This week, an 8-year-old biracial boy in Claremont, New Hampshire, was subjected to a horrific act: he was hanged by a group of white teenagers. In America. In 2017. Fortunately, he survived. Thank goodness.
As a mother of a biracial son, this incident has shaken me to my very core. That innocent child, with his sweet smile, could easily have been my own. I find myself constantly aware of how society perceives my son. This awareness isn’t rooted in paranoia, but in the painful reality that such tragedies can and do occur.
While we live in a diverse neighborhood in Los Angeles, the specter of racism still looms large. As a Black woman, I’ve always understood this truth, but it weighs heavier on me now that I am a parent. My son is only four and hasn’t yet started school, but the thought of sending him into a world where I can’t protect him is terrifying—especially when I hear stories like this. The incident unfolded with no adults present, a grim reminder that such actions likely happen in schoolyards and parks across the nation, often without any recognition.
How do I explain to my young son that there are people who may not accept him simply because of the color of his skin? At his age, he doesn’t yet comprehend the gravity of these issues, but what about an 8-year-old who is beginning to understand that he is different? It’s heartbreaking that we have to prepare our children for the possibility of rejection or worse, violence, based solely on their race. In 2017, that should not be the case.
The most disheartening aspect of this situation, aside from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon that innocent boy, is the dismissive attitude of local authorities. The police chief has downplayed the gravity of this crime, attributing it to teenage antics. “We don’t want things to follow kids throughout their life,” he stated. This is a clear example of how white supremacy operates—when white youth commit heinous acts, they are often infantilized and treated as if their actions are mere mistakes.
Let’s be clear: hanging a child is not a trivial error or a result of “boys being boys.” It is a violent crime that could have led to that child’s death. If the perpetrators had been Black, the narrative would be drastically different. This glaring double standard permeates our society.
We saw this when Tamir Rice was shot dead by police for merely holding a toy gun, or when Michael Brown was labeled a “thug” after being shot multiple times. Trayvon Martin was a boy holding Skittles, yet he was labeled a threat. In stark contrast, these white teenagers are often regarded as “good kids” who simply made a mistake.
The truth is, white supremacy protects its own. The police chief’s statement indicates that no further information will be shared regarding potential charges, and given the patterns we’ve seen before, it is unlikely that these boys will face any consequences. The family of the victim is now considering relocating due to safety concerns—a tragedy in itself, as they become the victims forced to leave their home.
Racism is an insidious force that transcends boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate based on character; it simply discriminates based on skin color. It breaks my heart as a mother to think that I will have to inform my four-year-old son that some people may want to harm him due to the color of his skin.
Since the events of November, it appears that acts of violence fueled by racism are becoming more frequent, often emboldened by the current political climate. White supremacists are increasingly feeling empowered, and many are let off the hook because of their race. Racism and hate are not innate; they are learned behaviors that must be unlearned.
It is imperative for those in positions of privilege to take action. Speak out against hate, educate your children, and foster an environment of understanding and acceptance. The lives of children like my son depend on it.
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Summary
The recent incident involving an 8-year-old biracial boy in New Hampshire highlights the persistent issue of racism and violence in America. As a mother, the author expresses deep concern for her son’s safety and the double standards in how society treats crimes based on race. This article calls for awareness and action among those in privileged positions to combat hate and promote understanding.