A Conversation About Growing Up Black | Op-Docs | The New York Times
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- čas přidán 7. 05. 2015
- In this short documentary, young black men explain the particular challenges they face growing up in America.
Produced by: Joe Brewster and Perri Peltz
Read the story here: nyti.ms/1bBlzAB
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A Conversation About Growing Up Black | Op-Docs | The New York Times
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When the little boy said that he wants everyone to know that he’s perfectly fine and then not going to hurt anyone....broke my heart.
I know right?
It was really when he said the stuff about judgement that it broke my heart
It hurt me too to hear A 10 year old child say that.
I used to feel the same way on the train in NYC as a kid I'll smile so they can feel comfortable and I can make it home safely as well
I can really identify with the awkward moment in class where something potentially racially offensive is brought up. As the only black student in almost all of my class elementary school through college, I've noticed an odd burden of having to be extra conscious of how I behave in order to not further promote a stereotype. Has anyone else been the first black person someone has met? It's a pretty weird feeling...
I HADDA TEACH MY WHITE FRIEND WHO GREW UP IN THE "NICE" PART OF LONG ISLAND OF THE KINDA ISSUES I FACED. I GREW UP IN THE PROJECTS IN BROOKLYN WITH MY ALL BLACK FAMILY ONLY TO MOVE IN WITH MY WHITE MOM WHEN I WAS 12. IT WAS CULTURE SHOCK TO THE EXTREME. STILES, MY FRIEND, DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS THE WAY I WAS UNTIL ONE DAY I TOLD HER TO NOTICE HOW MANY PEOPLE STARED AT US AS WE WALKED OR HOW MANY STORE EMPLOYEES "SECRETLY" FOLLOWED US, OR HOW MANY PEOPLE SIDE EYED US HOLDIN THEIR BAGS A LIL TIGHTER WHEN WE PASSED THEM. SHE KINDA GETS IT NOW BUT SHE CRIED UNCONTROLLABLY WHEN IT HIT HER. SHE ALWAYS ASKS ME HOW I AM WHEN WE SPEAK AS IF SHE'S WAITIN FA ANOTHER STORY ABOUT SOMEONE HATIN MY ETHNICITY.
Yup. I grew up in Queens, NY. Moved upstate to suburbs of Syracuse, NY for junior high and high school. The culture shock was real (both ways). I was called racial slurs a few times in my 5 years up there. Correcting ignorant friends and people on stereotypes grew kinda tiresome. My two bros and my parents experienced similar stuff.
Now I'm back in NYC, where I started. Being back in my roots has been refreshing. Sadly NYC is too pricey for me to live in. I'll be leaving again once I graduate college. Being black requires social navigation techniques, mental gymnastics, and thick skin. I've long accepted that I'm not welcomed with open arms everywhere in America. Nonetheless I'll still try my best and will succeed. It's about finding the right people. I'm stronger for it and didn't turn out to be a snowflake. Lol
Gauss Glitchees I'VE BEEN THE FIRST BLACK PERSON A LOTTA PEOPLE HAVE MET. I'M OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE GOTTEN PAST THE NEED TO CHECK MYSELF SO AS NOT TO BE SUBJECTED TO STEREOTYPICAL VIEWS BUT I USED TO. IT'S ROUGH BECAUSE I FOUND THAT WITH A LOTTA WHITE PEOPLE IN MY EXPERIENCE (SOMETIMES BECAUSE MY MOTHER IS WHITE) THEY EITHER FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE AN ALLY TO THEM (I DO NOT IDENTIFY WITH WHITE CULTURE IN AN WAY), I MUST BE BOUGIE (WHICH I'M NOT), THEY'RE DISGUSTED WITH ME OR THEY'RE AFRAID OF ME. ITS BECOME SO EXHAUSTIN (AND SOMETIMES SCARY) THAT I AVOID MOST WHITE PEOPLE UNLESS PUT IN A SITCH WHERE I CANNOT. STAY STRONG AND BE YASELF. NO ONE CAN FAULT YOU FA BEIN YA REAL SELF.
are you sure?
Same
These young black men have real feelings and deserve to express them. But if I may express mine from a different perspective but with similar experiences, I am NOT pleading with America to see me as human. I am NOT looking for a shoulder to lean on. I'm unapologetically black and I demand fair treatment OR death. I don't live in fear, I live in awareness that this world is sick and hateful but I will protect my family and myself with my life. I don't apologize for anyone's fear of me based on their own stereotypes I did nothing to create. Feel free to be racist(in real life), but I will be respected or I will make you kill me. I'm not here hoping and praying to be treated as human when I was born that way. Much love to the young brothers in the video.
Derrick Jaxn 👏👏👏👏 Truth!!!!
Power to you, man.
