EXPOSED

As I sit in the safety of my cocoon, my flat here in London, I read about the latest murder of a man, a human being, by the hands of the biggest gang in America, the Police. I have become so immune to reading about these unlawful killings, that I no longer flinch, which isn't normal.

However, this is not new. The only difference being is that now, technology allows people to record and post on social media, highlighting what has transpired. It's really sad, but I know nothing is going to change, unless, we as a people, change.

This isn't a black and white thing. Racism exists within every race, and with every race. As a black woman, I have experienced more racism from my own kind, due to being born in another country. I remember being in California in the late 90's, and I wanted to go to Compton, to see what it was like. My husband, had on a white polo shirt with a red horse logo, you know, the Ralph Lauren polo sign. Anyway, we were driving around in our little rental with this guy that my husband knew. That guy ended up saving our lives.

We didn't know that we were in a Crip neighborhood, so as we pull up to a house with the homies sitting on the porch, we start receiving crazy looks. Then the homies start to come towards the car with the crazy screw face, not to say hello. The guy we was with had to explain that we were out-of-towners on vacation, not realising our mistake. From that day on I never underestimated the power of a colour. For the record, the homies were all black.

There is racism in every race. Black men kill black men everyday for nothing. A few hurt feelings, a robbery gone bad, living up the hill, living in a certain project, anything. Until this mentality changes, we will always be our worse enemy. White folks discriminate against each other as well, with derogatory slang based on social standing. Asians discriminate based on Sect. Europeans discriminate against each other, based on what side of the border they were born on. I can go on forever.

So now, we have yet another black man killed like his life meant nothing. How can we change this? It's simple. Vote. Not just on the Presidential level, but for every office seat up for election. It doesn't matter if it's the city council seat, Sheriff, Mayor, Governor, Senate, Congressman, or the local governing body, these are the positions that can get things done.

When you put good people in power, they rise. They rise up to disturbing events that are now the monthly norm. They challenge what has been acceptable in the past. When you are a good person, seeing any person or animal mercilessly killed, does not sit well. When you are in a position of power, you can make some noise.

But with everything in life, until we learn to love each other and respect all life, we as a people will never be able to make a difference in how we are treated. The noise might make a dent, but it wont bring about change. You have to demand respect. The Powers that be, wont even look at you. They will listen to the elected officials, especially in an election year. Did you vote?

I am unapologetic about my views as I'm a realist. The government elects police commissioners, who elects the government?

Joan.