It has been said that racism will never end unless whites begin to acknowledge it. But before any of that can happen, they must first acknowledge the reality of White Privilege. The reality that there are two Americas: one for whites, another for minorities--especially where law enforcement is concerned.
Some examples? Like having your van full of children shot at during a traffic stop. Being followed around stores. Getting stopped for walking in 33 degree weather on Thanksgiving day with your hands in your pockets. Getting shot for holding a BB gun in a store, an air gun in the park, or a Samurai sword. And in some instances, being killed holding a weapon in states with open carry laws while. Or worse, having your death filmed, presented to a Grand Jury, and yet your killer walks.
Yes, the beginning of the real discussion about racism must start with White Privilege, and it looks like an honest discussion has begun on Twitter. Go below the fold and read some interesting tweets that have been popping up by the hundreds under the trending hashtag: #CrimingWhileWhite
Hundreds of white Twitter users have been tweeting about things they've gotten away with when confronted with police officials. It's a real eye opener.
And now for some reactions to CrimingWhileWhite from some minority Twitter users:
And finally:
UPDATE: Media Takes Note of #CrimingWhileWhite
‘Criming While White’: Twitter reacts to Garner decision with tales of white privilege (Raw Story)
#Crimingwhilewhite puts focus on police and race (USA Today)
#CrimingWhileWhite Explodes On Twitter Following Eric Garner Decision (Huffington Post)
UPDATE: Wed Dec 03, 2014 at 10:30 PM PT: Sadly, another unarmed black man has been killed by a police officer.