Every day, I take my dog, Benny, for a stroll through our neighborhood, usually accompanied by one or both of my daughters. While this might seem like a simple routine, the truth is, I wouldn’t dare go for those walks without them. In fact, in the four years I have lived in this house, I’ve never ventured out alone, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.
Some may think I’m being overly dramatic or that I’m playing the “race card” (a phrase I still don’t fully understand), but this is my lived experience. When I walk hand in hand with my young daughters and my friendly dog, I am seen as a devoted father and pet owner trying to escape the challenges of remote schooling. However, without my girls, my presence transforms into a perceived threat in the eyes of some residents. Suddenly, I’m not just a caring dad; I’m a 6’2” athletic Black man in a mask wandering a space that some believe is not meant for me.
It is both draining and disheartening to feel the need for company to walk outside, driven by the fear of being misjudged or targeted.
If you’re taken aback by this, don’t be. We live in a society where many still deny the existence of racism, dismissing White Privilege as a mere political talking point. Despite high-profile cases like those of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, some individuals remain oblivious to the harsh realities faced by many.
Here are some essential points to consider:
- White privilege doesn’t negate personal struggles; it simply means that your skin color isn’t a factor in those challenges. For instance, if you’ve never feared being reported to the police for innocently birdwatching, that’s a privilege many people of color, including myself, do not possess.
- Responding to “Black Lives Matter” with “All Lives Matter” is tone-deaf and misguided. All lives cannot truly matter until Black lives matter.
- Racism is a prevalent issue, and it’s not confined to the extreme fringes of society. The incident involving Amy Cooper in Central Park demonstrated that it exists even in liberal circles.
- The concept of reverse racism is a myth. It’s crucial to avoid using that term.
- White allies are vital in the fight against racism. If you’re white and have read this far, I hope you’re motivated to be one of those allies. Your voice is crucial in supporting people of color, so don’t hesitate to speak out, even if it makes some friends uncomfortable.
- If you choose to remain silent on these issues, I truly don’t know what else to say. If the injustices happening around us don’t inspire you to act, then what will? It also raises the question—why be my friend if you’re not willing to stand against actions that could endanger me?
As for me, I’ll continue to walk the streets with my eight-year-old daughter, hoping she’ll keep her father safe from harm. It may sound backward, but that is the reality of our current world.
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Summary
This article explores the author’s experiences as a Black man walking his dog in an upscale neighborhood, emphasizing the fear and anxiety he feels when alone. He highlights the importance of recognizing white privilege, the need for allies in combating racism, and the societal perceptions that shape his reality.