Derrick Jaxn iiiiiiiiii
Racism is when 100,000 white africans are getting killed by black in 20 years.
If you are a good person, I don't care what color you are. I look at character I will treat you with respect. Sad you do not see this is a race baiting video.
Its funny how a group of 10-15 year olds have a better understanding of rasicm and how everyone should be accepted than fully grown adults, and yes i know that theres adults in this video im just saying
They don't understand anything better. What this video is are stories from one point of view without context. The kid leaving his house in pajamas if you were a cop and noticed a kid no matter what race walking down the street in pajamas wouldn't you stop them and see if something is wrong. Some people just see racism everywhere no matter what. You fell for this hook line and seeker. The source of this video is a liberal rag. They want you to think racism is a huge problem so liberals politicians can keep getting votes for promising to save blacks. I'm pretty sure your a liberal because you don't have the intelligence to see through the BS. Black Privilege is the problem. Black privilege means if you don't succeed in life or make horrible life decisions you can blame white people. If you don't get what you want or do something wrong play the race card.
@@Doseus yes
@@Doseus well here's the best solution to this issue; stay the away from black people, don't speak to us, don't wave us, don't copy our dances, don't listen to our music, don't send any white cop in our neighborhoods, and when y'all going to war don't include us. This is for the better, no arguments, no disagreements you and yours just stay from my kin and I.
Nathan Temple have u ever experienced racism as a black person? No okay so u have no right to speak of our complaints when they are real. And I know some people use that as an excuse but ppl who live in bad neighborhoods or in racist place have a right to share their voice without ppl like u saying this is dumb bc black ppl do go through struggles and it’s not shown on social media that often bc its not the newest and best trend or it’s not considered a big problem. Well it is still a problem we face very day and we must stand for our selves and speak a voice and try to take action. Oh and history lesson, the police was originally made to capture runaway slaves in America so police have been built against us since the beginning. U don’t know how many times I’ve been minding my own business and higher authority tell me I look suspicious and question me first of anything wrong bc of my skin color and I’m only a young person, so before you go around telling us to stop complaining END RACISM if u can’t do that then keep ur comment to ur self pls
@@eldenlordnux1802 so segregation is the answer? That didn't seem to work out back then, im not sure why you think that'll work now
I almost cried when the 10 year old felt the need to reassure others that he isn't going to hurt anyone :(
These comments disgust me, racism on a video trying to stop it...
TheStormofGames Exactly, I just can't believe it.... "liberal propaganda", "you guys act crazy when you get together or when you are in public", "Blacks cause their own problems"
Its like half of the comments are written by right wing retards....
That, right there, is the difference between america and the other western countries : retarded, racist, homophobic, over religious, amazingly misinformed people are not a small portion of the US, they are a very important force to be reckoned with
Im following the GOP primaries just because im absolutely stunned by the amount of 100% false, made up arguments they use... In other countries even the extreme right wing is way more moderated!
The US are broken beyond repair it seems... and its everyone's fault because for decades we let this sectarianism evolve and grow, and now i strongly feel its too late
How can you be on an ethicly correct path again when half of the country has been living within a system of beliefs so vile, so heinous, so misinformed... All of this orchestrated by people wanting to gain money or power instrumentalizing fear and hate
Makes me really sad!
Bla bla bla "racism" You dont like to hear the truth. Btw black people are the most racist people on earth.
well max white people have caused much hate back then. if it weren't for that generation, we probably wouldn't have much hate today.
Mister X STFu white people are so raist white people disgust me how they can treat human be like that
not all white people are raist
"Land of the Free"*
*=Genetic conditions apply
SO SAD
Land of the free
*Unless you act like a victim
Black people are the most racist people in this entire country.
O P T X White fragility!
Mekayla Davis Big Facts! The minute they hear the truth they try to cover their eyes and ears
I'm a truck driver. I'm driving down the street and an old Asian guy cross the center line in front of me. I slammed on brakes. He kept going to my right and drove into a tree. I told a white cop this and he asked. What did I do to make him run off the road? I didn't get mad but I gave him the "Really n-ga look"
Why did you need to mention his race?
@@Calvbread that's a very dumb question especially on a video like this😒
Svsca 2020
@AsiA I. so Koreans can't Rob Korean markets or any other race can't? Think about what your saying before you look stupid.
and because of this one incident, all white people must be racist. (this is how leftists think)
Smh. It's almost like being black means you should or are not allowed to have the broad spectrum of feelings that every other group of people are 'allowed' to express.
Olcay Aslan
But white people already have centuries long infrastructural support, you just don’t like being left out of stuff. You don’t understand what you’re talking about.
@@Kyiverdam stop making up stuff
@@Kyiverdam Be happy for other races
@@Kyiverdam shut up
@@Kyiverdam You're not making stuff up dont listen to them. I agree what you're saying
My mother always taught us growing up "never marry a black man because then your kids will have a hard life."
