MY EXPERIENCE WITH RACISM | WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE BLACK?
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2024
- In the wake of events this past two weeks, I wanted to do a video instead about being black in America and to have others share their experiences with racism. Let this be a conversation about growing up black as you listen to others share their experiences and what it's like growing up in the western world. Hopefully you get a small insight into what many experience on all too often basis. I don't expect to learn the science of racism, but we can at least understand those affected by it which is all of us no matter what we look like.
If I see any rude or disrespectful comments left they will be deleted or I will disable comments all together.
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In the wake of events this past two weeks, I wanted to do a video instead about being black in America and to have others share their experiences with racism.
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"Evil flourishes when good people do/say nothing."
This part of the stories resonated with me. We all need to speak up for each other! We need to get involved!
#useyourvoice when you see something wrong. Ask why is this happening. If you are in line and see a minority person being passed over, ask why. Sometimes the minority person can't comprehend what is happening to them and does not want to cause a disturbance. But you see and you know. Say something. Do something. Its time for everyone to put an end to this human divide.
@Mike Polakowski my typical experience is racists posting lies on public forums to support a political agenda.
SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!
Once I entered the work force, I noticed that my White counterparts had less education than I did, but they advanced much quicker than I did. Luckily, I was able to leave the work force and start my own business!
Good for you, what a blessing to have your own!!
Well done 👍🏻 Never let anyone dull ur sparkle ❤
Good for you to realize it was a rigged game and get out of it.
I started my own business too because of all the grief I got at work for my hair had morphed into a neurotic depression that I couldn't escape. (I'm white but my hair is thick and kinky.)
I imagine the humiliation and stress I experienced every day is 1000000% worse for people with dark skin AND kinky hair. I always admire the strength that black women must have in order to just endure working at an office every day.
I hope your business sustains you. Mine earns me half of what I made working for others, but I'd rather be in this position than go through what I used to go through.
Yep , I noticed this too
My white friend got a warning for smoking weed in his car past curfew, and I (iranian) couldn’t get a warning for not wearing a seatbelt...
As an Asian I also experienced racist attitude, condescending remarks, belittling racial jokes in this country but it can’t compare to horrible racial insults to black people from some people here. Black people suffered the most from blatant racism. However I don’t think racists are white people only. I met Asians who were racist to white, brown and black people. As humanity we are so retarded in moral development. I can’t believe we still judge each other based on skin color in 21 century.
I am an Asian too. The book " So You Want to Talk About Race" defines racism as "a prejudice against someone based on race, when those prejudices are reinforced by systems of power". In the US, the system of power favors whiteness. So, yes, Asians can be racist against Brown or Black people. We have to decide to be deliberately anti-racist, and stop perpetuating anti-Black and anti-Brown racism. And we can also advocate that anti-Asian racism stop against us.
I recently moved to Norway and met a Bengali girl who was also new to the Country, seeing how she was Muslim, Brown we had common language English, so I started socialising with her and then out of the blue she once comfortably in front of white people plus myself said she thinks "black people are ugly and we treat Africans like shit in Bangladesh. All of us were just shocked at the ease and comfort she it. A white lady said to her but you also are black, I tell you it was the most embarrassing thing I have ever witnessed in how she tried her best not to be associated with blackness. Next day she called me to go out, I just flatly say no and never had anything to do with her.
Racism is also a biological thing, for people have been the safest in their own group for millions of years and you are not going to stamp that basic instinct out in an instance. As a chronically ill person I have experienced discrimination also a lot, for 50% of people doesn't want to have anything to do with you (Says scientific research). This is also a biological instinct, and it is just a given where I will have to deal with and find my own answer to.
Jeanette B Jeanette, I am sorry to hear about your health condition and the suffering and pain. I am going to pray for your healing.
@@AA-ek5kz
Thank you for being a Decent stand up Man !! :)
Great video. One of my many stories...A million years ago, I went for an interview at Prada corporate offices in NYC( don’t care about outing them). Everything was set up before hand and confirmed. I showed up dressed appropriately. The receptionist called someone to tell them I was there. I waited 10 minutes for them to tell me that there’s no appointment. No explanation no rescheduling nothing...
Thank you for sharing. Racism starts at home. Teach your children to love and respect all human beings.
A black person once told me she was reminded everyday, in small and large ways, she was black and less. How can people survive and live with that.
Because we are super people.
She’s not less
@@shirley3257 TELL THEM!!!
It's called "micro aggression" and it's not living. Its surviving. And its wrong. How do we "live" with it? Ask your ancestors. We ask ours all the time.
I AIN'T Less...ARE YOU?
Great way to share your experiences. I am 72 years old. These stories and experiences brought back memories of living Black. What is so sad is that very little has changed since my childhood.
This is so powerful, and as a white person I feel the deepest shame at the casual, daily, grinding racism that people deal with every time they leave their front door. It's impossible for any white person to really wrap their head around though being aware of it and noticing it is a start. White privilege is both structural/political/socio-economic and profoundly personal. I'm never followed around a shop by security, taxis stop for me, police treat me with respect when I'm pulled over for anything, no one tries to move when I sit next to them on the train etc. etc. etc. So ashamed and angry that my fellow humans are treated this way, us white people have to stand up and say something every time we see or hear this kind of repugnant behaviour and check our own privilege every hour or every day.
@Stacy, Yes you are correct on a lot of levels, however, I've experienced racism for over 60++++ years, it hasn't stopped, only gotten worst, not every person of your race feels the same way, what is even Worse is the other races. Foreigners come here and automatically HATE ANYONE with BROWN skin , at my age I'm SO sick and tired, I PRAY without CEASING, TYFS, , oh but the way my brother is married to the caucasian, white race over 30 years, you Will Never Totally understand what racism is, unless you are BLACK LIKE ME, BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS!
Shut up Karen
salazam Why do you want Karen to shut up?
@@pn3678 , I see that, I was going to ask the same, but I prayed about it, GOD SAYS leave that demon alone, it just needs a moment,
@@pn3678 Because she's full of it. She's not harrassed because she's a woman. I'm white and I've been followed around a store, I've been harassed by the cops, even had guns pulled on me. There's no such thing as white privilege. It is a lie to guilt white people into giving blacks sympathy and more free stuff.
It's really hard hearing these stories...and then reflecting back on my own and others I've witnessed. Thanks for using your platform.
Thank you Karen I can totally relate to your experiences and being made to feel like I am not black enough because of my ‘Cockney Accent’. A recent experience happened in a pub car park (3 weeks ago).Two White builders walk pass as I am putting my shopping into my car boot. One builder to the other. “Too dark, ha ha” I respond how rude and can feel the rage building up. I follow them up the road in my car, wind down my car window and shout out FYI you’re too White. I now feel like a lunatic and this is what happens when you are suppressed either directly or indirectly. I am sick to death of being gaslighted by possibly well meaning people that we are all together when the reality is this is not the case !!!! Rant Over p.s For the record I do not hate White people I hate evil and injustice. All lives matter, but to some people Black Lives do not Matter🌍
@@MsJW4ever ñp⁰00⁰
@@MsJW4ever grow up. Different people will have different opinions about you. Get over it and have a stronger sense of self lol.
