Issues pertaining to racial discrimination against people of colour (especially blacks) in the United States is a very delicate and volatile one. Almost day in day out in the news, we hear of several such cases with some aggravating to fatal consequences for the not-so-lucky victims.
In light of this, some black parents, in a bid to protect their kids and also guide them as to how to behave when they find themselves in situations like this have the “talk” with them. In as much as having to tell your young kid, he/she may be profiled or discriminated against because of his/her skin colour may be uncomfortable, it is just about the right to do because that’s the reality of the situation. There are even instances where black immigrant parents from Africa, who as a result of past experiences find themselves in a dilemma of choosing where to raise their kids. In a tweet shared by Brandon Stanton, the author of Humans of New York, a Ghanaian professor who got his PhD in West Virginia candidly spoke about how he and his wife contemplated on where to raise their son.
Read his sentiments and the final decision they took below: “We had a big discussion about whether to raise him in Africa or move to the states. We both grew up in Ghana. But I got my PhD in West Virginia, so moving to America was an option. The job opportunities would certainly be better there. Both of us are professors, and you’d probably laugh if you knew what we got paid here. Healthcare would be better too. You don’t hear of people dying in America because they can’t find an open hospital bed. But despite these things, we decided to raise our son here. Because he’d never have to think about the colour of his skin. We never have to explain what it means to be black. Or the rules of being black.
One day in West Virginia I got an Amber Alert on my phone. All it said was: ‘tall black male.’ I was the only one in sight so I nearly panicked. Then another day I was walking to my dormitory. I’d just finished teaching a course. Someone drove by in a red truck, threw a hamburger at my head, and called me the ‘N Word.’ It was at 3 O’clock in the afternoon. I don’t want to explain that stuff to my child. It’s exhausting to be conscious of your skin all the time. You either become militant or you become defeated. And I understand why it happens, but extremes
In light of this, some black parents, in a bid to protect their kids and also guide them as to how to behave when they find themselves in situations like this have the “talk” with them. In as much as having to tell your young kid, he/she may be profiled or discriminated against because of his/her skin colour may be uncomfortable, it is just about the right to do because that’s the reality of the situation. There are even instances where black immigrant parents from Africa, who as a result of past experiences find themselves in a dilemma of choosing where to raise their kids. In a tweet shared by Brandon Stanton, the author of Humans of New York, a Ghanaian professor who got his PhD in West Virginia candidly spoke about how he and his wife contemplated on where to raise their son.
Read his sentiments and the final decision they took below: “We had a big discussion about whether to raise him in Africa or move to the states. We both grew up in Ghana. But I got my PhD in West Virginia, so moving to America was an option. The job opportunities would certainly be better there. Both of us are professors, and you’d probably laugh if you knew what we got paid here. Healthcare would be better too. You don’t hear of people dying in America because they can’t find an open hospital bed. But despite these things, we decided to raise our son here. Because he’d never have to think about the colour of his skin. We never have to explain what it means to be black. Or the rules of being black.
One day in West Virginia I got an Amber Alert on my phone. All it said was: ‘tall black male.’ I was the only one in sight so I nearly panicked. Then another day I was walking to my dormitory. I’d just finished teaching a course. Someone drove by in a red truck, threw a hamburger at my head, and called me the ‘N Word.’ It was at 3 O’clock in the afternoon. I don’t want to explain that stuff to my child. It’s exhausting to be conscious of your skin all the time. You either become militant or you become defeated. And I understand why it happens, but extremes
Krys Russell-Morris@krysgos Replying to @humansofny
They could have a better life in America until he realized that they could not because of skin color.This is just so wrong.I apologize to you and your family. From Americans that aren’t racist douche bags. I’m raising my children to be better with good hearts. Change is coming.
UKPAKA@RealBuch1Replying to @humansofny
Africans must begin to apply all they have learnt into building a civilisation in Africa not staying abroad for the sake money. Only this way can all blacks whether in America or Africa be respected globally. Good decision!
Taddeo Muriuki@tmuriuki Replying to @humansofny
I can totally relate to this story having gone to college in North Carolina and Alabama.
Tatianna Irizarry-Melendez
(@TatiaMelendez)-The riches of your knowledge and culture would’ve made a great impact in this country. I am so sorry you were treated like this. People refuse to see the reality of it all. Is it really necessary to reject someone like this? To make them be afraid of moving to this country?
(@TatiaMelendez)-The riches of your knowledge and culture would’ve made a great impact in this country. I am so sorry you were treated like this. People refuse to see the reality of it all. Is it really necessary to reject someone like this? To make them be afraid of moving to this country?
nyansapo@mbnsfit Replying to @humansofny @afua_en
I applaud you and your wife for being so brave, honest and candid about such a sensitive subject. The black family is under threat in the US and UK, where I lived for over 20 years before moving back. You've earned a new fan. Many of us will be rooting for your success.
RICO 
SUAVE@moovenroosevelt Replying to @humansofny
SUAVE@moovenroosevelt Replying to @humansofny
Great choice. My dad raised us in Ghana until we were old enough. He had the same fears for us because he had experienced much worse.
Falloon@sfalloon1 Replying to @moovenroosevelt @humansofny
I was raised in the Caribbean for similar reasons, moved back as an adult. I am greatful 4 the choice my parents made. I still remover my father sitting me down & telling me, “U are black...” I didn’t understand why. I knew I was black but here it took on a whole new meaning.
Saharish Khaliq@saharish_khaliq Replying to @humansofny
That’s the wise choice you made .... being comfortable in your own skin at your very own place .. discrimination carried out on basis of skin color ... it’s pathetic well good luck to you happy family 
Have ever been in this situation before? If you ever find yourself in this dilemma, what would you do?
Have ever been in this situation before? If you ever find yourself in this dilemma, what would you do?