We live in a country we all would like to believe is conscious and concerned about every citizen’s wellbeing. But in reality, we know that is only wishful thinking, contingent on what spectrum of society you represent. Contrary to what some choose to believe, there exists a special group of citizens that appear to have privileges and entitlements above those of different ethnicities or nationalities, based totally on skin color. Throwing away the rose tinted glasses, many African Americans can no longer defend the evident untruths generated by a media basically controlled by Whites and biased to White concerns and point of views.
Some Whites are willing to admit to systemic discriminatory treatment of Blacks by racist Whites who clandestinely advocate White supremacy. These vocal Whites are often demonized by their own families and relatives. These consciously benevolent Whites are aware of the inherent entitlements caused by just being born White in this country. It is these Whites advocating for true justice and equality for all people, especially people of color, that at times seem more passionate in eradicating societal ills than the victims themselves. These White brothers and sisters give many people of color a belief in the beauty of humanity and ‘agape’ love—and that there is hope for this world.
But for those who may question the feelings of inequality, injustice and bias felt by many people of color, just look at some of the recent happenings taking place here in the United States.
The senseless killings of three Black teenagers, Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, and Michael Brown only bring light to the seriousness of a nation with a profound racial divide. It is unfortunate that some people feel that whatever happens to people of color is deserved. What is even more discerning and an affront to Black people is the acclamation that Thomas Eric Duncan, the Ebola victim from Liberia was given the same precautionary treatment as the two White citizens brought to the United States.
Regardless of the spin by the hospital and the media, we know that you don’t send anyone home with a 103 degree temperature knowing they may have come into contact with the highly contagious Ebola virus. Duncan wasn’t given the same medical attention or concern given to his White counterparts, even when considered for experimental drugs that were given at the last moment, hoping to help combat his death.
Some privileged people will never understand what it feels like to be on the other side of a reality that literally trivializes your worth and sets you up for your demise. Everyone is entitled to be treated with respect and decency regardless of race. But we all know that is often not the case.
Advocating for justice for all should be a priority shared by all people. Maybe like myself—many of us are dreamers. But I truly hope and dream for a world one day where all people are treated with equality, justice and respect.