It's very sad.
Sad indeed
Very sad and part of the problem within the black community. Both black men and women play a part in a lot of the problems within our community.
Zorbacci MYST my friend, I'm only happy to say YOU will never marry a black woman and thank goodness for that. No one deserves to be subjected to spending a lifetime in wedlock with someone like you. :)
Zorbacci MYST sounds legit.
My mom always taught me not to marry women whose parents are trash because you never know what mental defects they passed onto their daughter 🤷🏾♂️
Black men are so beautiful !
piousness
Wtf that's just her opinion
Thank you Cassandra
@@AscentofTrollbane it think white people are dum and ugly also not racist 😊
Cassandra Rose racist.What about the black men that arent beautiful REEEEEEEE
Call me racist, but a few of the boys were indeed cute and handsome. I can understand that quiet a few young White ladies are attracted to them. Some of them may play around with them just a little while, while other young ladies might be more serious about it, and marry their "chocolate boy" and thus become a biracial couple. If it is real love, no one should condemn it. Might it be "racist" or not.
This hurts my heart. So bad.
I was 6yrs old when I witnessed racism for the first time. One day while coming from school with my relatives and friends, my older brother and his latino friend were goofing off and stepped on some white mans lawn. That man threatened to shoot them with his shotgun he had in his home, and when my mother told the principal about the situation they did nothing. The school I went to was Glen acres located in Lafayette, Indiana. I will never forget that day. I’m 19 going on 20 soon.
I am sorry to anyone who ever has to go through this.
buzzin1975 That was not a very appropriate and kind response. You were very rude to her. Please apologize. You do not need to be a certain skin color to understand what another human being is going through.
Juliana Vani-Catarina you do need to be black to know exactly what it is like living in a white America. There literally no way around it. Other races won’t get what it’s like to be BLACK and living in these conditions. Sure you you may have an opinion and give your two cents. And I do agree what he said was rude. But the people who can deeply understand and resonate with you are people who experience they same experiences
@Jamillah Bailey You have to know that black people aren't the only type of people that have it/had it bad. Every race has their own problems.
Darlene stop being so sorry rather do something
Do something abt it. Sick and tired of getting stared at like I'm about to shoot someone.
Any chance there will be another video where black women could talk about their experience?
Right. They have it a lot worse than us in a lot of ways.
Siyu Lei It’s the same what’s the difference their the same group of people just a different gender.. only difference is their femininity is questioned and mocked.
Siyu Lei there is
Of course ill listen
@@andrew69007 No not really. Black men have it worse. I really dont have to many negative experiences and if I do its always from black men. Always. Whites dont bother me and if they are hating or envious they never show it like other blacks.
5 years later, this is more relevant than ever.
So touching. I am raising black boys and I fear for their safety in this country.
My cousins have reached a certain age where I am starting to fear for their safety. i remember a few years ago I told my aunt to tell my cousin that because of who he is he needs to be careful about a lot in his life, and the fact that I have to say that is sad too.
Texas Gun don’t forget they will probably end up shooting someone and blame trump. MAGA
I love how you guys ignore racist great job
And blackgirls(aka black people in general) cuz we are all put down in some type of way
@jethro1177 and @TexasGun, tf is wrong with both of you, seriously omg..
You can be scared of me as much as you like, you can choose not to trust me as much as you like, but as long as I intend do the right things and get what I want the legal way, I have nothing to lose from you going left when I go right and I'm still gonna keep my black pride.
It upsets me that this still happens in 2015 America.
AJ06 grow up!!!!!!!!!!
Yes because it is wrong.
AJ06 Yep me too. It's pure ignorance of a social class of people who are angry that our president isn't their own color for sure! Look at when all this is occurring. When George Bush was in office there was no such things going on in America, and such hatred was directed elsewhere unfortunately.
That means America is afraid of the African American male and populous in my honest opinion. They hate us only because they fear that we are their equal as far as those who harbor hatred within themselves and whom spread it to their children. Our country has a real problem that only God can solve!
AJ06 It is even worse when you get racial profiled for doing absolutely nothing.
FPC-Virtual While I wish it was true that racism only started with Obama, it's not. Far from it. Racism has existed in America practically from it's creation, and there has never been a period in its history since then, in which it has not existed. I honestly think it's coincidental that this happened while Obama was in office. Or that he played a minor, indirect role at most. I don't think the police are shooting black men because they don't like the president, they're doing it because they've always been tempted and it's just come to a point where they feel like they can get away with it so they try to.
And every social class has racism, they just each have their own special brand, and show it in their own ways.