@@KAIZORIANEMPIRE I do have a strong sense of self however speaking from a black perspective it is not easy for you to grasp if you have not experienced direct or indirect racism. Where have you been this discussion was also five months ago ????😂
@@MsJW4ever ah I just realized racism exists now. Just finished my PhD and finding a simple entry level job is becoming difficult. Even jobs that don't require a good first chemistry degree.. this is weird. I guess I'll wait until I get my certificate so I can get jobs in research since it's easier. But I'm feeling like these white women in HR may just set aside my CV. I've removed all images of me online and will change my second name. Going to try see how that will affect call backs. I'm literally over qualified and getting a simple interview I'd this hard loool
Listening to these confessions, made me realize most of them ressemble the confessions of abused women, that haven't been heard for such a long time and had to carry such a psicologhycal weight by themselves,because that's how it works, there's a point where you start to internalize those believes, since you're reminded about "being less" by words and actions time after time, and no one stands for you, even you're own mind starts to trick you " yes,this is how it is, this is what you actually are" and boy, you go down a rabbit hole of lack of self-steem and a vicious circle of self-loathing.
There are scientific papers that show how affected is the mental health of black people or POC that get exposed to acts of racism and discrimination.
I'm aboriginal descent from Latinamerica and even in our continent of origin,in our own lands we don't have it any easy either,just look at the media, all white people,no one even mixed.
The only one that recently made the headlines was Yalitzia Aparicio, and the mean reactions she had were so disgusting.
To you Karen,and all the women that shared their stories, I feel your pain,your tears, your frustration and rage. Much love from a fellow human.
Thank you for recognizing the abuse. It 100% is abuse. Anyone participating in it directly or by turning a blind eye is the abuser.
Yes, I agree.
I'm still crying over modestefinds and the young girl that was spit on. It hurts to hear and to think of the pain that you've experienced.
Don't think that a one off situation. It's not even in 2020. The thing about this is no one did nothing. Yet they say they are not racist. Racism can't happen without implicit racism my your silence. If racist got a lot of blow back from peoplewho look like them, racism will decrease. But white people tend to do nothing to stay comfortable and to keep their hands clean while people suffer.
Thank you Karen! My experiences of racism is not only from whites, but all other race including my own who is black with a lighter skin. Racism for a very dark skin who is often felt/experienced on a different level. It’s I continue to fight professional and personally. I find strength through God to help me mentally.
I am Asian-American, born and raised in U.S., married to a Caucasian, and had taken his name as traditionally married women do. I worked for a global freight company as a manager for years. Once I was sought out by a peer (Caucasian), based in TX, who needed my help with some personnel concerns. We became friendly over several months on the phone talking about work, family, hobbies, etc. She would call to chat a couple of times per week. Months later, all management in this department across the country were invited to a company-wide meeting. We were both excited to meet each other in person (this was before cellphones and web conferencing). When I got to the meeting place, I sought her out. When I introduced myself, you should have seen her face. She was utterly wordless, jaw hanging, and in shock. Because I don't have an accent and by my last name, she assumed I was Caucasian. She avoided me the duration of the meeting and I never heard from her again. It's been over 10 years and it still hurts. I would have to say that it was one of the most blatant experiences of racism for me.
Wow. This Situation should have teached her, to overthink her small mindset, but she didn't took the lesson. Sorry for this experierence.
Please, do NOT call white (or European) people Caucasians. It's a very outdated and inaccurate term from the time when human race was divided into three main branches - Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid. I'm sure you, as an Asian person wouldn't appreciate to be called Mongoloid, and our black friends Negroids. Thank you.
Hana Tanana ....shut up bruh
What a disgusting HUMAN!! Don't be hurt too long for someone else's lack of humanity.
Hold your head up high.
Wow, I'm gobsmacked. 😔
Karen when i first came to Australia from. NZ 25 years ago, I thought..." where are all the aboriginals?"
Because in nz Maori (anf pavific islanders) were there working with you, and in their businesses, walking in streets with you sharing your life and in general part of everyone's crowd. In the bank, fixing your car, out dancing with you, in roles on telly that weren't cliches, living next door, whatever. Here it was very strange I knew more Australian aborigines in nz than in Australia! The divide was obvious and immense.
Humanimal so sad isn’t it. I enjoyed living in Darwin, so many indigenous folk stillamongst the population there. Unfortunately they are hidden in the large populations of the cities, and the aboriginals we see today have not always had a great start to life due to the ongoing consequences of the generation or two before them that suffered the emotional and physical abuse when taken as Australia’s stolen generation.
i too lived in australia for a number of years and i had one aboriginal friend the whole time she was ashamed to be aboriginal because of the prejudice forced upon her people, i told her no way girl you be proud, your people have been on this land for thousands of years that in itself is amazing! hold your head high i said, she now embraces her roots and reminds everyone she is aboriginal and proud.
Your right they are in the shadows and its sad and while i lived there i heard the N word thrown around so many times from white australians it wasn't even funny.
I conquer, there are more maoris assimilated into Australian society in Australia than aboriginals.
@@kindregardskatie TRUE
Humanimal I live with lot of aboriginal families around this area plus all colours. At first when I moved here there was a few problem families but all quiet now. Families from everywhere
India, Africans, UK, Vietnam, NZ and everywhere live in my area and all friendly.
It’s funny your experience in America l have had in the UK! I moved to the UK when l got married and your right there are many mixed couples in the UK! However in offices l was one of 2 black people working. Finding a job there was HARD!! I will be honest with you l would look around a work place and l am sure MANY black people do this you look at the make up of the office. If they have only one black face in that office with a sea of white faces they have made their quota and more likely are not to hire you. I have had people say.... you don’t sound black... like that’s a bloody compliment. I have gone in a store and have the sales person speak to a white women even tho l was first. The thing is l have made PLENTY of complaints about this to the store in front of the sales person. I refuse to not be seen and will take my hard earn cash somewhere else no matter how much l want that stores product. Being quiet adds to the problem.
Oprah Winfrey, Oprah fricken Winfrey, was denied getting to see a handbag in a Swiss store with the words that she wouldn't afford to buy it. One of the world's most powerful women, and even she can't escape racism.
British people, including too many Black people forget that Britain imported White Supremacy to America and that White Supremacy is European in root. In Britain, there are so many Black Middle class people, but no Black Middle Class. But because the police are not generally carrying guns, people over here and people from here have an arrogance about racism vis a vis the U.S. Well, right now, considering the tiny Black population, Black people are over represented in prisons, mental institutions. Britain has a health service which seemingly cannot survive without "stealing" poorer, darker personnel from abroad and insisting that home grown nurses gain expensive degrees in order to become one.
