Prejudice part 2 - Ignorance

[kntuckyfrydnick]

While standing on the street corner with a fellow tutor, I heard a group of guys talking behind me.  I didn’t even notice them until I heard them talking shit on someone.  That someone was me.  I turned to look at who it was:  4-5 young black guys, all decked out like G’s, probably no older than 18.  The smallest one, maybe 16, gestured towards

Comments

[anonymous]

I really am at a loss for words. I don't know what to say to describe my reaction to this. Technically, that was some damn good writing; really beautiful. And also, boys in tight pants and boots are the hottest ones of all.

Thanks for sharing your story
Love you,
Sah

[kntuckyfrydnick]

Sah--

thank you, thank you for reading this. I wasn't sure anyone would take the time becuase of the length. But you did, and I'm grateful.

I'm really not sure how to respond to this either, other than making a livejournal post about it. It's an unusual thing that happened, so I wanted to pass the story along somehow. It's something to think about. And it's definately renewed my sense of purpose for working in Oakland.

Thanks again.

<3Nick

[caldivine510]

I remember having the same scenario happening to me... except I was eventually assulted.

I remember that feeling of fear after they took turns punching my face.

I remember being so angry that it had to be black kids that were doing it, only following through certain stereotypes.

Then I realized how sad I was, not because my face hurt, but because of the perpetual acts of fear, hatred, and violence, and wondering if it can really stop.

And all that is left is hope.

Thanks for the post and allowing me to reflect upon my own moment once again.

[kntuckyfrydnick]

you're welcome... but god, I'm so sorry.

[zenbohemian]

wow man, sorry about your experience w/the group of kids. i can relate about that anger, and that's what we have to control and not let consume us else we prepetuate more anger/suffering...

u said so much, i don't know what else to say....

good luck w/tutoring and hopefully making a difference.

[kntuckyfrydnick]

Hey Emeric, thanks man. I definately had to call on the teaching of mindfulness for this one. In fact, it was through mindfulness that I was able to find the alternative solution to retaliation.

Remember SDSU

[templeolove]

I think the subject line in conjuction with this story is enough to jog your memory

Re: Remember SDSU

[kntuckyfrydnick]

props to you, Temple.

I do indeed remember the State incident. When things like that happen to me or anyone close to me, I become a different person. I don't know what it is. It may have something to do in conjunction with my dad. It may have something to do with being bullied in the past. I just can't tolerate it anymore. I'm a peace loving man, but that kind of shit is the only thing that can put me over the edge.

I'm so glad to have a sympathetic ear on this one, and someone who understands how infuriating it is. I believe I did right on this one, but it would have felt soo good to have said any one of those things you mentioned. ;)

Thanks man.

Hey I found you!

[angel_one]

Cool.

I'll add you to this friends list. I don't update in this lj as much as my toxicflutterby journal, but thats probably a good thing because I post too much. *lj addict* My other lj acct is used for a lot of discussions about race issues that upset my white friends.

Oh by the way, I soo much prefer fitted jeans on guys. And boots are always cool. Baggy pants down to your knees makes a person look ignorant and homeless to me.

Re: Hey I found you!

[kntuckyfrydnick]

haha, thanks Morgan. Even hearing that the other day would have felt much better.

I even thought about saying "these boots will kick YOUR ass"... don't fuck with guys in boots!

I'll add you to the friends list.

<3Nick