| |
| Writings Discussion Authors Help Search Home |
Beware of the Black Man! By: Brian Webber on 10/21/2001; 5:49 PM It's night and you're walking along the sidewalk. You see a few people walking in the distance but closest to you is a Black man. He is behind you and closing in fast. Your heart races as you accelerate your pace,arms folded. He is almost upon you when he crosses the street and continues walking in the same direction. You sigh and return to a normal pace. Some people reading this will automatically assess this event from the perspective of the frightened walker. I would like you to consider it though from the point of view of the Black man. Consider that man who is walking just like everyone else on the sidewalk. It's night and you're walking along the sidewalk. You see a few people walking in the distance but there is one person not too far ahead of you. You're walking fast to get to your destination anxious to get inside. As you walk you notice the person ahead of you begins to walk faster. You continue at your pace expecting to soon overtake and pass the other walker. The you notice something. The other walker's pace is hurried and body posture seems defensive. The closer you get the more hurried it is. Fear, you think. That person may be afraid of me for some reason. Not wanting to give anyone cause for fear and to save yourself any possible trouble you cross the street and continue on your way. Have you ever been in either of these positions? It's wise for one to be cautious but do you find yourself being more cautious with Black men than others? I mention this because this has been part of my life experience. It's almost a courtesy for me as a Black man to cross the street when walking too near obviously suspicious others often White women. I cross moreso for my own soul's defense than the consideration of the others. There is almost a hope that in proving that I am not a danger I may assuage such a fear towards another. The Black man in America is still quite feared because he is unknown by many. It is easier to respond to stereotypes or images that reflect a small percetage of Black men for some than it is to sincerely get to know someone. There are dangerous people of every race and gender but it is only through knowledge that we learn whom we should really beware. By the way, I am not a Black man. I was merely trying place myself in the shoes of one. I hope I offended no one. I should've mentioned that earlier, but I had a temporary lapse of judgment.
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Copyright Notice | Privacy Policy | Contact | |
 |
|