How Black Americans See Discrimination

Thank you sir, for recognizing that African Americans are not crazy. You observed for yourself the disparity in her treatment prior to discovering she was married to you verses her treatment after they became aware of you.

I'm in my sixties (60's) and I have dealt with racism all of my life. Most of the time I just turn a deaf ear to it, unless it has something to do with my family or my job. I've been called racial slurs and have experienced the demoralizing and disgusting Jim Crow Laws.

Please, do not get me wrong. I have met and been treated well by many people of all races in my life. Most have been Caucasian. I also have many wonder friends who treat me with respect and kindness. The problem arises with systemic racism and the ten (10) percenters who perpetuate hate and stereo types.

The systemic racism that exists is generally in the form of employment or social encounters, i.e. Racial Profiling, etc. Often when an African American brings attention to a discriminatory practice they are accused of "playing the race card" or "race baiting". There are times when this accusation is done before any impartial investigation of discussion is discussion occurs.

There are many Caucasians in this country who rarely come in contact with an African American, if at all. This group only has a view of African Americans, usually determined by Hollywood or the news. However, there are very few African Americans who do not come in contact with Caucasians on a daily basis.

Another example of systemic racism is with "code" words that subtle perceptions about African Americans. This usually comes from the news media or television. If a young African American gets in trouble with the police, they are labeled as "Thugs" and they are usually posting a picture that is not complimentary to the individual. Recently five (5) young Caucasion males were dropping rocks off of a bridge and killed a man. These five young males were identified as five (5) "teenagers". Why aren't they considered "Thugs"? Their conduct would definitely fall in the category of "Thuggish" conduct. These are the kind of actions that perpetuate system racism in this country.

Thank you for allowing me to vent a little. I just get so tired. I'm tired of racism and it's horrible effects of this country that I love. ...I'm just tired.