What is like growing up in America as an African America?

in #racism7 years ago

A lot of the time people only see what the media allows them to see about the institutionalized racism in America. I personally like to call that the tourist view. The view you see when you are looking from the outside--- in. I am going to give you the run down of what it is really like from what I like to call a local view. A view you can only get from living it.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......knowing that you live in a country that oppressed your people for years and is ran by whites.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......knowing you have to work 10x as hard as your white peers just to receive the same grade.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......knowing life is going to be harder for you in every way possible.

Growing up in America as an African American is like.....being afraid of police even though they are supposed to protect you.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......questioning the way you put your keys in your pocket because the police might mistaken it for a weapon and kill you.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......sometimes being afraid of your own people because the media is starting to brainwash you too.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......listening to people call your people dramatic because we are fighting for equality.

Growing up in America as an African American is like.....being scared because you never know when you could be targeted for anything.

Growing up in America as an African American is like.....keeping your hair straight all the time because your natural hair makes you feel embarrassed.

Growing up in America as an African American is like......seeing all the worlds problems be blamed on your race.

This list could go on and on...growing up in America as an African American has its perks and down falls. You learn to count your blessings and push through life without making any mistakes. One mistake in America as an African American could cost you your life.

Sincerely,

trendytraveler

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Really liked this point here:
"sometimes being afraid of your own people because the media is starting to brainwash you too."
The media has a way of painting a nasty untrue picture in such a way that it almost convinces you, eventually you may even think it's true. Media has so much influence and power in that way, you know?
Sometimes everyone needs to take a step back and think, and question what they read, see, and hear.
Great article.

Nooo doubt ❤❤❤

So good to check in and feel what you really feel. Rather than what you think might be 'right'.

Sounds like you have a really great friend ❤ and mom

It makes me sad that anyone is made to feel the way you have felt. Media brainwashing is dividing our country. Believe it or not things were starting to get better on that front, but then the media started helping the government with its divide and conquer and we have gone back years in the progress that had been made. Welcome to the platform @trendytraveler. Keep hope that things will improve and change.

Love how supportive you are of new minnows ❤❤❤❤
I need to recharge my vp. Will continue to follow these girls and upvote as I can. Have you heard of the #youthofsteemit. They're hosting a great contest i saw yesterday.

Calling @originalworks :)
img credz: pixabay.com
Nice, you got a 34.0% @estream.studios upgoat, thanks to @tecnosgirl
Want a boost? Minnowbooster's got your back!

Hey @trendytraveler it's difficult to find words. I am choked feeling the realities your post presents. There are many woes in this life and lots that's really fucked up. I want to acknowledge you for the beauty and divinity that is you and of this life ❤

I am grateful you have found the steemit platform!! That you're connected with some good people through @tecnosgirl and @truthtalks. Wishing you lots of goodness here!! It's a pleasure to connect with you on your birthday!!

Happy Birthday 🎂

I have been so busy that I have not been on here since the day before my birthday, but thank you so much for your sweet remarks.

No one should feel like they need to prove themselves and avoid mistakes to an almost zero extent just to be deemed worthy of equality because it is our right. We are not perfect, we are flawed. Racism should stop.

So interesting your point of view. This has inspired me to write about what does it mean to be a woman right now in Mexico, where there are many crimes against our gender and government has done nothing.

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