Latte With A Shot of Racism
This most recent incident shows us that racism is still alive and well.
On April 12th, two African-American men were arrested inside a Philadelphia Starbucks. Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson were waiting on their business partner Andrew Yaffe to discuss their latest business venture together. However, things took a turn for the worst when the manager called the police on Nelson and Robinson claiming they’ve caused a *disturbance* inside the shop. Things quickly began to escalate when the police arrived and asked the two gentlemen to leave the City Center Starbucks for the *disturbance* they’ve caused. People from the tables nearby have now focused their attention to the situation at hand. Immediately defending the both men that were falsely accused of causing a disturbance inside the store. However, both gentlemen were arrested and placed in jail where they were fingerprinted and held. Eight hours later Nelson and Robison are released without charges being pressed, putting an end to their hectic ordeal.
Though this may seem like an isolated incident, this isn’t the first time African-Americans have experienced a situation similar to Rashon and Donte’s. from sitting in a Starbucks to waiting for a group of friends at a restaurant, we can be profiled the moment we walk in. An experience that African-Americans are faced with when they step foot out in public. This situation has not only made me limit my trips to Starbucks, it also reminded me that racism is still alive and well in America.
Regardless of economic status, educational background, age and gender, African-Americans still experience some of racism in today’s society. Showing that some white people still see African-Americans as less than or that we pose a *threat* to society. I remember the time that my father and I walked into Tiffany’s to buy my mother a Christmas present. My father and I were looking at perfume that we were wanting to purchase, while this was happening I felt an unsettling presence. I noticed that we not only being watched, we were also being followed throughout the store. Similar to the Starbucks situation both my father and I were being profiled because of our skin tone. Though neither one of us was arrested, it was clear that the people in the store felt as though we didn’t belong inside their store. But in situations like these how are we supposed to react when being treated like this?
If we act in a hostile manner, then we’re seen as the aggressor and pose a threat to one’s safety. If we say nothing, then we’ve justified the persons actions, giving the oppressor the power to have control over us. It creates this sticky situation for African-Americans because its either you try to defend yourself and run the risk of getting killed. Or be the bigger person in hopes of having them realize that you’re more than just your skin color. A problem that many African-Americans have dealt with when dealing with police or being mistreated in public.
It’s clear that in 2018 racism still exists and shows no signs of going anywhere any time soon. Which means more situations like this will arise and will continue to put African-Americans in a vicious cycle of marginalization. Though some may want to believe that racism doesn’t exists anymore, this and other situations be prime examples for them to reflect on. So instead of arresting me because of my skin color, arrest Becky for the stolen scone she has in her purse.
Isaiah D. Johnson is a student a Morehouse college studying political science with a minor in journalism.
