So far, since the non-indictment was not handed down, I've blocked no less than 10 friends of friends on Facebook. I am horribly aware of my privilege this morning thanks to these bad examples.
Come over the jump for some ways in which I'm aware of my privilege this morning, as a white male living in a liberal area of the United States.
Because I am white, I have the privilege of being appalled about what happened, instead of afraid that it will happen to me.
Because I am white, I have the privilege of being outraged that it happened, instead of frightened that it will happen to me.
Because I am white, I have the privilege of being sad that it happened, instead of scared that it will happen to me.
Because I am white, I have the privilege of being ashamed that it happened, instead of terrified that it will happen to me.
Black men in this country between the ages of 14 and 22 have a 10 to 30 times higher chance of being shot to death than any other group. Chew on that for a while. Think about the fact that if you're white, you aren't nearly as much in danger as black men are.
Being appalled, outraged, sad and ashamed is infinitely preferable to (not to mention much safer than) being afraid, frightened, scared and terrified. I am aware of how unfair it is that I get to be appalled, outraged, sad and ashamed while black men and their loved ones have to be afraid, frightened, scared and terrified.
If you are white, these are the privileges you have, too. Admit it and own it. And then do something about it.
Every time this happens we should be saying "Never again." Never again another Mike Brown. Never again another Trayvon Martin. Never again another Tamir Rice. Never again another Eric Garner.
But it keeps happening, and you know why? Because white people can't be bothered to make the system include people who are not white. That's why.
I hope that this time, we will finally be shaken out of our privileged complacency.
And if you are white, and you do not feel at least appalled, outraged, sad and ashamed, then you're part of the problem.