Issues pertaining to racial discrimination against people of color (especially blacks) in the United States is a very delicate and volatile one. Almost day in day out in the news, we hear of several such cases with some aggravating to fatal consequences for the not-so-lucky victims.
In light of this, some black parents, in a bid to protect their kids and also guide them as to how to behave when they find themselves in situations like this have the “talk” with them. In as much as having to tell your young kid he/she may be profiled or discriminated against because of his/her skin color may be uncomfortable, it is just about the right to do because that’s the reality of the situation.
There are even instances where black immigrant parents from Africa, who as a result of past experiences find themselves in a dilemma of choosing where to raise their kids.
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In a tweet shared by Brandon Stanton, the author of Humans of New York, a Ghanaian professor who got his PhD in West Virginia candidly spoke about how he and his wife contemplated on where to raise their son.
Read his sentiments and the final decision they took below:
“We had a big discussion whether to raise him in Africa or move to the states. We both grew up in Ghana. But I got my PhD in West Virginia, so moving to America was an option. The job opportunities would certainly be better there. Both of us are professors, and you’d probably laugh if you knew what we got paid here. Healthcare would be better too. You don’t hear of people dying in America because they can’t find an open hospital bed. But despite these things, we decided to raise our son here. Because he’d never have to think about the color of his skin. We never have to explain what it means to be black. Or the rules of being black. One day in West Virginia I got an Amber Alert on my phone. All it said was: ‘tall black male.’ I was the only one in sight so I nearly panicked. Then another day I was walking to my dormitory. I’d just finished teaching a course. Someone drove by in a red truck, threw a hamburger at my head, and called me the ‘N Word.’ It was 3 O’clock in the afternoon. I don’t want to explain that stuff to my child. It’s exhausting to be conscious of your skin all the time. You either become militant or you become defeated. And I understand why it happens, but extremes of anything aren’t good.”
“We had a big discussion whether to raise him in Africa or move to the states. We both grew up in Ghana. But I got my PhD in West Virginia, so moving to America was an option. The job opportunities would certainly be better there. Both of us are professors…” pic.twitter.com/WKDI4vPJn2
— Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) October 8, 2018
Here are some reactions to the post below:
Virginia always gonna Virginia. Its a shame that the color of his skin damaged his life in the United States. No excuses, we should do better.
— Milton Malespin (@DIAC1987) October 8, 2018
They could have a better life in America until he realized that they could not because of skin color.This is just so wrong.I apologize to you and your family. From Americans that aren’t racist douche bags. I’m raising my children to be better with good hearts. Change is coming
— Krys Russell-Morris (@krysgos) October 8, 2018
Africans must begin to apply all they have learnt into building a civilisation in Africa not staying abroad for the sake money. Only this way can all blacks whether in America or Africa be respected globally. Good decision!
— UKPAKA (@RealBuch1) October 8, 2018
I can totally relate to this story having gone to college in North Carolina and Alabama.
— Taddeo Muriuki (@tmuriuki) October 8, 2018
The riches of your knowledge and culture would’ve made a great impact in thid country. I am so sorry you were treated like this. People refuse to see the reality of it all. Is it really necessary to reject someone like this? To make them be afraid of moving to this country????
— Tatianna Irizarry-Melendez?? (@TatiaMelendez) October 8, 2018
I applaud you and your wife for being so brave, honest and candid about such a sensitive subject. The black family is under threat in the US and UK, where I lived for over 20 years before moving back. You’ve earned a new fan. Many of us will be rooting for your success.
— nyansapo (@mbnsfit) October 9, 2018
Great choice. My dad raised us in Ghana until we were old enough. He had the same fears for us because he had experienced much worse.
— RICO ? SUAVE (@moovenroosevelt) October 8, 2018
I was raised in the Caribbean for similar reasons, moved back as an adult. I am greatful 4 the choice my parents made. I still remover my father sitting me down & telling me, “U are black…” I didn’t understand why. I knew I was black but here it took on a whole new meaning.
— Falloon (@sfalloon1) October 9, 2018
That’s the wise choice you made …. being comfortable in your own skin at your very own place .. discrimination carried out on basis of skin color … it’s pathetic well good luck to you happy family ?
— Saharish Khaliq (@saharish_khaliq) October 8, 2018
Share with us your thoughts. Have ever been in this situation before? What decision did you make with your partner? If you ever find yourself in this dilemma, what would you do?
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