I Hate To Tell You This, But America Is Racist

Dear America: You have a racist problem. And from a biracial person”s perspective, you need a makeover.

You need some blush with a side of self-awareness. In fact, you need to borrow my favorite lipstick shade called How to Be Better.

Being a racist and dealing with racism is nothing new for you. You have dealt with it for centuries. Over the years, you’ve shown the ugly side of yourself, and for you, there is no end in sight. This is the sad truth. 

Who does this disease affect? 

It affects too many people, from east coast to west, north to south. Racist individuals supported by racist policies are burying this country in its dangerous and oppressing rhetoric. Those in power, like white cops, have had your disease passed down from generations of their families and uplifted by a racist power structure that continues to tyrannize BIPOC people without repercussion. 

They are not born with it. No, people teach them about it. They’ve ingrained racism in people and the systems meant to uphold for years. These officers took an oath to protect us, but look at who has died at the hands of this horrific disease: Ahmad Aubrey, Michael Brown, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, and countless others. 

Why do I say these individuals’ names? Because someone has to. 

Your track record for ignoring the real change that needs to happen to cure this horrible disease is pretty dismal. There is anger and outrage in the media, and then you move on to the next thing. You stop talking about them because something else has happened, but for their families, this will always be the most horrific event they have experienced and one they will never forget. So, why should you? The saddest part of this whole thing is what connects all these people and countless others who have died: they are all Black and were killed by people with this disease.

On top of that, it’s nearly impossible for justice to be done for these families; most of the time, racism wins. Unions protect cops and let them off the hook, back on the streets, only to do it again. The man who murdered George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, had 18 complaints against him – 18! You see this horrific cycle year after year, decade after decade, and you are numb to it. I am not, though. It makes my blood boil every time, and it should make yours, too, but it won’t. You know why, America? Because you have a racism problem, and the people being murdered aren’t white or privileged; they are poor and Black, dying just because of their skin color or social status. I feel sorry for You; I honestly do. You should be ashamed of yourself.

As a biracial person, I have seen this sickness unfold over the years on TV; I have heard stories and witnessed its infection. Every time I see it on TV, I get angry and sad. This is the roller coaster of emotions I go on repeatedly because it’s not right, and it feels like there is no end in sight. 

In recent years, this disease has affected me, too.

A cop pulled one of my best friends over, while I was in the car, and the cop asked my friend, not me, “Who is she to you?” while shining a flashlight in my eye. It’s a fear I live with every day.

So, what are you going to do about this? I have a suggestion that you’re not going to like: It’s time to recognize that we aren’t “making everything about race.” Don’t blame those who’ve survived genocide, who’ve experienced racism, who’ve sacrificed everything for justice for having scars and pointing out the cracks in the system that still exists. It needs to be talked about until something is done!

Maybe if you would be willing to do that and accept that you have a severe problem, we could take the first step to tackle the issue head-on and start the recovery process. Once that happens, we will begin to see a healthier side of you that you not only deserve because taking care of yourself is essential, and WE deserve it.

Look, America, it’s 2024. This sickness is spreading. It’s everywhere! 

It’s so sad and needs to stop! You need to take a good hard look at yourself in the minor and say goodbye to this look. Get something that works for you and everyone because let’s be real here. Once you get a new look and the help you need, you will be in a better all-around state of mind. We need to get to a place where generations can live in a better, healthier America than we do now.

Featured image via Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash