Holy shit. I just read the 90-some responses and I’d guess that close to half of them attempt to invalidate Dominique and her perception of the situation. Did y’all not read the entire article? STOP POLICING HER RESPONSES. Two things, smarter-than-thou white people who have never walked in her shoes:
- Feelings aren’t right or wrong, they just are. My kids know this! When your white friends are all distraught and tell you why, you know your job is to commiserate — NOT point out how they might be wrong (I know this, I’m white). Why can you not extend this same courtesy to Dominique??? Is she less worthy of your sympathy? Why would that be?
- Lots of you have pointed out that the police might have been lazy or scared, but not racist — as if those are any better? Will you be comfortable with her anger as long as racism isn’t involved? Why are you so invested in discrediting her perceptions? I’m willing to bet that she has a whole lot more experience with racism than you do.
- Say she is wrong about their motives — I’ve had police drive by, as well. It happens. On the other hand, unarmed blacks are killed by police at more than double the rate of whites, when controlled for population size. They’re pulled over more, arrested more, convicted more and for longer. So maybe — maybe — this time had nothing to do with race; but as often as not it is. She can never not suspect it. And that alone justifies her reaction.
My mom was once in an accident where the police did show up. It was my mom’s fault, but the officer suggested that she blame the other driver: “Who’s going to believe a truck full of Mexicans against a white woman?” My mother was absolutely furious. Dominique, you obviously don’t need me to validate your anger. My only suggestion would that you didn’t push it hard enough; you should be upset that any so-called moral, compassionate human being of any color isn’t equally furious.