Once I was at the whole foods and a little white girl and her mom came out of the bathroom, there was also a little black girl and her mom, they were standing by the food section and I overhead the little white girl tell her mom " look mom a black kid, I wish she was a slave". I was stunned like Wtf
Mariama Touray yeah but this video is anti white prooaganda
This why I’m baffled when these black women make a bunch of videos worshipping white men.
And that's where it starts.
Emmanuel Damour what’s wrong with black women worshipping white men
@@yoshr02 everything you should not worship nobody
Thank you for this video. My heart goes out to these young men.
I don't get racism. I've never understood it. I'm a white man that was raised in a low income neighborhood. I was raised surrounded by children of several races. I was taught that all people deserve respect. All people have a place in this world. All people are important. Human life is important. People are people regardless of race, gender, orientation. Some are good and some are not.
Growing up and being poor we all face social and economic prejudice, challenges and demoralizing hatred. But not like our darkest skinned brothers and sisters.
What I don't get is that this has been said to be a Christian country for several centuries now. But, where were the Christians when slavery was brought to our shores so long ago? They knew it was wrong then? Why didn't the Christian community stand against such a horrific social injustice then at that time and now?
Even worse. I've just become aware in the last couple of years of the lynchings that went on right here in this "Christian country" even as recent as the 1960's. So shocking to me that this was going on in my early lifetime. And we hear that Christian Ministers, Men of God, were even responsible for calling for the hanging of some of these people. And WOW! I cannot wrap my brain around the fact that people including Christians would take their families out to witness these lynchings as though it was family entertainment. You see pictures of massive crowds gathered to watch. HOLY *&^%$#! What is wrong with us as a society?
I wish I could start a movement. An attempt to bridge the gap between races. Hopefully it would somehow bring about some healing on both sides of this racial divide. But I know that selfish pride, greed and whatever other social/economic stupidity started this problem will not allow my movement to catch on. Most people don't understand this word or its depth of meaning. Please understand that this comes from my heart and I mean this in the purest sense of the word.
Please allow an old white man to say to you . . . "I love you."
I believe that my actions related to the meaning of that little 4-letter word is the only thing that I can do to help turn this racism thing around.
We're the only race on earth who are targeted by everyone else. Even by some who share the same skin color.
Big facts
TheReddPerkins ehh whites know and most people know when someone is trying to pass as white.
Bro in the middle east (saudi arabia. Yemen) treat us blacks as brothers also we have the same ancestors im black btw
Derrick Adams Construction Channel could you be more self centered? Worlds not after you bud, grow up!
@NithinR Yes, but only certain races go through more racism than others.
OMG I’m so sorry. Ik my apology won’t do much, but the only thing I can do is to raise, teach, and show my kids diversity
I would just like to say one thing, black peoples in American have had an enormous influence on music, clothing, hairstyles, mannerisms, and so much more.. many white people idolize black people; we will be an equal nation eventually but for now anyone who is black reading this you should be proud that you have such a heavy impact on society in many positive ways.
Becky Rouse All true and credit given to black Americans . Probably 99 percent of white people would acknowledge this
AS A BLACK WOMAN IN AMERICA I CAN SAY WITHOUT A SECOND OF DOUBT THAT THIS IS TOO TRUE. I HAVE TO TEACH MY CHILD THAT SHE NEEDS TO BE CAREFUL OF POLICE AND PEOPLE WITH HATE AND FEAR IN THEIR HEARTS. I ALMOST DIED FROM POLICE BRUTALITY AT A TIME WHEN CAMERA PHONES BARELY EXISTED AND VERY FEW HAD THEM. IT SADDENS ME THAT THIS IS THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. WE AREN'T TO BE FEARED. THAT'S JUSS NOT WHAT WE WANT.
I have totally disconnected myself from this world because of the hate and evil. I am on a spiritual journey and have gained so much more peace.
I am white and I hear you, I see you, and will forever stand with you. Nobody should ever have to go through this. Ya'll are beautiful!! With the time that we are going through right now with all the protests this video really helps me understand even more of what black people have to go through. I am truly sorry for everything that has/is happening to you men and women.
I can really relate to the white women clinching up thing even in my security guard uniform I get those looks of fear. I remember a couple of years back I had on some baggy pants and a fitted long T with some pretty cool designs on both. Long story short I had my headphones on, went into the book store seeing if they sold any comics and bam! I swear every person in there looked at me like I was a gang member or thug etc. The struggle is real ya'll.
Evan Neumann you realize that that's racist. He was wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. His clothes have nothing to do with their racism. Even if he was whereing a suite and tie, the same thing probably would have happened. Like it's the same for me I'm a black female who dresses like all the white people around me and when I walk into a room I will always get stared at. It makes me feel so uncomfortable and like I don't belong even though I live in the community. And by saying what you said it sounds like you are trying to blame him a black man for this racism even though he did nothing wrong he just walked into a bookstore.
