded, and there's a whole lot more. because they were all black and had committed not crime whatsoever. and i leave you with sandra bland, who was pulled over and abused by a cop, taken to jail, and was dead three days later. her crime: being black..
Is that why they killed that white kid who shot up a black church? OH WAIT, they took him to Burger King and paid for his meal!
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Another Jewish Black Freemason pushing the agenda! We're being HAD people! Wake up!
You definitely need waking up.
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What makes him feel like that? There is no mention in the story of why he feels threatened to walk around without his kids and dog. I personally don't know anyone that is racist so I'm not sure who I would speak up to. Was the murder of George Floyd a racist murder or just a murder? By all accounts the Police Officer involved wasnt
He feels that way because he's a man who's personally experienced racism, that's why. If people can't understand that, at least try to empathize with someone else's life experience.
@ Anotherforumuser: I know this because I've heard similar stories from men of color that I know IRL. I am white, but I live in a very diverse area of Philadelphia. I've heard things like this most of my life.
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Do you know him then? Where does it say that? It doesn't, it just says he believes he would be but nowhere has anyone threatened him, at least not in the narrative.
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a very nice guy anyway? I've seen the video and its horrific but would he have done that anyway, regardless of skin colour?
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Bull shit. I call straight up bull shit. On average like 10 unarmed black men a killed by cops a year. This includes guys Punching cops in the face and going for there gun. Yet something like 7,000 black men are murdered each year by other black men. STFU. YOU LIE.
This man is sharing his experience. Your comments are irrelevant and BS.
@ Patti How cynical does your reaction appears to be. The point is that he seems to feel the same fear as you do. Whether the danger perceived by either of you two is a real danger or not is not even that important. The thing is that both of you would prefer a fearless and happy life. Besides, it seems to be even more cynical that you seem not willing to take his problem seriously, because it would allegedly be "his own race" that was to blame for it. Even if that would be true (which I do not believe at all), even then, he is not to blame for any actions of other people having the same colour. And, if you still believe he is to blame for the actions of "his own race", then remember that it was "your own race" who brought them to USA, and then you should blame yourself for feeling a victim as well.
@Patti Moore: Wow, alrighty then. Well, I'm cautious of ALL strangers, regardless of race, gender, etc. because I have common sense that isn't based on racist BS.
Patti ... you suck. I understand that a woman can fear men she doesn't know ... I get all that, but that is missing the point - and that point is that the same prejudice that makes you feel uncomfortable makes the cops shoot people, for minor violations of law or for nothing at all, because their skin is darker than what they're used to. And it doesn't even end there, often enough those guilty of murder by any reasonable standards get away with it, often not even losing their job, when they shouldn't even leave jail again alive - murder may very well bring anyone behind bars forever. Also, collective guilt and things like that aren't real, it is always the individual as such that counts and is to take responsibility for their actions ... which, of course, applies to cops as well, to black, white, all colours, all sizes, males, females, old, young, dumb, smart, ... ever stepped back a bit and looked at your own thoughts like from outside? Please do that.
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Your comment is very insensitive and made up. I'd like to see your sources proving that "only" 10 black men are killed per year including those that are violent... I feel sorry for you that you have the need to comment something as harmful as this especially in the light of what is going on and what has been going on for years now
I used google and it definitely doesn't support Tyler's claim. If you're gonna make up facts, make sure people can't prove you wrong!
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Hey dumb fuck....use Google
Lol & a downvote. What does he lie about?
That is truly so very sad!!! I am a white woman, and it just shows, where you are, also makes a difference. My "white privileged " life in South Africa, although I know I ám privileged, is certainly not enough to keep me safe in the streets! We're from opposite poles, but here in South Africa, I know all about reverse discrimination - I NEVER accepted apartheid, and have always treated people equal, but whites in South Africa truly feel your pain. I hope I haven't offended anyone, but that is MY reality. Love you all folks, and I pray, one day, we will all just be people, not black/white/green, but just people. I've always said, it's behavior, NOT COLOR, that matters.