And I am increasingly tired of the narrative that interracial coupling is the epitome of anti racism. It isn't. Black people are overrepresented in interracial relationships in countries where we are a relative;y small population. But racism and specific anti black racism exists in those countries where we are over represented in interracial relationships.
@@petrabrown4232 it's not all bad news in the UK. I have 2 half sisters who are mixed race who chose to go into the health service. They both have degrees. Have gone up the ladder. Both have raised children who have all gone to university and they are very happy in the UK and in their chosen profession.
MrsCwhite - I agree you have to call ot out and say something or nothing will change. I am surprised Karen and Michael walked out of the restaurant without saying anything and the hotel situation. I would have thought Karen was confident enough to not let it go and if she wasn't then Michael should have spoken out.
That's the right attitude to have! It's about customer service first and foremost and I will make sure that I call them out for their poor service. I've worked in the corporate sector and I never allowed my race to hinder me from making my mark. I went to my interview wearing box braids and won them over after the 1st interview.
Paula, you’re fabulous, don’t ever take a step back for no one
Karen
@@bobinabuddy paula is Karen's very good friend. She is the one crying in the video.
Luvvvvv Miss Paula!!
Paula is indeed absolutely fabulous!
Thank you for the love ❤️ I hope I made sense. I sent poor Karen 20 mins of outpouring, so she had her work cut out 🤦🏽♀️ Stay safe abd thank you again 😘😘
You look so beautiful Karen. We people ( black, asian, Indian, etc) need to come to the table and finally listen to the pain these people are feeling. The police banging on the door would scare the crap out of me. I would be terrified.
I have found my self in these situations, and I have no problem talking to the Manager or finding out who is above that person. I will never just walk away if I feel I am being mistreated because of the color of my skin! Ever!
Well unfortunately it is often "house rules" either because of prejuices within the business (owner, mgr, etc...), or because having a black customer might make a white customer uncomfortable, and they fear losing their business (and whoever they might influence).
@@dmreddragon6 I understand but that will just make me cause a scene. I don't walk away. Ever!
Exactly, even if you have to send a letter to Corp.
All I have to say is THANK YOU! I cried at the first protest I went to all the emotions I buried came flushing forward. My heart especially hurt for my children and thought, why did I bring them into this.
Thank you Karen & to all the others who shared their stories. I am in tears at how disrespectful people can be to others just because of the colour of their skin or nationality. We are all part of the human race & that is all there is to it.
Thank you Karen. I’m Asian. I’ve studied and lived in England. I’ve lived in Germany, China and Australia. Currently (originally from) I live in Kazakhstan. I’d like to say I’ve experienced racism, how oddly it sounds, mostly in China and in my home country Kazakhstan when I was a small kid. Due to Russian occupation. Russians treated indigenous people on their own land as if we were nothing or less than nothing.... thankfully, situation has changed currently after independence. I just want to say, racism is more common than we might think. And time has come to stand out and talk about it openly. We SHALL Stop racism in any form towards any color or race! I’m with you from other part of the world ♥️
My experience with racism...I was about 14 or 16 years old & I was living in Hollywood, Florida at the time. A couple of friends and I were hanging out behind a 7 eleven in small alleyway laughing and joking around (I can’t really remember but I think I snuck out, so my mom had no idea I wasn’t in the house), someone must have called the police because they suddenly showed up. We were all shocked and afraid so I started to run, the policeman (white) was standing behind me, he shouted out loudly with his gun drawn if you make one more fu$ki@g step I’ll blow your head off..I froze..Anything that transpired after that I must have blocked out of my mind..but that’s an experience I’ll never forget
OMGGGGGGGGGG
@@KarenBritChick I live in Miami. It's bad in Florida (remember Trayvon Martin). It's WAY beyond people crossing the street when they see you or giving you dirty looks because you have Afro-textured hair. Once a civilian man took out his gun when he saw me. I was standing at a bus stop...waiting for a bus.
@@vcp365 oh gawd nooooo
That is incredibly traumatizing, that is so awful and not acceptable. I am sorry that happened to you.
That is trauma, my daughter is 14 - it is insane behaviour from police - they are supposed to protect you, I can't understand how anyone can treat another this way..., sending much love to you, I'm so sorry you had to go through that, just want to give you a hug 💔
I live in Jackson, Mississippi and I have these experiences all the time!! I have a Bachelors and it’s so HARD!!! to get a job in my field of study.. I have gone on countless interviews.. I have been taking jobs that don’t require a degree to survive.. This is depressing and sickening.. I thank you for sharing you experience!!! I totally love you channel!!!! 😘
Move!!!
You NEED to get out of Mississippi!!!
Please leave! If you have to pick up your kids do so. That place will kill your spirit.
I live in MS to and one thing I love about Jackson is that its full of blk professionals...especially in the govt and medical fields.. I have even been offered jobs in Jackson and I live 2 hrs away.. I'm not dismissing your experience.. Have you tried the VA or other medical fields??
Thank you all for replying back I will take your comments into consideration. I have tried the VA..
Thank you for sharing this, Karen. Thank you to all of the people who have shared their experiences in the comments. I am so sorry that all of you have to deal with this on a daily basis. I truly am. i promise to do all that I can to educate myself and others, to donate and sign petitions, to protest with and for you and to vote for people who will pass the necessary laws to make the lives of black people and people of color less painful. Again, I am so very sorry.
This is only the tip of the iceberg for me it is racial profiling when i go clothes shopping i must prepare my self mentally to be singled out and followed around the store to be made a spectacle of...because of this most of my clothes shopping is done online. Grocery shopping is the same i am shadowed by the security, i call them out for it and have left many times, but i tell you it gets really tiring...
Thanks for this video Karen and the people at the end ♥️
I use that situation to my advantage! If I dont get prompt service, I get testy!!!😅
Me too. Everytime. Even at a Walmart I used to work near. I used to go there to buy lunch like once a week. I knew the loss prevention guy and the manager from way back when I worked at another Walmart with them. I would see them follow me up to the checkout and pretend to be organizing the impulse buys until I paid and left. They never once caught me stealing because I never do but they continued for years. It is sad but a reality for many. My job was casual and I wore jeans and tshirt. I refuse to dress up just so I am not followed at Wal-Mart. I now thrift most of my clothing so cooperations that discriminate don't profit from me. I don't like going to buy clothing in stores anymore. I have enough for a while fortunately as long as I don't gain too much weight during lockdown.
