Black People Need to Teach White People How to Treat Them

Summary

The author expresses frustration over the expectation that Black people should educate white people on basic human decency and equality, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of past and present injustices, and advocates for reparations and respect for Black individuals' rights and humanity.

Abstract

The article titled "Black People Need to Teach White People How to Treat Them — Really?" reflects on the absurdity of Black individuals being expected to instruct others on fundamental human respect. The author likens the statement to a racial slur, questioning why Black people should have to specify how they wish to be treated when basic human decency should suffice. Historical injustices, from slavery to modern-day systemic inequalities, are cited as evidence of the long-standing struggle for fair treatment. The author calls for an apology, reparations, and the restoration of rights, including the right to live without prejudice, receive equal educational and job opportunities, and enjoy the freedom to pursue happiness without discrimination. The piece underscores the common humanity of all people, regardless of race, and urges a focus on global issues rather than perpetuating divisive conversations.

Opinions

The author views the expectation for Black people to teach white people about respectful treatment as demeaning and indicative of a lack of

Black People Need to Teach White People How to Treat Them — Really?

Photo by kko699 at Pixabay.com

S-p-e-e-c-h-less! Hearing this statement made me feel like my pet when he doesn’t understand what he is seeing right in front of him. He turns his head to the left and then to the right and then left again. I imagine at times that he is thinking ‘what the hell is this’?

I see this statement as a racial slur. Now I know for some of you deep thinkers this isn’t going over too well. I mean you are probably saying that you don’t understand how I can feel this way. Well, let me ask you a few questions. (1) When the postman delivers your packages does he say to you, “Now this is how you are supposed to treat me when I deliver your mail?” (2) What about your neighbor? Does your neighbor tell you how to treat them as your neighbor? (3)Does the grocery store clerk tell you how to treat them when he or she bags your groceries? (4) What about the people at your local church? I wonder if you ask your friends, co-workers, and family members how you should treat them. Based on this statement, it is almost as if human decency is not a consideration for Blacks.

A human being should not have to teach the basics of humanity to another human being. I can recall a statement that says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. One would think that this statement would be sufficient. In fact down through many, many years, we have been trying to tell whites how to treat us. From the time that we were stolen, seen as property, whipped, excluded from having basic necessities, given poor education, and not given the reparations that others enjoy as a result of their mistreatment, — we have been saying that this is wrong and needs to be rectified.

When I consider the reasons we were so thoroughly exploited and abused, I cannot truly see how you can ever make up for what not only your ancestors have done, but what you continue to allow.

Since this is necessary for you though — let’s start with an apology for the atrocities. Once we receive an apology then move to give reparations to the descendants. Next, either give us back our land or allow us to exodus and make our own way. Allow us to enjoy our inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with no strings attached.

This photo does not require annotation as it is before copyright necessity

Let us enjoy all the benefits of being a human being. Let us shop in stores and not be followed around as if we are going to steal the building. Let us drive nice cars and not be harassed. Let our children receive the same benefits in education with all the same available resources. Let us receive the same classification when it comes to job opportunities.

Treat us like you treat yourselves — with dignity and respect. Take the time to know Blacks as individuals rather than using preconceived presumptions and imposing that on us collectively. All Blacks don’t like fried chicken and watermelon.

We are people just like you. We bleed just like you bleed. We have feelings just like you have feelings. We have wants, fears, and desires just like you do. We are not aliens.

When social distancing first came about I laughed and jokingly said that it would definitely be easy for us because we have been distanced to some degree all of our existence. I also remember thinking how strange it was to be told to “wash our hands” as this is inbred in us. We would not dare go into the kitchen and touch anything without having washed our hands. In fact, growing up, when you came in from school you had to bathe and change out of your school clothes before you did anything else in the house.

We are all trying to get through this thing called life and living. In light of the present climate, we should all be concerned with where things are heading on a global level rather than having petty discussions. See what needs to be changed and change it!