Racism and aesthetics based privilege differs by regions. Racism in the USA is different than the racism in S. Africa. Europe has yet another way of racism, and east Asia another one and so on. And either way is sad and shouldn't be happening. We should see people as just people, not as an exotic animal, just because they look different. Stay strong, sister
I was born in SA and lived there until 19yrs of age (1978-1997). Because I am mixed race (or to use the lovely South African term, urgh, 'coloured'), before the end of Apartheid I was deemed "too black" then after it was abolished, I couldn't find work due to being "too white"...you bet I long very much for the day we have a truly colourblind world...
I fully agree and was about to make a similar comment. It is absolutely terrible that human beings are prejudiced towards or bias because of a person's skin colour, what truly matters is a person's personality, intent and how they treat the people around them. But being white and living in South Africa, our reality is that we experience what Shola Richard is describing here, I cannot feel safe enough to go for a walk/jog without my 50kg dog or my husband. This is a very sad reality as I am a very empathetic person and always belief that people are innately good, but I also don't want to risk my life.
I would take a walk with this man, and his fluffy dog any time. This is absolutely heartbreaking. That a full grown man, cant feel safe in his own street, because of his race and the reaction it gives to others. Those others should be given a good ass whooping for being such absolute idiots.
I am mostly white. In fact, at first glance, I AM WHITE. Guess what? My eyes are very dark. I was stopped ON THE STREET, in a small town i nOhio, and asked what I was doing "outside Jewtown". Yes, that really happened. B/c of my eyes being dark. Just my eyes. Lived in that racist hellhole for two long eternities (years?). I got that repeatedly. "Are you part n--word? Are you Jewish?" for TWO YEARS b/c I had dark eyes. Ridiculous and yet true. (BTW, no, I'm not white *enough* for Klukkers, Hitler, and similar, and frankly, I'm proud of that. I'd hate to belong to any club of theirs.)
When we lived in Texas, people kept asking "where are you FROM". I would answer, "Canada", and they would say, "No, really, were are you FROM." They were demanding (in a really obnoxious and rude way) to know where my family came from before North America. Since the family has been in Canada for 150 years, I can say Canadian. ...///... Finally, I told one woman that my family (150 year ago) came from Eastern Europe. She said, "Oh, you're not white, then, " as if it mattered. ...///... Let the record show that I am a green-eyed pale blonde, and my skin is so white I'm practically transparent.
BTW, she never spoke to me again, and neither did any of her friends. It was kind of nice. It saved me from telling those nasty redneck bigots to take a hike.
Aunt Messy, I feel that. "Where are you FROM?"... America. No, really. Where? WTH? My dad's got ancestors were here boefre the Europeans invaded, thanks, and my mom's family escaped serious oppression and this is what we get: "Nope, not really white." My fam, btw, came from Eastern Europe in the last 75 years. Still not enough. And then I see some tiki-torch-bearing idiot with Slavic ancestry and just want to cry in despair.
I grew up being told I was English, Irish, and Scottish. Then my dad got super into family lineage and when he traced it back we found that 5 generations back, 20% of our ancestors were already living in Canada. But nobody here ever talks about being part Canadian, no, you have to go back until you find someone who came from elsewhere and that's where you're "from". It's pretty crazy. Somehow that attitude translates to many into thinking of second- or third-generation Canadian POC as "other" and that has GOT to stop.
I am so sorry that you had to deal with that, Aunt Messy. Let me assure you that not all of us Texans behave that way. I wouldn't have given a flying flip where you are from originally.
Too all you folks and you little snide comments like "grow a pair" or "he' s paranoid".......i don't know if you are saying this for laughs or if you are just plain ignorant but just because you have not experienced it, doesn't mean that it isn't happening. reverse the roles. put yourself in an all black neighborhood, no really think on it for one second. or are you too privileged to even think that this could even happen to you? just know that there are things that are happening outside your little box that are affecting other people. here in Trumps america, i am made aware i am black every single day, be it getting a little extra attention at store or rather being called the "n" word at work as an essential worker, yes, even an essential worker gets no respect! and for those of you who are apologetic and sensitive to our pain, it helps and is appreciated. yes its very hard and gets harder every day.