Extravagant Minimalist haha love that
fabulous life thats so messed up even though you've worked with them they still follow you! smh. Sometimes i will toy with the people following me in stores time permitting, i get real interested in how the items are made reading labels ( i love information anyway) they follow me around to the checkout i buy my items and have a little laugh to myself because they have wasted their time following me 💁🏽♀️ you gotta take the small wins because it is just so tiring ♥️ and tell me about it we have just come out of quarantine here in nz and i am feeling a new wardrobe might be needed lol
@@rbmorgan5461 I am a regular at two of my locql thrift store now. The manager at one knows my name. Lol. I used find nice boutiques that treated me well and would buy all my clothing at those two until I started thrifting. They were not cheap either but they treated me well and even said "we have not seen you in a while", when I didn't go in for a while. Unfortunately, they closed the boutiques near me.
Hi I’m a black Woman living in France it been a week that I’ve been watching protests on black lives matter I cried a lot but this morning I woke up realizing I was living history. What is happening is not only about black peoples it’s about us as a humankind it’s about all the injustice in the world and black peoples are at the bottom of all injustices in this world that why we are taken as the symbolic of the fight for equality and justice. We should all as human feel part of this Fight thanks Karen for contributing to the awareness
After watching your video I came to a realization of how many times I experienced racism without really knowing it or maybe not really acknowledged it, all the comments of how I was to yellow toned to be Mexican or the many times I’ve been asked if I know who my child’s father is. It’s insane that I just have brushed these comments off in fear of making others feel uncomfortable when they so easily make me uncomfortable. Thank you for sharing❤️
Thank you Karen, In my case I am latino And I can see people pretending not to understand what I said or they speak loud To make it easy for me to understand And they make us feel like if I am ocupaying a space that belong to somebody else.
I teach English as a second language in London and last year I was working at an international English school in central London and I had parents from other countries, asking me ‘Where are you from?’ Because I can’t be a black British teacher. When I said here, they were shocked . So one day another person asked ‘Where are you from?’ and at that time it was myself and another teacher and he was white. Before I could answer he said she’s from here and he was so upset. He said I don’t understand why are they asking you that question? He couldn’t understand why because I’ve got a British accent and all he could see is me as a person but they couldn’t see me; they only see my colour. ‘But I am my colour’ I am black
Karen, thank you for talking a stand; it takes courage to do what you have done. I can remember the first time being called the N word, I was 5 yo. What I remember most was my mother's body tensing up as she grabbed my hand and pulled me close to her body. I will NEVER forget that feeling of fear. When Paula shared about making herself small, I cried, as I know we learn that very young and our bodies respond to the repeated trauma. Your joy makes me smile-as Black joy is revolutionary! In solidarity and love.
Thank you Karen for sharing this. I was a magazine editor for 20+ years & now work in ecomm, and, in many cases, I was usually the only Latina/POC on staff. I can recount so many incidents (i.e. being in a meeting where a white man stated that "ethnic" models should only be on the Feb & Oct covers of the magazine because they were, historically, the worst selling issues) but what has been the most exhausting is the microaggression that comes with being a person of color and often being the ONLY person of color at the table. The inappropriate questions/comments "No, but like WHERE are you from?" "Wow, you're so well spoken!" "Do you eat tacos?" (**I'm Dominican**) "Wow, your English is perfect. Where did you learn it?" (**I was born and raised in Queens NYC**) "Did you grow up on welfare?" (**I was asked this by a date once**) "Oh, you must be a great salsa dancer?" (**I'm actually not**) or being followed in department stores or boutiques and being told "You can't afford that!" while the sales person snatches the item from my hand or the many times that I would stay at high-end hotels in Los Angeles to direct celebrity photo shoots and being asked - multiple times- by white women who were staying at these schmancy hotels for towels, to pick up their trays of food or for turndown service (**No lady, I will not tuck you in**)- because I am Latina they automatically assumed that I was the maid despite the fact that I was dressed in Marc Jacobs and was carrying a LV bag. And don't get me started on my hair. When I would wear it in its natural curly state so many people felt that it was ok to "pet" my hair or say, "You're hair is so 'kinky'"...these instances are just a very few examples. I always stayed quiet because I didn't want to seem like an "angry Latina". Not too long ago I spoke up about an incident - a young man, who considered himself to be a progressive liberal suggested that 'Cinco de Mayo' would be a great opportunity to reach out to Latina customers, when I pointed out that, as a Latina I found that to be offensive and that it was tone deaf my boss at the time made me apologize to HIM. When I got to a level where I could wield some sort of power, I always championed for diverse models/stylists/h&m artists but was often met with resistance. My hope is that these conversations will be a catalyst for change and that when WE are at the table we are listened to with the same respect that our white counterparts are and that our success will not be met with a sense of disbelief, "Wow, how did someone like you get this far? (***Yes, I have been asked this before***). We belong at the table and the time has come to claim our seats. Thank you again!
Thank you Karen. I am incredulous that there is not more black representation in the fashion world as our culture and style is often emulated. Seems they want our culture but not from us. God bless US ALL.
As a 41-year-old white man I love you Karen I support you in everything you do racism is not acceptable everyone needs to speak up stand up and say something I am an ally for all black people and any other races that get discriminated against !
I myself am a gay man-experienced tremendous homophobia during my childhood and adolescent years so I can relate somewhere but I will never know what it feels like to be black thank you for sharing! #BlackLivesMatter
The story of the girl with the police irrumpting at her place for no reason it's unbelievable. These kind of stories fill me with so much anger.
Racism is especially harsh for people with my skin color or darker. Not to take away from how racism has hurt you but it's much easier on lighter skin black people than darker skin. It's just the truth. That being said I Love my darker skin and my kinky hair and it has made me the strong determined woman that I am.
I'm a Lightskin Black American. I've had horrible racism directed towards me. Racist know that we Black people come in different shades and they don't care.🙍🏽♀️🤷🏾♀️
@@lyndoraburroughs-robinson5663 I'm a Dark Skin Black American. While they know we come in different shades. They are especially hateful towards dark skin black people. That's a fact. The closer you are to the European standard you're not treated nearly as bad. That's all I have to say. I'm not gonna debate on what I have experienced in real life. Peace
@@TL71913 Peace and love to you. You are truly beautiful, don't let anyone put you down.
Thank you for sharing Karen.
I am white, but this is something I have been conscious of for a very long time. I live in one of the most diverse boroughs in Sarf London and like it that way. I was quite shocked when I moved to DC for a few months to see how segregated people were. It's that separation that really allows racism to flourish.
The organisation I work for really wants to make a difference in the world and so overt racism is extremely rare, but I have seen those micro aggressions that Paula mentions all too often. Two of my black female friends have told me of job interviews where they were described as 'over-qualified'. What does that mean? They fit all the criteria for the job but not the interviewers mental picture of who should have it?
I have tried to make a difference where I could but am really going to push the envelope now to try to improve things. Love and respect.
'Over qualified' what a cop out. Makes me mad and I am white.
I’m Moroccan and I live in London and have experienced racism. I remember my son was ill and needed urgent care so I took him to the gp for an emergency appointment. This white lady at the reception literally throw the form at my face and said fill that full then you can be seen. I filled it up and she then turn around to me while looking at my form and said what kind of English is this. I was so shocked by her comment. My son was with me and I didn’t want to make a fuss but I was so hurt with what she said. My mum begging never not to say anything and walk away. I made a complaint about her but of course nothing happened.
