@Jssaab1
I agree completely, issues that no one in my family will ever have to face. I was shocked last week when during a conversation with an AA woman, who is my neighbor, mentioned that most AA parents have “the talk” with their sons very early in life. I innocently thought she was referring to the birds and the bees. No, “the talk” is how to not get hurt or killed by police officers. How to behave “when” they are stopped for doing absolutely nothing. They will be stopped, the only question is when.
Never innocently reach in ones pockets, they will assume that you are reaching for a weapon
Never question why you were stopped, no matter how you are being treated.
Always ask if you can make a move, even is it’s to scratch your ear, if not, they will assume you are reaching for a weapon.
Never show any emotion, even though you have done nothing wrong.
No matter how profane their language, always be polite and courteous, refrain from talking back.
She tells them that in that instance, they have no rights. Or their only right, is the right to life. To make it home unscathed.
She says that the list of rules goes on. And these rules need constant reinforcement in order to keep their sons safe & alive. This woman who I have known for years says that these conversations are had in most AA homes. No matter the religion, socioeconomic status, education level or location.
This woman is a judge and her husband, a radiologist. Their sons? Wonderful, law abiding young men who put my own daughters to shame academically and EC wise. They each have started businesses and community service outreach organizations. They have never allowed their parents money to be an excuse for laziness and complacency. They each have been harassed by local police over the years. What is there crime? Being black and being male. This combination has made their lives quite frustrating, to say the least. What’s sad is that the white males in our area have never had issues. Even though many have had problems with underage drinking and drug use.
It’s late and I’m paraphrasing here. But URMs do have a bigger burden to bear because of the color of their skin. Not all AAs are bad. Just as not all whites are good.
I think it’s despicable that a citizen, based on the color of his skin has to behave in such a subordinate manner when stopped for sport, to fulfill the sick need of racist cops.