My Thoughts Are My Thoughts

It is polarizing to me how the nation has become so divided. There seems to be an underlying issue of race based on an individual’s race. This case in my mind has never been about color for me. What’s right is right. I don't care if you are purple if you do something wrong you need to be punished for that act. I think people would have had a much different opinion if it had been their child. I am appalled that some people are so insensitive to this case. I think a case like this allows everyone to see how people really feel about themselves as well others from a different race, nationality, or class. People hide their true feelings but only they know what is in their heart. When you look in the mirror do you see a person pretending to be something your not? The ridiculous notion that this case was not about race is just that "ridiculous". The court of law suggests that it should be about the facts and the law but human nature suggest otherwise. If I see two people on a cliff and one is white the other is black who would I save first? There are many factors that would go into my decision but I can guarantee that color would not be one of the things I consider before I saved anyone. Do you think everyone feels the same? Probably not. I have been in a room and my friend says to me “do you realize that you are the only black person here?” I said “I guess I am.” I don't see color is my point. I am not oblivious that the world sees color so I have to be aware of that. Although I view it differently it is not that way for everyone. If someone can not relate or understand where a different race is coming from seek that knowledge. That is the difference between white and black. Blacks are expected to understand and identify or understand where white people are coming from to fit in. Some white people have not attempted to understand blacks nor have they cared to try. When someone speaks differently and verbally uses slang instead of talking down to them try to understand who they are. I get asked all the time, "do black people get sunburn"? Really? It is as if my I don't have real skin or something. It is a little more pigment but it is still skin nonetheless. It's not a secret that inner city schools may not be provided with the adequate tools for children to be placed on a level playing field of success. Why is it that because someone is different they are judged? Because someone does not speak correctly or at least "perceived" as speaking correctly they are not speaking proper? Slang is a synonym for (uneducated) to some people. It's not fair and it never has been and probably never will be. I speak from a person that has been racially profiled and harassed by cops and many other people. I walk a fine line in life because I know if I cross that line I am in trouble. I was taught from a young age don't put yourself in a situation that something can happen to you. Why is it that young black kids have to live in fear and change who they are to be accepted? Some people can turn it on and off. What I mean by that is have a different personality depending on where you are. I am different at work than I am at home or back in Michigan with the fam. I am the same person I just have different parts of me that come out at different times. I have so many people that don’t look like me say: "You’re a different kind of black person you don’t seem black." What the hell does that mean? I listen to rock, country, gospel, rap, hip-hop, was in a rock band and I perform rap music too. If I wear a hoodie they clutch their purse. If I wear a suit they want to date me. You can not have it both ways just accept me for me. Put yourself in shoes where you walk on pins and needles everyday in fear. I am a law abiding citizen but at the end of the day I am still harassed and profiled. And that is the scary part when innocent people have to be afraid we are in trouble as a society. I recall an instance in college and I attended a frat party with white friends. We were stopped at the door and told that everyone could come in except for me. My friends were pissed and I told them go ahead and go in. They stood up for me and we all left together. My friend was invited to rush that frat and he said he wanted no part of that organization. I appreciated that because that took guts and it showed what kind of people they were. They were so mad saying “it’s not right.” They wanted to go back and break windows. I said "why are you mad?" They said "it’s just not right." I said "you just experienced something for a few minutes but I live it everyday. If I fought every battle when I am treated like that I would be fighting almost everyday and would probably lose my mind...."