Aiyshag, I hope things get easier for you and your family. Maybe this time there will be a fundamental shift in the right direction. I hope so.
4 years with walks twice a day (with kids too) and your neighborhood still doesn't know you enough that you feel comfortable? That's a pretty unfriendly neighborhood.
This story makes me want to be somewhere far from the human race.
I personally have seen my neighbors question a black man walking in our neighborhood. They were retired cops and noticed this black guy walking down our street. They went out and questioned him. Turns out he was house sitting for a friend and he was just going for a walk. It's sad these things are still happening.
This post is very insightful. Even though I am white, my husband and children are not. I suffer some of the same fears for my family as any black person might. I raised my kids in diverse neighborhoods but recently had to move back to my home town where it is all white. I worry about my daughter in school not being treated fairly. So far things have been ok but each day is a new day where my family have to interact in this world.
TBH, I'm still shocked every time I read about this. It seems in europe, this issue is far less dangerous to black people than in the US ... I can't say I know how this man feels (I have never taken off my light skin colour). It is a problem around here, too, but far from being that ... deadly. I wish I'd have a solution for this. Science can tell us the difference between differently coloured humans are inferior ... judging is to be done on the individual level, or often not useful at all ... but not everyone will know, many might doubt, and those who doubt may eventually gain access to power - already did....... I hope the current protesting, in the US and elsewhere, will contribute to making this better, to overcome racism ... hopefully during your and my lifetime.
Thank you for sharing this post. It is outrageous that in this very day and age that a black man has to fear for his life just going outside for a walk with his daughters and dog. Racism is a virus that exists all around the world and has been around for ages- we are just more aware of it now because of social media outlets and activists who are going out of their way to capture it.If you honestly believe that racism doesn't exist and it isn't as bad as people are saying it it, I please ask you to sit down and have a very long and hard talk with yourself. Racism is learned and we really need to do better to educate people of all all about tolerance, history, and acceptance. I'm angry at my self for not speaking up more in the past and know that I need to do better because this can't keep on happening over and over again.
Loved this post. Just wanted to comment on the fact that he said there is no reverse racism. Which is correct, because racism is treating someone differently because of their race, which can be ANY race. Including white.
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No, dude. That's not how it works, at least in the U.S. You may have experienced prejudice as a white person, but you did not experience racism. Please educate yourself. http://www.aclrc.com/myth-of-reverse-racism
Geth, You cite 2-3 obscure paragraphs and determine it's gospel. I read the material at your link and it's a bunch of crap and OPINION not FACT. Take your head out of your butt and start thinking on your own instead of being a cut and paste moron.
Judging people based on the colour of their skin is racism.. End of...
Geth, unless by being a minority makes you unable to be responsible for your own actions, POC can and do have the ability to be racist. By saying that only white people can be racist, you are saying that POC are essentially less than their white counterparts.
For those who continue to be in denial because it doesn't affect them,I hope karma catches up to you.
This really illustrates how horrible racism is and how it pervades every aspect of a person's life. I'm not black, but I am a woman and I would never walk alone after dark on most streets in a city. I am afraid.
As a "white" woman in Australia I can relate to being afraid. I can only just begin to imagine how scared a "black" woman must feel here. And her fear is totally appropriate. If you think Australia is not racist then you are a white person who does NOT listen to the truth.
It's@ Patti Moore kind that make black people unsafe,I hope you experience the same thing.
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Right back atcha Beeyotch.
You wouldn't survive a minute in my neck of the woods. How sad that you haven't experienced anything outside of your own sheltered life.
Until any of us can say - if it comes to you or me, I'll protect you, your life matters to me as much as mine does - we're guilty. We are all one - Science - you can't make or destroy energy and matter is compressed energy - we are all the same energy. Bible - In the beginning was The Word and The Word was God. All there is is God - you, me, plants, the universe - we're all one.
