I had the opportunity to interview a colored female who shares her first-hand experience with racism. The responses provide a different view of racism to the non-colored audience, especially in the feet of a colored person.
what is your experience with racism?
“When I was young, I did not understand or see racism and believed that everyone was the same. However, after starting middle school, I would often be bullied for having different skin color, hair, and smell than others. Majority of my school was Caucasian, so I did not have many black friends to express my thoughts and hear opinions. Due to that, I passed on the comments as if they were jokes and laughed along. However, after growing up and learning about the history of African Americans, I came to an understanding that my so-called friends were being racist. After middle school, I did not experience direct racism because I believe many students learned that racism is not acceptable and bullying during high school.”
are you afraid when you see the police because of recent uprising in police brutality?
“All police are not bad, but there are some police officers out there who do abuse their powers specifically against black people. I have only interacted with college officers who protect students at all cost, so I am not afraid. However, if I do happen to interact with a police officer outside of school, I would be afraid because I do not know their intentions and what they could do to me since many black people have died through unnecessary violence from police officers.”
Do you ever feel mistreated/offended by surrounding people because of your race?
“I sometimes feel mistreated when people touch my hair for it being “cool” because it is just normal African American hair. I also get offended when non-African Americans wear hair styles such as cornrows because it has been a specific hair style for black people in order to style our natural short hair. However, I understand if it is for actual curiosity (hair) and if they truly appreciate the style of black people. I do not accept it if they touch my hair or change their style to mock or imitate black people.”
Do you believe that racism has risen due to the current president?
“Donald Trump, his family, supporters, and Republicans who work by him have publicly been racist against people of color. Due to this, white supremacists and other racists believe it is okay to talk trash about black people or discriminate. Trump has indirectly expressed that white people are superior to others especially when it comes to immigration. He does not care for the minorities, does not see them as human, and is emotionless against the families and children of immigrants.”
Do you think Childish Gambino’s “This is America” portrays America today?
“Yes, I believe Childish Gambino expressed the current racism situation in America today excellently. He included current and past discrimination to show America what black people have gone through and dealt with for decades. He shows America the reality of the amount of violence black people are encountering due to race. I am glad Childish Gambino released this song because although there are many activists out there, as a famous rapper, he showed the world how America currently is dealing with racism, and it shows people how wrong racism is.”