Racism Happens To Rich Black People Too

Summary

Racism persistently affects Black individuals in the United States, including the affluent, as evidenced by the personal account of Gary Owen's wife's experience with racial profiling on Delta Airlines.

Abstract

The article underscores the pervasive nature of racism in America, affecting Black individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status. It highlights a specific incident where Kenya Duke, the Black wife of White comedian Gary Owen, was racially profiled by a Delta Airlines gate agent who questioned her presence in the first-class line. Despite Owen's extensive travel history with Delta, this event illustrates the daily discrimination faced by Black people, including successful individuals. The piece emphasizes that racism is not just an issue for the less fortunate but a systemic problem that touches the lives of the wealthy and famous. It also acknowledges the existence of many White allies against racism but stresses the need for continued efforts by White individuals to combat racial prejudice within their circles.

Opinions

Racism is a significant issue in the U.S., disproportionately affecting Black individuals, including the wealthy.
Black people, regardless of their financial success, are warned by their peers to be cautious in various social settings due to the likelihood of racial profiling and discrimination.
The personal experience of Gary Owen's wife with Delta Airlines is presented as a clear example of racial profiling based on her race.
There is an expectation that successful individuals, like Owen who has flown nearly three million miles with Delta, should not encounter such discriminatory treatment.
Delta Airlines responded to the complaint, asserting their intolerance for discrimination of any kind.
The article suggests that many White people may not fully understand the daily racial challenges faced by Black people and other minorities.
It is implied that White individuals have a responsibility to address and help eradicate racism within their own communities.
The article supports movements that advocate for better race relations and the importance of acknowledging that Black lives matter.

It is something that is all too common

Rich and successful Black people may be targets too

Racism is a very real problem in the United States. It is talked about frequently on television news and talk shows. Racism happens to people in other races also, but Black people suffer from the most racism. It is often worse to Black people and can happen to the rich as well as the ordinary people from regular neighborhoods.

Magic Johnson and others who have definitely “made it” as far as finances and economics are concerned still warn their sons that they may be the targets of racism and racial profiling. They teach their children to be careful in stores and in encounters with the police because they are likely to be treated differently (worse) than their White counterparts.

I had never heard of an American actor and comedian named Gary Owen, but I came across a video of his one day just by chance. In deciding to learn more about him and checking on the Internet, I found that Owen is a White performer with a Black wife. He got his first break reportedly on Black Entertainment Television in 1997. It was on their stand-up showcase Comic View. He has since been in films. Owen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is forty-six years old. His wife is Kenya Duke. [Wikipedia]

Owen reported on social media in March 2019 that his wife was racially profiled when she was traveling on Delta Airlines. The agent working at the gate at the Cincinnati Aiport called for people to line up for first class. Owen’s wife got in the line with their daughter. The agent asked her, “Oh, are you in first?” His wife replied that she was and asked him if he were going to ask the guy behind her the same question. He answered no that he was not going to ask the same question to the White man. When Owen’s wife asked why, the agent said, “Cause I don’t feel like it.”

That was a clear case of racial profiling simply because she was a Black woman. The agent just assumed that she would not be riding in first class. Owen complained to Delta Airlines saying that he had flown almost three million miles on Delta. He did not feel that his wife should have been treated in that manner. Delta did respond saying that they do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

Cases like this happen to Black people everyday. The rich and successful are often impacted just as are those who are trying to live ordinary, quiet lives in regular cities and towns throughout the United States.

Black people and other minorities may face racial profiling whenever they step into a store where White people are working. Racism happens too much to too many innocent people.

There are many good White people who are against racism. Most White people probably have no idea what Black people and other minorities face daily with regards to racism.

Race relations matter. Black Lives Matter. All Lives Matter. Racism is an important issue in life and in politics.

It is important to stop the racism that exists. White people need to work on themselves, their families, and their friends to end it.

[Source: Internet, Instagram, Wikipedia]