The Normalized Face of Racism
Microaggressions have become the normalized face of racism. Here are a few of my personal experiences:
The times when being followed in a store. I have be considerate of my appearance, to dress well to avoid/lower these instances.
The time when I was pulled over for a tail light that was said to be out but then upon looking at home was perfectly fine.
The time when a police officer told me not to talk unless I was spoken to.
The times when I've been followed and watched by the police.
The time when I was run off the road and called "N***er" out the window as they sped off. (This is blatant racism)
The time when trying on clothes in the dressing room and a man comes in banging on the door to make sure that I know that I'm being watched so I don't steal anything. I most likely make over twice his salary.
The moments when something goes missing and people look at you questioningly, until it is found.
The ways in which men sexualize my body because I'm black and make comments about me being "different".
The ways in which I don't exist and am not engaged with because of unconscious bias. The ways that this happens even more because I now wear my natural hair.
The ways in which most white people stay silent when microaggessions occur and they are witness to them.
And the few moments of joy that have happened when my white friend calls out that bullshit or backs me up when it happens.
Racism is alive and well in Denver. We just don't talk about it because it comes with the territory of living with Black skin in the world. Being Black isn't exhausting. Dealing with whiteness is.
