When I was around 9-10 years old I grew up in a predominately White American neighborhood. The school I went to reflected the same thing. In fact, I was the only Black American in my classroom. I can remember one day a young White American boy in my neighborhood called me the n word. I really had never heard the word before nor been called one. I told my mom and she reassured me that I am more than that word and to just remain confident in the skin I was in. At school, I began to notice that I was the only one like me, so I decided to 'act out' and become the class clown. This was the only way I felt would make me feel comfortable in the situation I was in. I didn't stay in that area for too long, in fact, I think we moved to another town not long after these incidents happened. To get through these issues, I would think back to my mom's words of encouragement and eventually developed a positive attitude about myself. Also I learned to not let people's words label me.
Racism in Europe against blacks is growing. People with dark-skin or that are African American descent are becoming more targeted with violent hate crimes because of their race. To minimize the hate crimes in the area organizations, such as, Black European Women's Council, are working to get the legislation to create anti-discrimination laws. Also more public awareness campaigns and funds for those we have been victims to racism have been effective to help eliminate racism.
Tierra,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you had to endure such insensitivity and thought you had to change who you were to feel comfortable. People can be cruel. Thankfully you had such a supportive mother and found ways to overcome people's negativity. I admit I was surprised that racism in Europe is increasing instead of decreasing. Why do you think that is?
Tierra,
ReplyDeleteIt so sad to hear stories like this, its hard being an outcast. I learned at a young age what it was like to be an outcast as well dealing with cancer and not having hair people would point at me and say mean things. So i would say things or do things to people just to make them feel acquired and stop staring at me. Even today sometimes i think people are always judging me. I have to stop myself and say that I'm not that young girl anymore who looked weird.Thank you so much for your story.