My mum wears a hijab and you also get people mistreating her. Its hard seeing that when I’m with her and I also have to say something.
Thank you to everyone who shared their story.
I am African American and particular people of a particular ethnicity have told me "You speak so well." I must say when I was studying in London it was the first time I did not feel like an other. Not to gloss over the history of racism and the slave traid in the UK that I am very familiar with as there was a skinhead rally my second day in London.
I faced racism many time here in Paris
We need to be strong and unite and support our brand black
Hope thing will change
Thank you Karen for this vidéo
I am from Croatia, we don't have practicaly any black people here. We do have our own brand of hatred towards our neighbours with whom we were in a war 30years ago, and hatred to people of other religion.
I cannot tell you how sad it makes me seeing these stories and accepting the fact that us, humans, have this appalling urge to hate someone that's different from us in any way.
Thank you for this great video!
Sending love to all black people and all the people that are viewed different , whatever different means, as we all have the same heart beating.
Thank you for this 👏🏽. I have saved it and will post on other sites when this topic comes up in comments.
A lot of people don’t get it. They say “all lives matter” … well yes, all lives do matter BUT if black lives were treated *the same* as “all lives” then we wouldn’t have an issue 🤷🏽♀️
Yes, those people still trying to dismiss the fact that racism towards black people still exists... Racism doesn't just end when you had a black president.... This is why I am ashamed of some white folks (I am white too).
Karen. Thank you for this.
Karen, I am so glad you made this video. I think these stories are so good to share. My heart aches to hear these stories. In the 70’s there was a push to hire minorities. I managed a switchboard in a hospital and most of the ladies that worked in the office were older white women. I was a 28 year old supervisor who worked up through the ranks. I hired a single black Mom and when she took her coffee break I was bombarded by the women in the office as to why I would hire a black women. I said, “There will be no more talk like this ever in this office. We are all equals and I will write this up and take it to Human Resources.” She quit the job after a couple of months. I have a mixed nephew and I see the looks he gets all the time. I think most of us are very sad about these times and I hope we can treat every human with the dignity we all deserve. These stories are so important. Thank you for these stories.
The poignancy in these shared testimonies is so compelling. I am thankful that people of color/ethnicity are able to voice their personal experiences and its impact in a safe space. The world is listening. You are being heard and understood and that is a beautiful thing. Bless you all and your families.
Thank you for sharing your stories with the world. As a 55 year old white woman I am very grateful for the insight and education. I can and will do better.
Well done Karen as a Black woman I have lived my whole life being judged followed talked down to and told you don’t sound like a black person what does a black person sound like thank you for highlighting the obvious
Those testimonies were DEEP! They need to be shared all over the world with 1 million views.
As a dark skinned indian person me and my husband have experienced the same situation in multiple restaurants in multiple cities across the world, have been followed in high end stores, children cried when they saw my husband(who is darker than me)..... Endless incidents
Karen, thank you for creating this safe space for the brave people in this video to share their experiences with the internet. Thank you to all of you for sharing the ways racism has impacted you. 🙏🏽
Living in a racist country is very stressful..it's the little things..it's exhausting I just meant to live in a clean peaceful country where life has value an not just for certain people
Girlonfire 2.0 drop me a note if you find a place! I’m ready
I'm not black but I'm Greek and my surname is Efstathiou. I wanted to be an author and was flat out ignored by most agents. I strongly believe, looking back, that it was because of my foreign surname - they just assumed I wouldn't be relatable, marketable, or were just not interested in supporting someone who didn't seem English. I now use a pen name 'Zoe May' to be more socially acceptable and marketable to my audience. It's sad.
Racism has become so normal to so many of us black people that it begins to seem, if not natural, then a way of life. Fighting against it -at least until now has been counterproductive as it is portrayed to reinforce the rhetoric/ stereotype about us being defiant, and dangerous. So what do we as black people do? Most of us learn to work around it and/or try to rise above it.
Before I labour on the negative, I would like to reinforce the positive. Society has come along in leaps and bounds regarding equality since I was a child. The USA has received a black president and have re-elected him. The world of sport has highlighted a wealth of inspirational achievers that have become role models for many. The world of music has produced iconic performers and musicians from almost all genres that have made a positive/ inclusive impact on the world. We have makeup shades now, we star in TV shows and survive to the end of movies, we have started businesses that are gaining traction, we have wigs and extension options that look like our own natural hair, our hair products and food staples are appearing in supermarkets. But this only serves to prove racism is real. The fact that these things are now appearing and being acknowledged means they weren’t there before and, in countries outside of England and/or the USA, changes like these are still minimal to non-existent.
Racism can be so subtle that it seems petty to point it out; being followed around a shop by a security guard or two (because you’re a thief), being ‘randomly’ stopped and searched (because you’re a criminal), being ignored or made to feel out of place in high end shops much like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (because you’re poor), having someone greeted and made to feel more welcome than you at an interview (because you’re not professional/learned) or automatically being ignored or silenced in the classroom (because you’re ignorant).
Being black stereotypically means:
you are not academic,
you don’t have a father,
you do not respect women,
you are out to steal somebody’s boyfriend/husband or girlfriend/wife,
you are promiscuous,
you are homophobic,
you are part of a gang,
you smoke weed and take drugs,
you sell said drugs and/or know someone who does,
you carry a weapon,
you are biologically violent,
you are loud,
you are rude,
You are stubbornly ignorant,
you listen exclusively to rap music,
you can sing,
You can dance,
you are either Jamaican or African,
you like spicy food,
you are a carnivore,
you adore fried chicken,
you are good at sports...
Generalisations whether good or bad put people in a box negating their individuality and stifling their creativity and confidence. We as a race, the human race, need to affirm that anyone can be whatever they want to be, achieve what they dedicate their time and effort to and like what they naturally like. In this way, we embrace one’s individuality. The phrase ‘no two people are the same’ needs to forcefully include black people.
People that manage to ‘break the mould’ are often seen as the exception not the rule but I put it to you today that the mould is the exception, we are the rule. I long for the time when seeing a beautiful black model with a well styled afro or with braids/plaits or a head wrap doesn’t seem like a precious gift but the norm. I long to see more black executives and traditional black hairstyles in work/ more formal settings. I long to see black hair and food products in normal sections of a store/ supermarket and not confined to the ethnic products/ world foods sections - if we are so well integrated into society, why are the products we use separated from what’s normal in stores? It’s little things like this that consciously and subconsciously make us feel out of place. I long for a time when essays like this are no longer relevant, because they are no longer needed, because we are no longer seen as a deviant part of society but as a seamless part of the human race.
See us. Hear us. We are not more important, we are equal. Our necks are just as valuable as your own. Even the animals you sometimes treat us as have the NSPCAs attention and support who fights for us?