I lived and went to college in East Oakland, CA. (Laney Jr. College), as a white minority during the period of Black Panther, La Raza, and the Berkeley riots. I was raised to see a person not a color. I got along quite well with my classmates and participated in the protests. But it was NOT safe to walk through some of the black neighborhoods near where I lived even during the day. Looking back at it, I suspect that it was one of the things that kept it equal, that there were racists of every color who saw anyone different as being a target. It was understood and if I had to walk home in the dark after class black friends escorted me, and if they needed an escort, I was happy to return the favor. One of the differences between then and now was that regardless of their color the people I went to school with then considered anyone that referred to another “color” disparagingly was viewed as a racist
"Reverse racism" doesn't exist. It's a ridiculous term. There is only "racism" and anyone can do it, unfortunately.
This is really sad. I live in a very nice area of the UK. There aren't many black people here, but we are very accepting of people from all walks of life. When I was at school, out of around 500 students there were only a couple of black kids. The most popular girl in my year was black
I don't know where you live, but if you were in my neighborhood, I would walk with you. :)'
I am truly sorry this is happening. But as a white person, I would never live in a black neighbourhood. Just makes life easier. There are so many fearful people out there.
What A Shame!!!!1
All people have the ability to be racist. If you think differently, you're ignorant.
Most people have the ability to see that someone looks different than themselves. But people also have the ability to take time to educate themselves and understand empathy.
Someone needs to shake this imbecile loose of his fantasy. You can't refuse to leave a warzone and then cry about bullets whizzing around you. If you want to be treated as a modern sentient regardless of what sleeve your consciousness manifested in, do not live in a third world theocracy. It's just that simple. Middle and south america are chock full of amazing nations with rich diverse cultures, and Canada is about as idyllic a place as this planet has to offer. Stop whining about the heat and get OUT of the burning building, for pete's sake; you are NOT safe there!
I grew up a poor white kid in a black neighborhood (California). I was beat up regularly. I've been throw in a dumpster, spit on, and generally treated like a piece of shit. I was made to feel worthless because of my skin color. If that isn't racism, I don't know what is. In this current climate, I'M a racist because of my skin color. I'm being judged because of something that has nothing to do with me. I didn't own slaves. My ancestor were native American and European mut. But that doesn't matter in a world where where all white people are evil. Now it's time for YOU to tell ME why I'm garbage, and I don't deserve happiness.
So what happened wh3n you walked alone. Sounds like pure paranoia. Now you know How women feel I travel alone but I could never go to the woods to trail alone, or camp alone or walk home alone at night without fear. You black man afraid people will look at you? Women are looked at to the point men slow down roll down there windows to gawk, think that doesn’t FEEL creepy.? Get over yourself, crysacking, buttercup. You’d never survive being a beautiful woman
Love Trumps Hate! Trump Hates Love!!
I- w- what... What does Trump even have to do with this? Not everything has to be about how stupid and terrible Trump is.
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Coming to a rap label near you, "Straight Outta Tha Suburbs" lol
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I wonder if CNN spooked him?? LOL Thanks CNN. The 24/7 Racial Grievance Porn is addictive to many.
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Wow, this guy has really taken the Left's 24/7 victimology to heart. In the very small likelihood that he's killed in his neighborhood, the odds are very good it'd be at the hands of another black. Best to stay inside I guess? Whatever works for you.
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He is a straight up racist. Period.
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This man is racist and paranoid. He also might genuinely need to be treated for mental illness, as his paranoia is clearly interfering with his ability to function in daily life.
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Dude, you gotta let that all go, this is extreme paranoia and probably something you should talk to your family doctor about. He may be able to prescribe you something to reduce your anxiety.
it figures you would say something like that. please don't ever, ever speak on something that you have absolutely no clue about. maybe you should get on some medicine because your outright denial makes YOU sound insane. just because its so out of your realm doesn't mean that it doesn't happen to people.
