Has anyone ever realized why Black folks need places to be without white people in this day and age, even online? Most will think it’s to exclude white folks, but again why do we need to exclude white folks? Even if we’re doing cultural stuff? Because part of the thing about being Black in the US? The we don’t even let ourselves think about, being Black in the US it’s traumatic. It’s like living with one of those abusive partners that you never what what will set them off and where the next hit will come from.
I can see the eye rolls and hear the sighs from here, the “she’s just exaggerating”… but am I? You think it’s normal to have to sit 8 and 9 years old down to make them understand and teach them how to act, what to say, what not to do if a police officer approaches them for any reason? I know you all know about the talk, but I don’t think many of you have internalized what that means about the society and the trauma Black folks face in their own country.
Some white people I interact with have had the audacity to suggest that they agree with the “it makes white children uncomfortable to learn about slavery” really? Folks you don’t know the meaning of uncomfortable until you try to explain to an 8 year old, why they shouldn’t put their hands in their pocket when talking to the “protect and serve” people, the good guys, trying to make them fear the police without them being aware of that fear.
But did you know there’s also the talk about talking to non Black teachers? How to act in a supermarket? A toy store? Try to explain to your child why well that kid can touch stuff in the store but if you do they will think you’re stealing really ain’t the same thing as a simple “stranger danger” slogan. Cause you see kids they ask questions and one of their favorites is “But why?”, and you try to come up with an answer that don’t include white or racism.
You expect others to work around systemic racism, to just let go of things, because you do not want to get rid of your biases and racism, because to you “it’s not really that bad is it?” Worse, you tell us that racism is still around because WE keep it alive by talking about it. This after you saying that there was no racism in the US since the 1980’s. Really peeps? I will repeat the obvious, just because it doesn’t affect you, and that you shut it out, don’t mean it went away.
You know what’s the saddest though? At least for me? You expect us to care for your issues, your state of mind, your point of view and barely any of you return the favor. Even those on our side. The simple fact is while reading this if you’ve made it this far, a lot of you are going “not all of us” in your minds.
Do not take the following as meaning these things never apply to white folks, but rather for white folks it is the exception while for Black folks it is the norm.
Why is Racism still an issue
Because you still think Black on Black crime is an honest talking
Because the 2nd amendment is only upheld if you are white
A gun held by a Black person is a weapon, held by a white person is the exercise of their 2nd amendment right
Because Self-defense is only automatically bestowed if you are white
Because pain is only recognized if you are white
Because qualifications are only valid if you are white
Because lack of qualifications doesn’t matter if you are white
Because innocent until proven guilty only applies if you are white
Because why didn’t they comply isn’t an automatic response to white victims
Because Kamala Harris had a weird laugh
Because Jasmine Crockett is too well defined
Because a white man can get away with rape even with video evidence
Because a white woman can get away with murder even with video evidence
Because a Black person’s past excuses their murder
Because Black districts / schools / are underfunded
Because Black owned homes lose value once owners are known
Because you think your right to say the N word shouldn’t have consequences
Because white children being children is misbehaving but for Black children is disruptive
Because white folks don’t have to have a talk with their kids/teens in case they cross a police officer’s path
Because of so many little things you close your eyes and ears to, because you’re “tired” of hearing about them
Because you refuse to see these issues as systemic racism, you refuse to acknowledge the rights of Black folks to be frustrated and angry about these issues.
I have to pay rent on the 15. I am short about 200$, I could use more but that’s what I need for the rent. Please if you can help I’d be grateful.
#TheAmericanHaitianPoet
Paypal.me/murielvieux (I still need help whatever you can spare)
Muriel Vieux – January 13th, 2026 – ©All rights reserved