That was hard to listen to let alone experience - for all the people in this video I am so sorry for the trauma and pain you have had to endure. I want to open my eyes and ears, I have never treated anyone as less than me - I don't understand the concept but I'm becoming aware to act with your own integrity isn't enough - we all need to stand together and refuse to let this revolting behaviour continue. Thank you Karen, and everyone for making this video, I'm crying with frustration at the violent injustice, it's time for all white people to cry those tears.
I agree wholeheartedly, @Edel Butler, listening to these stories makes my heart cry. I live in Canada and have not been witness to any of this to this degree. Mostly behind closed doors. I moved from a "white" community because I wanted to experience different cultures. I have been fortunate to work for sales companies where I was invited to homes which included POC. I was always most excited to meet POC because they would share their culture with me... I am so saddened by these stories because racism is taught. We are born to love. As a child, I was taught to hate as well, and not just POC but any race other than our own... but instinctively you know it is wrong!! Sending Love and wrapping you all in my Love ❤
Thank Goodness I raised my 5 children right , that’s all I can say . They all are wonderful adults now , kind and caring to everyone .
i can't imagine. thank you for sharing this. i have been fortunate to grow up in a racially mixed community. I feel sorry for those who can't appreciate diversity
Karen sei meravigliosa 🌹 grazie per aver portato queste testimonianze. Non sopporto nessuna forma di razzismo..e triste che ancora esistano persone cosí.SIAMO TUTTI FRATELLI. PEACE AND LOVE. LOVE YOU ❤️
It was my second job I was very young they did a telephone interview, I got the job they say come in and fill out the work papers, so I go in the manager was a White man, when I came into the building he said to me "you are black"I say yes, but he have to hire me, but he treated me badly and I needed the job I was the only black person there, so I stayed for a while I couldn't wait to leave that store.( It's because I sound white but I was black ) later he's doing time for stealing from that very store GOD don't like ugly.
@mizzmolly I really don't know what you mean please explain?
@mizzmolly thank you so much 😃
We need to have our own infrastructure.
The reason why you’ll have a problem working in a white organisation is because … THEY DON’T WANT YOU THERE 🤷🏽♀️
The only way we’ll develop and progress is when we set up our own infrastructure 🏦 where white people come to us. Come to our business, shop for our products, etc.
There’s no point complaining that they don’t want to hire you - why would they❓❓They hire they’re own. At the moment they have the power.
We can’t be expecting them people to look after us. We’ve got to look after our own 🤷🏽♀️
I haven't finished watching your video yet, but I just wanted to say, if I walked into that restaurant and saw you and Michael waiting, I'd say to the hostess, "Wasn't this couple here first?" And I'd refuse to be seated until they seated you.
👏❤
That is an excellent approach. While watching the video I also wondered why Karen or Michael didn’t say anything and chose to exit the restaurant. Their actions seemed somewhat ‘complicit’ too by not addressing the situation, BUT, I totally understand their actions. Because, if they chose to say anything, and Karen in particular, she could have been seen as an angry black woman. That is how we have also been silenced....by being labeled when we attempt to speak out.
@@cheznardi Yes, if I make a fuss, I might be called a "Karen" (yeah!) or a b. But if a black person makes a fuss it could easily devolve into a serious situation. Horrible.
Susan Ma so unfortunately true😔
@@cheznardi Thank you for this comment. Exactly *that* sums up the structural racism. Not wanting to be a problem when you speak out, when you in fact are not the problem.
"I am not your baby mother by Candice Braithwaite" - Is a really good read about being a black mother in the UK. It deals with loads of issues that we priviliged white people don't have to deal with or have never even thought about. If you want things to change you should read this book and educate yourselves. Available on Amazon if you are in lockdown.
I appreciated the presentation! Yes, “Karen” is thought of as a white name. It’s my name as well. I was born in 1966, this is the type of name we were given. I’ve been hired, based on my qualifications. They had plans for me, before I showed up for the interview. On my interview, everything was laid out. I was so excited. The day I started, I noticed managers staring at me. A month later I was fired. The plans were for a white Karen, graduate of UC Berkeley, with my experience. Not seating you at a table is an old trick. You’re supposed to get the hint, and leave. My boyfriend who was white, we were seated by a nervous hostess. We sat at the table for about 30 minuets, watching other’s have their orders taken, and food promptly delivered. So, we finally left. So, I’ve been very lucky that there has not been anything ,physically threatening to me, but I’ve been prepared since I was a child. But, the number of times I’ve been stared at like I was a threat. It doesn’t matter how well dressed you are, nor if most people think of you as attractive. They just see color. Omg! The hair touching! 🤦🏾♀️
I'm so sorry you & others have to experience this in your lives. 💚🌿
I am white with very thick strong hair and several times I have had black women ask to touch my hair. I was not offended because I have had white women do the same. I think it’s a natural curiosity and an attempt at bonding. My college roommate was very blonde and in Japan many women asked to touch her hair and she made some friends from this initial contact. It’s sort of like people asking to touch a very pregnant woman’s stomach- a bit awkward but not malicious.
The job situation - that is what is so malicious; I have seen this in almost every company I’ve ever worked for. And if the company is racially diverse, there is always those horrible racist clients and vendors that rear up.
@Elaine, the issue isn't hair touching, it's not asking first and just touching it like it's ur right bc u wanna know what it feels like, to invade my personal space n not asked. I do feel it's also cultural, like don't touch Black ppl hair, it's only body it's mine, ask first and if I say no respect that. I commented b4 watching the whole vid, that's how I feel on hair issues
@@elainerobert702 people need to stop being overly familiar with strangers.
Thank you Karen.. I am from the uk (just outside London) plenty of mixed race couples here but I'm the only black person in my office and have been for the last 10 years. Up until 1992 we used the have the "National Front" March through our local town centre with "go back home" banners etc.. scary stuff.. Things have massively improved but still a long way to go.
Black Lives Matter!
Thank you for posting this compilation of personal stories. As someone striving to be anti-racist and improve my awareness, education, understanding, and ability to call out both covert and overt racism, I am honored and grateful to bear witness. I want to work to dismantle the systems that support white supremacy. So, thank you to all the people willing to share their experiences when they owe no one their words. Thank you.
I’m so sorry that you and the black community have to go through this. No one deserves to feel less. I feel racism is more obvious in the USA and in the UK it’s more subtle but there definitely is everyday racism such as in the form of racist microagressions.
Hi Karen, thank you for sharing with us how brands go about casting and choosing which influencer they would like to have represent them. I have always noticed that when beauty/ fashion influencers are at a brand event, there are always a sea of white faces whose content resembles each other and there is always only 1-2 token black influencers. Patricia Bright is a great creator and yet she is usually the only black person / POC there. She easily has three times the amount of followers as everyone else does. What this tells me is that the general public has the appetite for diversity but it's those at the top who are manipulating us into believing an alternate reality. For brands it's NOT just about how many followers you have to be able to represent them.
mahsa06 Brilliant point. Even more nauseating is the fact that the most entitled, white youtubers are using their platform to speak out about racism. Bandwagon comes to mind. If you don’t walk the walk, spare us the talk and perhaps just listen. And learn.