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Where does racism comes in when a person who was caught red handed doing crime dies at the hands of police RACISM IS ONE THING, CRIME IS ANOTHER
are you referring to when the lady was in her bed and the cops came into her house and killed her because they thought she was another black person she was looking for; didn't even wake her to ask who she was, they just thought they were in the right neighborhood. or are you talking about the lady who was eating playing video games with her nephew who was shot in her own house or about the man shot sitting in his car with his girlfriend and child in the back seat or the cop who wanted the kid to reach for his ID in the glove compartment so he can say he was reaching for a gun and said as much until he found out he was being recorded, and there's a whole lot more. because they were all black and had committed not crime whatsoever. and i leave you with sandra bland, who was pulled over and abused by a cop, taken to jail, and was dead three days later. her crime: being black..
Is that why they killed that white kid who shot up a black church? OH WAIT, they took him to Burger King and paid for his meal!
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Another Jewish Black Freemason pushing the agenda! We're being HAD people! Wake up!
You definitely need waking up.
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What makes him feel like that? There is no mention in the story of why he feels threatened to walk around without his kids and dog. I personally don't know anyone that is racist so I'm not sure who I would speak up to. Was the murder of George Floyd a racist murder or just a murder? By all accounts the Police Officer involved wasnt
He feels that way because he's a man who's personally experienced racism, that's why. If people can't understand that, at least try to empathize with someone else's life experience.
@ Anotherforumuser: I know this because I've heard similar stories from men of color that I know IRL. I am white, but I live in a very diverse area of Philadelphia. I've heard things like this most of my life.
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Do you know him then? Where does it say that? It doesn't, it just says he believes he would be but nowhere has anyone threatened him, at least not in the narrative.
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a very nice guy anyway? I've seen the video and its horrific but would he have done that anyway, regardless of skin colour?
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Bull shit. I call straight up bull shit. On average like 10 unarmed black men a killed by cops a year. This includes guys Punching cops in the face and going for there gun. Yet something like 7,000 black men are murdered each year by other black men. STFU. YOU LIE.
This man is sharing his experience. Your comments are irrelevant and BS.
@ Patti How cynical does your reaction appears to be. The point is that he seems to feel the same fear as you do. Whether the danger perceived by either of you two is a real danger or not is not even that important. The thing is that both of you would prefer a fearless and happy life. Besides, it seems to be even more cynical that you seem not willing to take his problem seriously, because it would allegedly be "his own race" that was to blame for it. Even if that would be true (which I do not believe at all), even then, he is not to blame for any actions of other people having the same colour. And, if you still believe he is to blame for the actions of "his own race", then remember that it was "your own race" who brought them to USA, and then you should blame yourself for feeling a victim as well.
@Patti Moore: Wow, alrighty then. Well, I'm cautious of ALL strangers, regardless of race, gender, etc. because I have common sense that isn't based on racist BS.
Patti ... you suck. I understand that a woman can fear men she doesn't know ... I get all that, but that is missing the point - and that point is that the same prejudice that makes you feel uncomfortable makes the cops shoot people, for minor violations of law or for nothing at all, because their skin is darker than what they're used to. And it doesn't even end there, often enough those guilty of murder by any reasonable standards get away with it, often not even losing their job, when they shouldn't even leave jail again alive - murder may very well bring anyone behind bars forever. Also, collective guilt and things like that aren't real, it is always the individual as such that counts and is to take responsibility for their actions ... which, of course, applies to cops as well, to black, white, all colours, all sizes, males, females, old, young, dumb, smart, ... ever stepped back a bit and looked at your own thoughts like from outside? Please do that.
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Your comment is very insensitive and made up. I'd like to see your sources proving that "only" 10 black men are killed per year including those that are violent... I feel sorry for you that you have the need to comment something as harmful as this especially in the light of what is going on and what has been going on for years now
I used google and it definitely doesn't support Tyler's claim. If you're gonna make up facts, make sure people can't prove you wrong!
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Hey dumb fuck....use Google
Lol & a downvote. What does he lie about?