Mom Asks When Her Black Son Will Stop Being 'Cute' In Powerful FB Post

In the aftermath of the tragic violence in Baton Rouge, Dallas and Minnesota, a mom’s Facebook post is reminding readers about the impact of systemic racism on young black children. On July 7, Monica Park Johnson posted a photo of her almost 2-year-old son Kai on Facebook, along with a powerful caption. Speaking from Kai’s perspective she wrote, “I’m so cute now. Everyone comments on my beautiful skin, my adorable curls.” “But I ask you this ― what about when I’m 25, and my skin gets darker, my curls get tighter ... I’m wearing baggy pants, maybe a hoodie or a baseball cap ... will you lock your car doors when I cross the street?” she added. “Will you embrace and welcome me when I’m a full grown black man? ... Will my life be as precious to you then as it is now, while I’m deemed harmless and not intimidating?” In the post, Johnson, who is white, points out the double standard in the way police officers tend to treat her, compared with her husband, who is black. She calls on others to consider the assumptions they make based on race. “Think about the human beings you are judging,” she wrote. “Think about them being someone’s sweet baby, someone’s big brother, someone’s nephew or niece. This is not about just police. This is about all of us and how we shape our opinions and views of the world and its people. Our children are watching.” Johnson...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news