Last night I was walking to an event in Downtown Austin. I was crossing a one-way street - I did not have the signal that it was safe to walk. I walked against the signal. I looked multiple times (dont worry, Mom, Dad, and Linda) and saw that I was completely safe to walk - no cars coming at all. It was rainy, chilly, and I wanted off of 6th street and to be safely at the event, so I was hurrying along. As I got to the other side, an African American male was waiting for the signal. I heard him as he softly said Youre going to walk against the light and theres a cop right there. He didnt mean to chastise me - he meant it as a warning - he was saying Be careful. It gave me pause. It woke me up. To my privilege. I walked with no fear of being harassed by the police. I didnt even notice the police. But, thats because I have privilege as a white person to not have to worry about that. I likely will not be bothered by police. I wont. This man warning me does not share in that same luxury. Thats not ok. Im grateful for the coverage that has been given to the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner so that I may wake up. I am ready to be awake. I am not grateful that the events have happened. I am horrified. But, I know that many African American men and women have died before all of this coverage. It is time for it to stop. And I, for one, am waking up to the simple fact - I take a privilege for granted. Im not okay that we cant all do that. Thats not ok with me.
Posted on: Sat, 06 Dec 2014 01:48:13 +0000
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