@@jsalathe nah its racist for sure there is no such thing as none scary clothes wake up
too.hazey Someone who wears oversized t shirts & has hanging pants. You can easily assume he’s a thug.
That's deep. I wonder where racism comes from?
Watching this for a class I am taking as an educator to better myself with tears streaming down my face. I hope and pray we can do better. Thank you to these young men who have shared.
I raised a black Male who is now over 40 years old and a Dr., however, the fear of something happening to him because of his race is still hunting me to this day even more so now.
He’ll be ok if he doesn’t live in the hood
The guy who said ...A conversation on surviving. What about a conversation about living?So sad we have to teach our kids to SURVIVE as opposed to living!!
I wanted to cry 💙 thank you for this video ..... our beautiful black baby boys have so much compassion and empathy, We always hope as black mothers, that societys harsh treatment of our boys doesn't steal their it away from them for life 💙🖤💙
I can't tell you how ashamed I feel being white. I have no racist bone in my body yet I feel desperately ashamed to be white and causing fear and sadness and the feeling of being made to be less and I can do nothing but hope that things get better for black people living in america.
Thank you Imogen. Its horrible for blacks in general out here. Your kind words show that there is love in humanity.
You are a good person and you shouldn't feel shame to be white be proud of who you are and spread kindness too❤️❤️
dont feel ashamed at all, be proud, you are the change
I applaud nyt for doing these kinds of vids, very thoughtful
I’m filipino living in the Philippines. To all my fellow PoC in countries that make you feel unsafe, that’s so messed up I’m sorry.
Thes two rase not desorf live.
Grew up in the south and I've personally experienced all of this.
Same
@@thatonemessyartist1760 really even in 2021 ??
I thought Americans are liberals..
I enjoyed this video! I can relate to a lot of the stories that these young brothers were telling. It's going to be alright though we will stay strong!
No one told me about racism, but when age 13 came around, there was something bigger than me was wasn't my fault and it was my genetic lineage.
Everyone should be judged based on the individual and not the collective.
D Gh who cares..? He can say it. That’s the problem with a lot of Black people, and I am black, we need to do better.
@@melaninmagic8742 u mean some black people not all
When did I state that I hated black people? What about the black people that are literally out here screaming “black lives matter” but are turning around and killing our brothers and sisters..? You aren’t saying THEY hate blacks, now are you?
XxShanxX if you get offended, than this applies to you.
Melanin Magic well I guess it doesn’t😂
Great video thanks nytimes , we need more content like this.
Thank you to the young people who shared your thoughts and feelings. This was very powerful.
It is so sad, and inhumane, that kids can't enjoy growing up without the fear of being criminalized and/or shot!
Innocence should be preserved, not tainted! We should be teaching respect, not racism!
Remember that we are all human and we all share the same ancestors, going all the way back to where life originated: Africa!
This is ridiculous they are babies!! I can’t believe they have to deal with this type of non sense
Great video! Thank you for creating and sharing
This was so beautifully done.
I came across this video and it actually made me cry as I feel sorry for anyone who had to deal with something like that. Just keep in mind that there are still many people who don't care about the color of your skin.
You guys are super cool, I wish you the best in your lives :)
Greetings from the Czech Republic :)
Thank you, I just tried to keep up with the level of sweetness that those guys have shown us if you know what I mean :) :D
Liberal troll
The whole thing about people "not caring about color" is part of the problem. Because when conversations about race come up, white people often say they "don't see race" and then the conversation stops there. We white people need to educate ourselves about race and learn about the ways we are complicit in a society that demonizes people of color.
This is not a conversation about growing up black in America. Its a one-sided experience of growing up black. They have no accounts from black women at all. So this conversation is... half spoken
You realized that too? Thank God.
+Dark Adventure raped and yes many young girls have gotten killed FOR NO REASON
ms.christina Doe not at the same level
Dark Adventure actually they are killed in large numbers. Killed, arrested, humiliated on camera. It's just not reported as widely. So like I said this 'conversation' is one sided and nihilistic
@@TheDarkAdventure black women do get "slaughtered" tho not as much as men cuz women are seen less of a threat then men due to you know like our body structuress
i am from germany and we are very upsets about the happens in america...
Bless your heart! I hope to visit Berlin one day. Unfortunately this happens to us every week in certain parts of America.
yeah, u better watch those muslim refugees entering yo country,
Apologies for all these racist American comments. You see what we're dealing with here, right?
What a meaningful video. My heart is so touched. I feel really bad that these beautiful young men have to live this way in America. I hope and pray we are finally ending racist paradigms of power in America. I want a Just and Human world for you young Black men and all Black people. I hear you and take it in and take action. I put my heart into understanding and being a part of the change.
Watching this in 2020 breaks my heart even more. Black Lives Matter!
As my grandson made his way to college this past September his Mother had to have the talk with him. When my daughter told me she said my grandson's response to her was that she sounded like he was a predator. It broke my heart when she told me he said that. She had to explain that she didn't see him as such but there are enough people in the outside world that will view him as such and hurt because of how they perceive him to be or their judgements of him. I spoke to him as well. I had to use terms in which did not make him feel like he was less than but for him to be aware and be vigilant not to get himself in any situation that might jeopardize his life or dignity. I am so tired of this world we live in.
Why are there no black girls in the video? They do exist too.
loversembrace The things that happen to most black men barely happen to black women.
Richard Byfield That's BS and makes absolutely no sense as persecution of black men is based on the color of their skin, not gender.
Xzavier Fiasco And the things that happen to most black women barely happen to black men. We could hear some black girls talk about it too.
Thank you for sharing ... I feel as a Mexican I have felt a lot of discrimination.....
alondra michaela exactly. Blacks and Mexicans are the most hated/disrespected in America.
I’m black but I don’t go through this..I haven’t encountered racism..I guess I’m lucky but I feel sorry for men and boys that do go through this
Thank you for this wonderful video! I am showing this to a group of staff members tomorrow in our school.
I just watched the film of the young black men's experiences and I put my "Mom" hat on. Wow!! I could feel the fear that these mothers have whenever their sons go out. To have to worry about your son being killed or sent to prison simply because he's black and at the wrong place at the wrong time. This made me realize that the freedoms we enjoy in this country are not for all.
It must be heartbreaking for black parents to see their kids realizing at some point that US society treats them as suspects rather than children with potential. How do you explain this to your child? So sad when the boys thanked their parents for preparing them to "fit in" (be extra aware and friendly).
Interesting that young boy had a sense of being 'hunted' in 2015. It'd be great to do a follow up video with these young men to see how they are faring in 2020.
Being mixed minority myself(Filipino) and having children that are minorities(Mexican) as well, I would have to say: LIVE not caring what others think and hold your head high. You can’t change anyone’s opinion and it doesn’t matter what other people think. I was raised this way and as long as I live with integrity and live with love for my fellow man, I can make it through adversity. It hurts to see children having to go through this and I know it shapes them but teaching our children to believe in themselves to accomplish anything will help them overcome the opinions of others. Not everyone is loving and nice. Unfortunately in public schools there is a lot of bullying and racism as well. But, if you open your eyes there are also those with love in their heart... good hearted people exist.
My mother is a property manager. As a black woman she had to work really hard. Harder than the average white male. People tried to take advantage of her because of her race and gender. They segregated her for her skin color and mistreated her. She has had multiple jobs at working on properties bc of this. One jobs tried to get her to wear more revealing and tight clothes to “attract” more people (she quit that job) She has to work SO MUCH HARDER for her job position, not only for the color of her skin but because she is a woman. She could see through all of the trickery and let God light her path and lead her to success.
She went through all of this along with raising two children(Sometimes by herself bc my dad was a truck driver across the country for some time) She has worked so hard for her high position and the nice place we live in today. Now she is a manager and boss, even today as boss she gets frustrated with the white males that live at her property bc they act like she is just another worker and like she does not have higher authority over them. ( Not being racist just saying what I have seen and what she says) She also has to watch her tone, body movement, and her tongue bc if she slips up even a little bit she is considered “getto” or “ too black” She is like a totally different person at work (from what I have seen) Now she has gained a lot of respect. But there are still those she has to deal with and is stressed about it a lot of the time bc of the constant disrespect of the white, Asian, and others.
What’s really sad is that other black ppl in her line of work weather above her, below her, or at the same level as her, see her as an instant threat to them, it’s like they have to one up her and be better or get her demoted. My mom just wants to work to make enough to have our family happy. It’s so sad bc we complain about other races be racist and yet we have black people be racist and horrible and segregated in our own community. I just feel that some black people feel like they are rival to one another and it’s sad.
It’s a whole another story for me and my dad, if u want to hear ours just reply that u do.
I'd love to hear your story. All I want to do right now is listen.
Carsteroni I’d be lying if u said I had it as bad as my parents. They are raising me well in the best places they can. I hope u stay safe during this horrific year🙃
From the time you could walk and talk in you had a fear for police I remember being 15 years old in NYC I would watch every car moving or parked police would stalk me and my friends we felt like the hunted and we wasn't even thinking of crime at that time it's like they made you feel uncomfortable in your skin you just got to stay solid be proud of self and have knowledge of self
a wise man once said ( i have a dream ) and that dream sparked in everyone of us lets hope the dreams we have today impact the world in a great way 😊
As a white person, we need to make the effort to listen to black people about their experiences. We are not going to get anywhere in society untill we start listening to each other.
I had bad experiences with blacks but even better experiences with them. They are the most loyal, compassionate and misunderstood people. We'll never comprehend their pain and frustration on a daily basis.
We should interview these kids 5 years later, and see what ever adventures they still get it to.
4:28 « to survive in this country ». Young black men are trying to survive in the USA. Pretty sad and shameful considering the foundational ideal of this country which is freedom.
Thank you for this.
Breaks my heart 💔
This is truly how I live my life on most days. It’s tragic.
this powerful video is in 2015 and it is still relevant in 2018! it means. nothing has changed positively nowadays
The classic reading Huck Finn when you're the only Black person in the class. I feel that.
I am from Africa. So hearing this really breaks my heart.
It's so sad we Black Males have to endure this.
Heart breaking!
1st world problem. Doesn’t exist either.
You’d think being in such an advanced and civilized world, we’d have learned to treat people based on their morale rather than their appearance by now.
This is what it’s like living, and growing up black in America. I’m the only black/mixed person in my grade, my friends are white and whenever I’ve ever tried to have race in the conversation, immediately, they’d shut the conversation down, change the subject and once I’ve said, “black lives matter.” She said, “Asian lives matter” were no longer friends. Another true story, every. Single. Year. In this new school I’m in, whenever it’s Martin Luther king Jr. day, everyone looks at me, when slaves pop up in the conversation, everyone looks at me again, to see my reaction.. another story. Like I said, I go to a school where I’m the only mixed/black person in my grade, my hair is very different from everyone else. Mine curly, dark, and very much different. People touch my hair without permission, and I act like it’s okay, but whenever I say stop, they act like they did nothing wrong and everything’s fine. It’s not. Especially when I’ve had them say I should straighten my hair. I’ve had my hair in braids last month, and not even 2 weeks later, someone tells me I should straighten my hair. It happens all the time.. every year. Almost every day. It’s annoying, and now I’m not going to stand there and let them say that, I’m going to tell them to stop saying that to me, and explain why I love my hair and why I’m not going to be straighten my hair anytime soon. Another story!! This girl in my grade thinks she’s black. She said she’s 25% and she doesn’t have any genetics. I’m not saying you’re gonna have EVERYTHINF, but you’re gonna have something, she doesn’t have a single girl in her hair, not even a wave, no color in her skin, features. Absolutely, nothing. This is why I love talking about race, and why it should be educated throughout the world. Especially, America. Martin Luther king jr say is in a few days, and I feel like I should say something.
These guys are wise and educated. Thanks, parents. :)
THEY HATE THE SHAPE OF MY EYES AS MUCH AS THEY HATE THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN; EARTHLINGS HAVE THE WORST DISCRIMINATION
this is really powerful
the fact that this was *5 years ago* but it is 2020 now and nothing change. Life is still like this. Everyday I worry if I'm going to die or be in prison for something I'm did not do.
I don’t want to raise my two boys in this country. This is scary.
Sad world we live in💔
Good content 👍
I’m happy I’m not the only one that feels like this
This is pretty true as an African American I keep this inside
No matter what you do, you'll ALWAYS be a target, or targeted!!! Stay woke-👀👀👀👀
"The second the bullet hitnus we are being unhumanized." So so true.
It’s horrible how society dehumanizes people because of who they are. As a white male I don’t experience this, but I try my best to understand it. I hope that we can move towards a brighter future.
Growing up black means, simply, growing up envied, even by one's own people.
We also have to focus on young back women to
Us as a whole period
Ik this is late but theres another video from the perspective of black women.
For some reason, my parents told me never to smile or wave at the police because they would think I was a criminal or be suspicious of me...even though I'm white.
Weird fact, I have only ever been scared of white men. I live in predominately black neighborhoods and a white guy walking gives me an uneasy feeling. I have never felt threatened by a black man. But that has just been my experience.
Hahahaha this is very touching and amazing,am African from Ghana am Muslim I don't know what we call racysm we really thank God our country no matter who you we are all one welove foreigner alot but when I travel to Qatar and I really know the real meaning of racist just strange when you come to Ghana we never think something like races you are black man or white just enjoy your self know body has time for you but I wish many people we change their attitude about racist just because of racist I will like to stay in my country till the end of my life
Exactly same in Nigeria
We are all black so there's nothing like that, we are really accommodating of white people, foreigners in general..
Abdulaiibaba Ibrahim it’s good to hear that Ghanaians are welcoming and kind. Reports like this exaggerate racism in the U.S. and portray white people as racist monsters
TOO RELATABLE YET SAD ...
