Updated: May 10, 2021
Originally Published: June 2, 2020
Recently, I shared an article titled Why I Choose Not to Walk Alone, and I was genuinely touched by the warm and supportive feedback I received. This week has been challenging (for reasons that should be clear), yet many of your messages have restored my faith in humanity. Thank you for that.
After the article went live, I was inundated with messages. While I can’t respond to each one individually, I noticed some recurring questions, so I’ve decided to address the seven most common ones below. If you haven’t read Why I Choose Not to Walk Alone, I encourage you to start there. If you have, feel free to dive into the questions or scroll to one that piques your interest. There’s much to discuss, so let’s get started:
-
“If you’re so uncomfortable in your neighborhood, why not just move?”
I never labeled my neighborhood as “awful”—it’s much like any other community in the U.S. However, I did express that I feel anxious walking alone in my area. I cherish my neighbors, many of whom have become personal friends. Still, living in a city like Los Angeles means I don’t know everyone in my vicinity.
In recent years, I’ve experienced unsettling situations during longer walks with my dog, where people would cross the street to avoid passing me. I’ve noticed folks peering through their windows, phone in hand, while I simply try to enjoy a breath of fresh air. This kind of treatment isn’t rare for Black men, and it’s tough to convey the “death by a thousand paper cuts” feeling that often accompanies these experiences. As someone who is highly sensitive, it is draining—almost soul-crushing.
When I’m out with my adorable dog or my equally lovely daughters, I’m still on guard. Walking alone? That could attract the wrong kind of attention from a concerned homeowner or an overzealous police officer. My priority in life is ensuring the safety of my family, so I always choose to walk with my girls and/or my dog in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
(And if you’re thinking, “Well, just take off your mask if you don’t want to seem threatening,” you’ve missed the point completely.)
-
“I respond to Black Lives Matter by saying ‘All Lives Matter.’ Why shouldn’t I?”
Let’s consider this: if I broke my ankle playing basketball and went to the doctor, only for him to respond, “ALL bones matter,” that would be dismissive and frankly malpractice, right? Sure, all bones are important, but right now, my ankle needs urgent care. This isn’t the moment to discuss the other bones.
In essence, all lives can’t matter until Black lives matter.
-
“I understand the frustration, but how does rioting help the cause?”
That’s a valid question. Let’s unpack it.
There’s a clear pattern of unarmed Black individuals being killed by police. I propose a framework for understanding the levels of outrage (which I’ve whimsically dubbed “Jamie’s levels of outrage”):
- Level 1: Trusting the authorities to address the violence (ineffective).
- Level 2: Peaceful protests to express discontent (also ineffective).
- Level 3: Athletes kneeling during the anthem to spotlight police brutality. This garnered attention but was quickly misinterpreted.
- Level 4: Rioting. After exhausting other avenues, people feel unheard and resort to drastic measures to make their voices heard.
This isn’t a justification for rioting. It’s illegal and should be prosecuted, just as the police brutality that incites it must be. But it’s important to understand the context behind the anger. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “a riot is the language of the unheard.”
-
“I don’t see color in people; I consider myself colorblind. What’s the issue with that?”
There’s a significant problem with this perspective. I’m not talking about those with vision impairments. I’m addressing individuals who believe being “blind” to race is a virtue.
Colorblindness often leads to ignorance, as it ignores our differences. If you don’t recognize my race, culture, and heritage, how can you truly see me? I’m Jamie Thompson, proud son of a West African father and a Mississippi mother. My identity shapes my experiences, and acknowledging these differences fosters deeper connections.
-
“I still don’t grasp white privilege. What advantages do you have that I don’t?”
Here’s a recent example: A well-meaning neighbor asked me to collect his Amazon packages while he was away. For me, the thought of going to a house I don’t own, picking up packages that aren’t mine, and returning home could lead to serious misunderstandings. As a white man, you might not think twice about such a request, but it’s a daily consideration for me.
White privilege doesn’t imply that life is easy; it just means that your skin color doesn’t add to your challenges.
-
“I’m tired of hearing about Black outrage over a few bad cops. What about Black-on-Black crime?”
This question frustrates me because it’s rarely posed in good faith, but I’ll address it nonetheless.
Yes, Black individuals kill other Black individuals at high rates—about 90% of Black murder victims are killed by Black assailants. However, white individuals kill other white individuals at similarly high rates. This is due to the nature of violent crime, which often occurs within familiar circles.
Here’s why this argument is misguided: it distracts from the real issue of police brutality. If a Black man killed a white person, would it be appropriate to respond with, “What about white-on-white crime?” No, that would be insensitive!
Moreover, when Black individuals commit crimes, they are usually prosecuted. The same cannot be said for police who kill unarmed Black individuals. It’s crucial to recognize that there are many initiatives aimed at reducing violence in communities affected by crime, but they often don’t make headlines. To suggest we aren’t outraged by violence within our communities is simply false.
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out our other blog post here. Also, for a solid understanding of pregnancy options, visit Healthline. If you’re considering self-insemination, Make a Mom offers excellent resources.
Summary:
In this article, I addressed seven common questions about racism, unpacking the nuances behind each one. From the importance of recognizing racial differences to the complexities of white privilege and community violence, understanding these topics is crucial for meaningful dialogue.
Keyphrase: Tough Questions About Racism
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]