Rules for Minority Living
A note to my sons and daughter
Below are notes on how to live in a not - quite post-racial America.
Dress properly.
Tuck your shirts in and put away your baseball caps.
Do not make direct eye contact with authority figures.
Speak proper English.
Boys, don’t express anger in public because you will be labeled an angry minority.
Expect cops and security guards to follow you around malls, department stores, etc. It’s standard procedure.
Don’t forget to address everyone by “sir” or “ma’am”.
Please note: The world will tell you that there are places where you do not belong. Any attempt to enter these locations will result in strange looks, general bewilderment and, on occasion, a gentle escorting off the premises.
Any connection to your racial or ethnic heritage will be considered anti-American. Proceed with caution.
If you are bilingual, be cognizant of when and where you choose to use your skills.
Don’t walk alone after sunset.
Don’t cover your eyes with sunglasses. You will be labeled as threatening and defiant.
Do not travel in groups larger than 4 people. Groups larger than 4 will be referred to as gangs by the outside world.
You may be randomly stopped and searched because the color of your skin reek of suspicion.
People might choose to cross the street to avoid you.
Most important of all: Don’t forget who you are and your worth, even when others try to take that away from you.
