I hope this doesn't open a can of worms (but it probably will).
I usually would stick this in my personal FB account, but if you follow AfroDaddy, it's good to know how I feel about some things:
What's happening today reminds me of why I'm so anxious for my boys growing up in this country. The reality is, I want to take them away from this place where racism is ignored, where the long-term effects of Apartheid are ignored, where after 23 years, we have still seen no work being done by the people with the privilege and the power and the wealth to change the status quo.
It's a place where black bodies are of lesser value. Look. I don't want to get into a debate about #BlackMonday. But in response to the events today I am reminded of some things that I am certain I want my boys to know:
All people are valuable, and all need to be treated with respect.
We live in a society where some groups are marginalised and these groups need to be fought for.
As men, they have privilege. That privilege needs to be used to make changes for those who need it most.
The world is not going to like them, because of the colour of their skin. This includes potential future teachers, school mates, parents of friends and strangers in the street.
The above is not their fault, and they are allowed to be angry about it.
Most importantly, they have to be better than the unthinking and uncaring people that are all around them. They have to be. This city, this country, this world, depends on them. I hope I can be the dad they will need to help be those people.
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