I Am Raising America's Most Hated...
BEWARE: This is not your normal blog post
It is not easy raising children. But raising one of our country's most hated members of society brings more complication into the equation. Let me clarify for you...raising a black male in America IS scary. The world easily looks at color on a male as a deterrent to any intellectual ability. Most men of color are viewed with the ability to only perform one thing - entertainment. It could be a stand up comedian, singer, runner, actor, football or basketball player.
Black males, unfortunately, only see the world through limited lenses. Other races, ethnicities and gender can view the world with a vast amount of opportunities, but not if you are a black male. You walk into a room or a packed elevator and people grab their handbags. You walk next to their car and they lock their doors. It's the overwhelming amount of negative images that have plagued and are fed into mainstream homes via our tv, social media and newspapers. It is not just limited to black males but also latino men.
People often tell me, "You are so articulate and polished". They think this is a compliment to me. But inside I realize they didn't expect much more that the stereotypical images they see depicted in shows like "Atlanta Housewives". I can offer a statement in any arena and instantly others think I am MAD. Let me clear the record, I'm not MAD just misunderstood.
For the past few days, our world has been captivated by the trial of George Zimmerman. It is not a case to understand who committed the murder. The blood of Trayvon Martin lies on the hands of George Zimmerman. That's not to be disputed. But our world is fascinated to see if the juror of six women will say he acted in self defense. Only time will tell, but this legal case has festered up so many feelings. You can even download an APP on your smartphone for latest, breaking news about this case. Will their ever be an APP for justice?
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| Sybrina Fulton- mother of Trayvon Martin |
I am raising America's most hated.
My boys are black males. It is one of the many reasons I pray with a fierceness that can't be shaken. My sons enjoy skittles and each one owns a black hoodie that they wear frequently. I find myself obsessed with this case because I am that mother in the courtroom.
Sybrina Fulton is the mother of slain teenager, Trayvon Martin. Her stoic face was seen daily sitting in the courtroom listening, at times, cringing and crying at the testimonies and evidence being presented. I am that mother!
She is often shown wearing black or dark colors. She is longing to hold, kiss and hug her precious boy. George Zimmerman took that privilege away from her. Sybrina is the reason why I've watched this case so intently. Raising America's most hated is not an easy task. Watching her black son receive justice in our legal system - an uphill battle!
No matter what the verdict we must ALL move forward in peace - not anger or resentment. If you find a group of people passionate and spirited about this case now you know why. (Posted by Roslyn)
My heart goes out to this mother. She didn't have to lose her son. After this tragedy, I find myself correcting and "straighten out" my 3 year old because I don't want him to develop certain habits and behaviors "normal" for young boys, but may be potentially detrimental for young brown boys.
ReplyDeleteI pray that God will comfort their hearts and heal their hurt and help all of us to also heal.
Thanks Hope for your response. We continue to pray comfort and peace to the family.
DeleteVery eloquently stated. Every mother of a black male's worst nightmare.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response Gina T. We appreciate it.
DeleteWow Roslyn this is great! Very well explained.
ReplyDeleteMs. Angie,
DeleteThanks for reading the post and supporting our blog.
First, if you're raising your boys to use respectful words - instead of racial slurs, cursing, and fists - to begin a conversation with someone they believe might be slighting them, then I think you have good hope that they won't choose the path Trayvon chose. He chose all three of those (not that I'm saying I in any way applaud or endorse the fact that Trayvon lost his life or that any of those actions should cause a loss of life). This was one more in a series of really bad choices in his short life. He brought out vile language. Language that has been used for decades to denigrate white Americans. It was hateful. It would be easier to toss off those choices. It feels better not to speak ill of the dead. But as someone who has had to handle such in my own family, I testify that glossing over a person's character and choices simply because they've died causes nothing positive - especially if those choices in any way led to their demise. We need to look at them, discuss them, and teach our children a better way.
ReplyDeleteSecond, it's ironic that George Zimmerman has ALREADY been a part of the solution to the problem you present: racial injustice for black men. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/24/George-Zimmerman-Black-Homeless-Man-Sanford-Police
Might want to thank him for being a voice for change. Given that his neighborhood had just recently been a victim of yet more crime when he wondered why a guy was aimlessly walking around in the rain, given that he never uttered a racial word or phrase, given that he has a history of mentoring children of all races, given that he called for the repeal of the police chief's pension b/c a black man was mistreated...well, perhaps it's important to think about those things.
Rebeca,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on our blog. We always feel that a good blog post is one that compels the reader to respond.