Feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion often wash over me as I reflect on the tragic loss of Black lives at the hands of law enforcement.
As a Hispanic woman in my thirties who doesn’t speak Spanish, I grew up in a household where drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence were recurring themes. My childhood neighborhood, while not classified as a project, faced issues like violence, gang activity, and teen pregnancy. I attended a high school that received a D rating, primarily surrounded by Black and Hispanic classmates, many of whom, like me, came from low-income backgrounds and relied on free meals.
Having experienced life with food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid, I have witnessed the struggles faced by many in disadvantaged communities. Fast forward to today, I hold a master’s degree, am married to a white man, and have two beautiful white daughters. We reside in a comfortable suburban home, complete with two family cars and a decent income. Life seems good.
Yet, I vividly remember a moment from a decade ago at a local mall’s Louis Vuitton store. A well-dressed Black security officer monitored me closely, likely questioning my ability to afford anything in the store. While I don’t blame him for his vigilance, I found it ironic that he, a Black man, was keeping a watchful eye on me. This moment serves as a reminder that the stereotypes and biases we encounter daily influence our perceptions in profound ways.
The first time I heard the term “white privilege”, I was taken aback. I thought, “Nothing has been given to me or my family; I’ve worked hard for everything I have.” How naive I was! I mistakenly believed it was merely an excuse for those who felt oppressed.
My understanding began to shift about nine months ago during a conversation with a Black friend I deeply respect. I approached the topic with genuine curiosity, asking questions and listening intently. This experience taught me the power of listening over speaking.
What I discovered was that white privilege refers to the peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about being harmed because of the color of one’s skin. It’s not about individual circumstances; it’s about a systemic issue that has been largely ignored by society.
A pivotal moment came to me while watching Straight Outta Compton. In a particular scene, N.W.A. members are unjustly confronted by police officers simply because of their race. The stark realization hit me: I have never had to fear such an encounter.
When I get pulled over for a traffic violation, my thoughts don’t spiral into fear of police violence. When I shop, I’m not shadowed by store security. People don’t lock their car doors when I walk by. These are the daily realities that Black individuals face. While the most recent incidents remain under investigation, I can’t help but believe that if the victims had been white, their lives might have been spared.
My previous belief that “all lives matter” has evolved. The phrase “Black lives matter” holds a specific significance because white individuals have not had to advocate for their right to exist without fear, discrimination, or violence based on their race. This is not an anti-police sentiment; it’s a call to recognize the value of all human life, especially for those who have historically been marginalized.
The pain and anger in the Black community are valid and deserve our attention. It’s imperative that we listen, seek understanding, and refrain from speculation or justification. We must feel their hurt and share in their outrage to catalyze change.
Change begins with each of us.
#BlackLivesMatter
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Summary:
This article reflects on the author’s journey towards understanding white privilege and its implications for the Black Lives Matter movement. It emphasizes the need for empathy, listening, and recognizing the systemic issues that affect marginalized communities.