So true. This is why I always laugh when people talk about merit or credentials because engineering like this doesn’t care about how many followers or hard you worked to gather and keep such unconditional fans and a faithful audience. It’s the old joke of having to work twice as hard to get half the respect/recognition. People don’t want to face it but it is clear as day.
it's their prerogative as a brand.
@@igotmigraine it is but it says alot about them that they purposefully exclude creators of certain races.
@@annafitzpatrick548 don't be so ignorant! U think that racism only applies to black people ? wrong.
I am nurse and I was constantly told that I couldn’t be their nurse or that I didn’t know how to do a certain skill. This would come from fellow nurses and patients. I have also been told that by a patient that they didn’t want me as a nurse because I was black. These experiences are not even including living life everyday. Thank you for using your platform and allowing us to express ourselves.
And since we are talking about brands being silent.GOLDEN GOOSE sneakers company has chosen not to say a thing. When all other companies are showing solidarity, they are not. I say that to say this, watch how you spend your money. You could be supporting the opposite cause you are trying to fight.
k stephens and even when they claim to support we must all do our research...chances are the employees will tell a very different story. These companies have committees telling them what to do to appear as if there is inclusion ....I’ve been in fashion for a long time...I know this very well
I'm white and I've decided to try to make purchases from Black owned businesses whenever I can.
Rossina Guevara precisely, all these fake wokes are worst
Honestly, I’m sure a percentage are putting up the square and showing up because others are or because it’s trendy or just because they don’t want the smoke..Time will tell tho. Those who are about that life will show up and the rest will fall off. The designer Tibi made a really good effort and acknowledged her lack of understanding before now.
Also, Hermes is quiet 🤫
silence is violence
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I work for a company that tries very hard to be fair and equitable in hiring practices and I feel Seattle is a little more progressive than other parts of this country. My government agency that I work for has been fully involved in Equity and social justice education for all its employees over the last several years but I feel like it is a tiny itty bitty start to a HUGE issue that needs to be addressed fully. I am a nurse, a healer and very spiritual (not religious). All those biology anatomy chemistry classes taught me one thing. We are ALL apart of the same RACE. HUMAN. Every single human on this planet is unique (except maybe identical twins) but even they are different. People need to quit living in fear (which breeds hate) and live in love. Oh but I guess that would be a matriarchal society and we are far from that. But we are rising. I stand by you.
I’m Filipino (tan skinned) when I went to Scotland people starred and starred I got a lot of questions. When I went to the Midwest people thought I was a Native American so I got treated differently once again. It happens to many races in many places. Unfortunately no amount of protesting is going to change it
We need to keep our money for our own communities.
Sad but true
@@joycesmith53 agreed
I’m sorry this has happened. I am white and I have really learned from these protest, books, outspoken ppl on social media. I’ve been talking to my friends and family about racism a lot. I don’t say this to pat myself on the back, I mean that there is change coming from the protests. A lot of ppl are having their eyes opened by these videos and more. I hope ppl keep sharing their stories because we believe you.
@TheDeextra Are you saying this to mean that we shouldn't do anything? Racism of any kind shouldn't be accepted as normal.
Thank you Karen for using your platform to address racism and thank you to all who shared their stories. I'm a white woman who was in a relationship with a Black man for several years and even living in a big, cosmopolitan US city, we experienced the frequent stares, "are you two together?" comments, and microaggressions that others have spoken about here. Now that I look back on it, I think the social pressure of racism played a role in eventually ending our relationship. Today I'm committed to listening to stories like yours, educating myself about white privilege, and taking action, especially by using my purchasing power as a consumer.
I was about 10 years old when a police officer started to arrest me in front of my house accusing me of robbery. People walk directly in front of me and grab things from shelves at groceries stores without acknowledging me. They walk right in front of me in line like I’m not there. I get bumped and knocked off the curve walking downtown Chicago. Getting kicked out of restaurants after elementary school graduation. Apartment neighbors let the doors slam in my face. Cashiers smile and laugh with the person in front of me and then mean mug me. Workers randomly look through my bags at self checkout. Being followed at stores. Police don’t care about intruders coming in my house while I’m there.
This video is much needed, thank you. Wrote a IG post about this too. I was a creative consultant for years, mainly at boutique advertising agencies. And without fail, when coming in for my first day or work or interview, I would often get "package delivery is around the back." It was my skin color, because it wasn't what I was wearing- I like Fashion (with a capital F). Thank you for this video and perspectives. These stories need to be heard.
I am so very heart-broken with the stories that you have told Karen, and those of your friends too. I am white and British and have spent most of my life in South Africa, before, during and after apartheid. Your stories about your experiences in the UK and the US are experiences that would resonate with so many black South Africans. I can only pray that the events of the past two weeks will continue to reverberate around the globe until change happens. #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #WeCantBreathe
Thank you for this, Karen and everyone who shared their experience. As you can assume from my profile pic, I have never had to experience any racism in my life. The first time I ever witnessed it, was when I told a very close family member of mine that I was dating a poc and that person‘s first reaction was: oh, how dark is that person?
I remember getting so upset and confronting the person right away. That person never ever has said another word about the skin color of my then-boyfriend who has now been my husband for more than 7 years. This made me realize how much poc have to endure and how freaking easy my life is compared to a lot of others. I pray that people will realize how much even a small comment can hurt others and that they will change their thinking because unless something inside the hearts and minds of people will change, there won‘t be any real and lasting change
I don't think there is a blk person in this country who hasn't experienced racism or discrimination.. Probably not on this planet.. My experience with racism is limited tho because #1 I don't go places where I don't see blk people and #2 and most importantly, I don't go or stay at places where I feel I'm not wanted.. I see a change as far as blk people wanting to support blk business and blk entrepreneurs and I honestly think this is the direction we need to take.. Blk empowerment and unity is crucial if we truly are tired of being mistreated.. It can be done but only if we do it as a collective...
Its very important to know the power of our black dollars and many of these people don't care until it affects their pocketbooks
My heart hurts after hearing these stories. Thank you for sharing.
When I was a little girl I heard someone in my family use the 'n' word. I knew even as a child it was bad and wrong. I KNEW it instinctively. I cringe when I hear white people use racial slurs and sometimes it makes me ashamed to be white. As one of Jehovahs Witnesses I've experienced a different kind of prejudice and the jokes that go with it. Prejudice does hurt. Bad. Karen, I love your channel and I'm sorry you've been hurt by others' cruelty. NO one should EVER have to "get used to that".
Michelle Bilodeau Hey Sister Bilodeau! We share a wonderful hope that gets us through this system.