These are good kids who were socialized well and brought up to have decorum and care enough about education to string together a coherent sentence with an extensive vocabulary. They're victims of the image created by the violent, criminal types who are disproportionately black.
Both can be true at the same time. Good "kids" and bad "kids". No matter how much the NYT tries to push the good image it has no chance against what people experience daily.
It's almost as if no one at the NYT has ever gone to a public school or taken mass transit or walked down a city street.
Powerful.
I was framed by a white police officer at the age of 12 for fireworks that I never had
my mom keeps telling me police are good. anyways i have no one to talk to and out of desperation i use her sometimes but she is a republican or that is her new goal so far and it is not even in her best interest to really like the police since that is who is specifically targeting me. i guess it is not fair to judge a whole occupation based on a major mistake a few employes did to your family member but still. my mom is voting for a political party that is not even in her own favor at all. growing up she had so much psotivie and ignorance to world problems. if there is a discussion about life she defends governmental imperfection rather then focus on the error of any bully culture in a particular institution. and it took really long for her to get to the point to admittance that the ERITREAN community so that is an people from a specific african country. so i had to break it down to her that their culture is not helping them blend themselves in america that well. anyways so sometimes i wonder if black culture in america is even a good thing. nigerian is ok culture as long as your christian and not muslim. i dont know if i would say the best but they are traditionally assumed to be better behaved in america then african americans. mexicans do not turn out that well in america from my analysis observation they come with problems. and not to say whites do not have problems but it is slightly more hidden. i was not really raised with any particular cultures so i can not identify much with what. it was not a healthy upbringing it was not good the way i was raised.
Nicholas Perez - i am not autistic and your clearly a republican ok so that is why you attack me. anyways i never said republicans are bad i just said they are not the best for low income people which most blacks in america are in comparison to other races. it makes sense since republicans lower taxes for the upper middle class and rich while democrats lower taxes for the poor and higher tax for upper middle class and/or rich. so anyways just cause i disagree with my mom does not mean i am wrong. anyways your last name is perez which i know is latino origin but your skin looks almost black cause your probably african american since you speak english conversing with me here. anyways i am entitle to my own opinion. anyways alot of donald trump supporters are racists or lower middle class whites not highly educated folks support him even though he wants to lower tax for rich lower then all other candidates for this election has he acts so crazy rich folks are scared of him tanking the economy so they would rather vote for another republican candidates but since they have no choice and he is the only republican candidate left for president most republicans are gong to vote for him though they do not think he is the best. many republicans look down at donald trump and do not see him as normal or good representation of their GOP so anyways i am right about that. you are ignorant that cops are mean and abusiv to random people just cause they want to make some money so anyways african americans have problems and republicans only want to spank them they do not actually want to help them from destroying themselves in the best way possible. so anyways republicans want to penalize they do not actually want to rehabilitate and make sure the person becomes better they just want to inflict unnecessary pain. and criminals aint nice people i am not debating that but your already rather harsh regardless if you have a criminal past or not your behavior is questionable and looks to you as a possible suspect of yourself and deteriorating moral values but whatever going around insulting a good person like myself with correct information is all that proves about you. do not comment back to me ever.
Nicholas Perez - you are so dumb so stop replying messages to me it only proves how racist you really are and your attraction to the white supremacy
Nicholas Perez - when you said your athiest that explained everything all your stupidity all at once. actually you make yourself look like an idiot wth your responses but the fastest way to know that you want to be white that is it you dont have an interest in your cuban community. anyways latinos like brazillans or dominicans , puerto ricans and other latin americans have a black presence as well for the most part they are dominated almost entirely by latinos so you might be african as well though you claim cuban ancestry you only named your country you did not give me a specific ethnic origin but i dont care what you are anyways. you might as well call yourself a criminal you are a bully and a bad person so leave me alone you abuser. i can block you if you keep this up
Heaven George I know this is late (1 year) I don't know how old you are, but from what I'm reading, you've got your head on pretty straight. Your reading of the world around you is better than some adults. Your mother, even though you don't agree with her clearly raised you to be an intelligent and observant young person. Maybe, because she is older, she does not see the problems with police and violence. Your understanding as a young person of color, stepping out into this world is correct. I am an African American woman and I see the difference in the treatment of people of color constantly. Don't be afraid, just be AWARE. Your understanding is correct. If you believe in God, stay prayerful. I wish I didn't have to tell you that you that you're right. People are doing things to change this situation- it's been with America for centuries. Hopefully, soon we'll change it. I'm sorry that you and other young people of color have to go thru this. There are good people in every culture, just use your great judgement to determine who's who. Don't fall for stereotypes, America is rife with them.
If you ever need someone to talk to that is not a republican, I am here for you. ☺️
this was so beautiful
This breaks my heart. Truly.
The guy in the off-white sweater is really well-spoken!