I don’t know why the world is the way it is.
That’s not true. I kind of do.
It’s because dismantling systems of power and oppression is hard. It takes a lot of work and dedication, and most people are too wrung out from the daily grind to care about anything else.
Lucky for all of us, there are people working hard every day to make sure that someday people of color will no longer be treated like criminals because of their race.
It can’t come soon enough, as these 12 people make so painfully clear.
1. Insensitive comments abound
It’s so deeply ingrained that people don’t even realize they’re being rude sometimes.
Image credit: Whisper
2. Sometimes they do know it’s rude
They just don’t care. As though their comfort is more important than yours.
Image credit: Whisper
3. You are constantly the victim of assumptions
It sounds like an exhausting way to live.
Image credit: Whisper
4. Authority figures don’t give you the benefit of the doubt
Expectations mean they hear what they expect to hear, see what they expect to see.
Image credit: Whisper
5. You’re impacted by arbitrary rules
And you know they were put in place as veiled attempts to legitimize discrimination against you.
Image credit: Whisper
6. People are afraid of you without provocation
And they’re not very good at hiding it.
Image credit: Whisper
7. People take liberties with your body
As though they have the right.
Image credit: Whisper
8. You get accused of kidnapping
Which is even more ridiculous when you look at actual kidnapping statistics around non-custodial family members.
Image credit: Whisper
9. It’s not unusual to experience trauma at a young age
It’s heartbreaking, but it’s not unusual.
Image credit: Whisper
10. Children are the worst, except when they’re not
The worst part is when they grow up into cruel adults.
Image credit: Whisper
11. Sometimes, it’s like you’re invisible
But not the times when you wish that you were.
Image credit: Whisper
12. It’s not a uniquely American experience
That’s… not exactly both good and bad. More like both real and sad.
Image credit: Whisper
It’s so important to see what life is like for someone different from yourself.
I’m glad these people shared their experiences, and that I could share them with you.
Have you had similar experiences? Share your story in the comments.
