Twice a day, I take my dog Buddy for a stroll around our neighborhood, often with one or both of my daughters. While this may seem like a simple family routine, I need to confess something: the thought of walking alone without my daughters and my dog terrifies me. In fact, during my four years in this neighborhood, I’ve never ventured out on my own, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.
Some of you might think I’m exaggerating or that I’m simply “playing the race card,” a term I still don’t fully grasp. But this is my reality. When I walk hand-in-hand with my young daughters, accompanied by our lovable dog, I appear to be just a caring dad enjoying a brief escape from the stresses of parenting. However, when I’m alone, I quickly transform in the eyes of some residents into a threat—a 6’2″ athletic black man in a mask, seemingly out of place in a neighborhood where I should feel at home.
This situation is both exhausting and disheartening. The fear of being misjudged and targeted simply for taking a walk is a heavy burden to carry. Unfortunately, we live in a society where many still deny the existence of racism and view concepts like white privilege as mere political correctness. Even with the tragic events involving George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others, some individuals remain oblivious to the reality of systemic injustice.
Allow me to clarify a few important points:
- White privilege does not mean life is easy; it means that one’s skin color does not complicate their struggles. For example, if you’ve never worried about law enforcement being called on you for simply birdwatching, that’s a privilege many people of color, myself included, can’t claim.
- Responding to “Black Lives Matter” with “All Lives Matter” misses the point. All lives can’t matter until black lives matter.
- Racism is a pervasive issue, not limited to extreme groups. Instances like Amy Cooper’s actions highlight that it’s present in all corners of society.
- Reverse-racism is a myth; please refrain from using that term.
- White allies are essential for combating racism. If you’re white and have taken the time to read this, your voice is crucial in these discussions. Speak out, even if it’s uncomfortable.
- Remaining silent in the face of injustice is troubling. If these events don’t spur you to action, one must wonder what will. It raises the question of how genuine your friendship is if you are unwilling to stand against injustices that could endanger my life.
As for me, I will continue to walk these streets, my eight-year-old daughter’s hand in mine, hoping she can keep me safe from harm. It may sound strange, but that’s the reality we navigate today.
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In summary, my experiences reveal a stark truth about the realities of race, privilege, and community interactions. Walking with my daughters provides me a sense of safety that I cannot find when I am alone.