I’m Tired (of Racism)

Summary

Sharon Hurley Hall expresses exhaustion with the pervasive racism she faces as a Black woman, detailing personal experiences with discrimination and the societal expectations that accompany her identity.

Abstract

In her poignant article "I’m Tired (of Racism)," Sharon Hurley Hall articulates the profound fatigue that comes from constantly confronting racism in its various forms. She recounts a lifetime of enduring racial slurs, hair discrimination, stereotyping, and reduced expectations based on her race. Hall describes the emotional toll of being judged by the color of her skin rather than her character or achievements, which include two Masters degrees and over three decades of writing experience. She challenges the media's historical portrayal of Black people, the persistence of systemic oppression, and the complacency of those who claim non-racism without actively opposing racism. Hall's call to action is clear: she implores individuals to educate themselves and do the work to combat racism and white privilege, emphasizing that the burden of this education should not fall solely on those who are its victims.

Opinions

Hall is weary of the racism she encounters, from being called racial slurs to facing discrimination in job interviews.
She is frustrated with the societal preoccupation with her hair, which is policed and deemed unprofessional in its natural state.
She resents the lowered expectations and stereotypes that people project onto her based on her race.
Hall is critical of the media's past and present portrayal of Black people, which she believes perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
She rejects the notion that systemic racism is a relic of the past, asserting that it continues to affect her and others like her.
She calls out those who are passive in the face of racism, stating that inaction makes them part of the problem.
Hall is concerned about being labeled an "angry Black woman" if she speaks out against racial injustices.
She is exasperated by the expectation that she must educate others about racism and white privilege.
Hall encourages self-education on racism and advocates for active anti-racism, urging readers to subscribe to her newsletter for more insights.

I’m Tired (of Racism)

I’m a Black woman, but sometimes I don’t speak about race and racism. Because I’m tired…

Photo by author: Emancipation Statue, Barbados

I’m tired of the color of my skin being a reason to stop me from my daily rounds or, in the US, a mark of death.

I’m tired of the name calling — the first time someone called me a n****r, I was 6 or 7. I can still remember the sting. I’ve been called that word in multiple languages, and it hurts in all of them.

I’m tired of the “problem” of my hair. The nun who ran my primary school in the ’70s took exception to my Afro. “Is it clean, is it neat?”, asked my dad. “If the answer is yes, we have nothing to talk about.” I remember interviewing for a job in the ’80s and being told I’d have to do something about my braided hair if I got the job. Everyone else in the world can wear their hair the way it grows from their head — what makes our hair so different?

I’m tired of the double-take when I walk into an interview — my name could be that of a blue-eyed lass from Ireland. They weren’t expecting to see me. One colleague complained that my name “wasn’t African enough”. Who asked her, anyway?

I’m tired of the reduced expectations — the people who think I’m of lesser intelligence (trust me, I’m not!), and the ones who assume I’ll only be interested in Black issues. I’m a human being and this is my planet, so stuff it! Plus, I’m a polymath — I’m interested in a bunch of things.

I’m tired of people taking one look at my profile picture and thinking I’m worth less, or even worthless. Despite two Masters degrees and more than 30 years of writing experience, some people want to pay me less than entry-level colleagues from outside the Diaspora. I’m not taking it, though. I value myself, even if some don’t value me.

I’m tired of the coverage — the crackheads, thugs, mammies, pimps and drug dealers that were all that represented people like me until a couple of decades ago. And, even though it’s better, there are still plenty of those shaping how people see us. (Why did Denzel win his Oscar for being a dirty cop rather than for any of the other fine characters he played. He was an awesome Malcolm X, but I guess that was too much of a threat?)

I’m tired of the “it was a long time ago” — systematic oppression has no expiry date.

I’m tired of the “I’m not racist because …” — if you’re not explicitly anti-racist, you’re part of the problem.

I’m tired of feeling like if I say how I really feel about inequity and lack of diversity, people will stereotype me as an “angry Black woman”. Yes, I’m a Black woman, and I’m angry about these issues, but it’s not the same thing. I’m tired of more than 50 years of this shit for me, and 400 years of it for people that look like me.

I’m tired of having to educate people who can read and learn about everything else in the world about white privilege, racism and history. Please, just #dothework

When it comes to racism (overt aggresions and microaggressions), there are lots more things I’m tired of, but mostly I’m just tired…

If you found this article interesting or insightful, I invite you to subscribe to my anti-racism newsletter to see more of my articles on racism and anti-racism. You can also read my writing on writing, travel and more on sharonhurleyhall.substack.com

While Black Series

I’m Tired (of Racism)