RE: The Civil Rights Movement 2.0 Has Unmasked Klan Generations
The one thing I used to always hate about school, were my racist teachers --- because I was always outspoken about things, even while I was in high school. I didn't really notice it much in Elementary, but I was always disciplined alot more than other kids were - and was one of maybe 5 black kids in my class in the school I attended. The high school I went to was also predominantly white; but had a decent mixture of Asian, Hispanic, and a few others - to where we all kinda balanced things out.
But, there were still several teachers who were known for giving out detention more than other teachers were; lots of 'mean' teachers who I always felt were more lenient on the white students than the non-white ones; it's why I'm thankful for this climate; because for so long I couldn't really 'prove' that. The Narrative that racism is over, and no one thinks that way anymore, was too strong while I was coming up.
Now, we know for sure that differential treatment takes place; especially in our schools. I have not seen 'all' of the videos or news stories; been hecka busy :) ::: But am aware of a few incidents where athletes have been punished for taking knees; which is actually a violation of their Civil Rights;
My son went to a middle school that was more than 90% black, and he still noticed that black children were disciplined more consistently and more seriously. He's 19 now and a very powerful ally. It was during this time that Trayvon was murdered, and that combined with his own experience was such a powerful wake up call. I don't want to center myself, but I'll say that I did feel so frustrated with myself that I did not realize how bad it really was. It was always happening. It just wasn't being video taped. Not that the videos made a difference in justice, but it sure raised my awareness. I, too, am grateful for the climate for this awareness. People are waking, but it's still unacceptably slow. White people need to get over the discomfort and over the denial and justification.