Hello Brenda!
Hey you got some nerve ! You have a prejudice against us so called WORDLY people. Ha, we WORDLY people are on to you j.w.s rooting for our death an d destruction on Jehovah s day ! What are you doing here ? Bad association is here, you don’t want to spoil useful habits do you ? Are you mixing with us WORDLY PEOPLE ? Hmmm., what will the elders say ? Ha., from what I’ve heard the printing company you give free labor to is going out of business! A WORDLY demon.
Thanks Karen for creating this video and I’m thankful to all who shared their experiences, very informing, moving & powerful...
Thank you Karen, as a white person, we need to hear these stories, over and over again.... and what you said, not speaking up, makes us an accomplice.. i am from the Netherlands, we also have still a lot of work to do on this matter! You and and Paula, the other ladies and the guy in your video inspire me to do so in my own surroundings. 🙏🏼💕
Someone posted a comment on here that they “don’t see color” I have always found that an interesting statement. Of course you see color. Everyday, remarks “oh, that nail polish looks good with your skin tone.” “I wish I had the natural tan you have.” Of courses we ALL see the color of our skin, we just may not isolate or judge because of it. I am bi-racial and was raised predominantly around white culture. I grew up on the west coast of the United States. Honestly, I never experienced racism till I was 12 and my family had moved to the midwestern/southern state of Oklahoma. I still remember the day I was called the N word by a child screaming it at me from his front porch as I was walking home from school. It was shocking as a child being called such a thing from another child, how do you respond? To me, through the years of different experiences, always seem to be a regional thing. I still have family on the west coast and when I go visit, I dont feel as singled out as back home. However, now at my old age of 50 if things are said, undermining, hurtful, intentional or not I feel strong enough to challenge. Do you really know what you said? Do you know what that means? Do you know how hurtful that is? I know it currently is a black lives matter movement right now, I agree. But all races of color are still being harmed, judged and looked down upon in 2020. Hopeful one day MLK dream will come to pass....but just not convinced it ever will.
@1pimpafro when ppl say "I don't see colour", it means they see whiteness as the default.
@1pimpafro I'm agreeing with you. I was just pointing out that sadly ppl do see colour and that 1 colour is white. It is insulting to all us others because they see themselves as the only legitimate colour.
People who say they don't see color, is really saying they don't see you. It's the same as saying you hate mondays as a prejudice Caucasian in a room full of only Caucasians when a black person walk in the room. Unsuspecting people might not catch on, but we do. You hate mondays, but today is Thursday 😒.
I have been fixated on the horror that took yet another innocent black life
since those ex-cops killed George
Floyd last week. I have been watching the protests around the world and as Rev. Al Sharpton said
yesterday at the memorial.....he feels the time has changed, the season has changed....and that this time will be different. I believe and hope and will try to have faith that he is right. I am a 69yo white woman who was raised by my parents to respect the person....no matter what color skin. What matters is what is inside a person.
I remember Rev. Martin Luther King's murder, and Robert F. Kennedy's murder. That was the time when I felt my hope die for a better world,
a better society for all of us in this country. I have cried and felt so much anger these past 2 weeks...
but especially this past month. I am angered at the police violence to innocent people, and to peaceful protesters. I am angered at
what this racist president does and says....and am truly frightened what he is doing to our country, democracy and our Constitution.
Yes, black lives matter, all lives should matter in America.... and blue lies should not matter....but unfortunately they still seem to. I
hope and pray that Rev. Sharpton is right about this being the time when there will finally start to be real change. As much as I've always in my life judged people by "who" they are, and thought I understood how
much more difficult life was for people of black skin....I don't think I
ever realized as deeply as I do now,
just how deep the disrespect and sadly mistreatment and actual fear, black life has had to deal with.....been like this for too many years.
Karen, I 've been subscribed and enjoyed you for almost 2 years....but thank you today especially for this video and giving a voice to so many that I would never have heard.
A year before Dr. King was assassinated he gave a speech stating "I fear that I have integrated my people into a burning house from which they will never recover". Dr.King at the time before his Martyrdom was the most hated man in the United States. He felt that Black people in the USA would never receive true social and economic equality. Let's pray that his dream of economic and social justice comes true.❤✌🏽🙏🏽
I experienced racism for the first time when i was in the UAE. Cabs would literally refuse to carry me and then they would carry someone white going in my direction. Most of the cab drivers are of middle eastern origin so it's sad seeing people of color being racist. One day I was so frustrated and luckily these 2 guys (1 black and 1 white) came to me defense. They told me take down their plate numbers and report them and this helped. Getting a job in Dubai as a black person is like pulling teeth.
Love you Karen...and your skin...and your hair...and your heart. Thank you for providing a space for these stories, even though its a stomach-turning subject. Racism is disgusting.
Thank you all for sharing....This was hard to watch so living it on a daily basis....I can't even imagine....
Who the hell would spit on anybody and not expect to be beat Down......!!!! These people need to grow the hell up!
I have a hard time finding work despite the fact that I have a bachelor’s degree. I never had any luck applying for jobs online because of my name. My name is misspelled and hard to read. It’s really not a hard name to say but even when I tell people how to say my name they mispronounce it on purpose. Sometimes people think I’m male because they don’t know it’s a feminine name. All the jobs I acquired was done because I walked in with my resume and spoke to the manager directly or because I worked a free shift to prove I was capable of doing the work. The only industry that gave me a chance was the restaurant industry.
Karen, I have followed you for a couple of years now and have always been inspired by your style and your terrific personality. It hurts my heart that you have had these experiences. I’m sending you light and love.
I love you! I hope to be stopped by you one day wearing something fabulous :)
This was yet another great video. Thank you for putting out thoughtful content, whether it's fashion, the content is always thoughtful.
We women in South Africa are feeling your pain.We have and still are going through that as well,but you know what we need to become as verbal as possible and we have a politician Julius Malema that just speaks his mind and I hope that we will his determination to speak out about rationalism and speak out about being a proud black human being and do not keep quiet and walk away.React in whatever way.If you believe in yourself and your human power these white racist voices will become mute.Lets all learn and never forget Nelson Mandela in this vulnerable time of racism in the world.VIVA!
Good morning Karen, this was hard hitting, powerful and bought me to tears. All the years born and growing up in England, I had learned to bury and swallow every racist remark and insult thrown my way. Watching your video and listening to everyone recount their own experiences and most of all, listening to what Paula, had to say and her own individual experiences that she could remember, she reminded me of me!
I have had to endure my own times. After leaving school and applying for jobs that you wanted by phone, at that time!. You were asked to phone/call in and have a telephone interview first, just so that they could get to know you a little , ask you different questions and obviously qualifications, what school you went to and your grades obtained, what college you attend...But, when I showed up, I'm British black and both my parents were/are from the Caribbean, Grenada and Trinidad. When I turned up, the look on the secretary's face and the man that was interviewing me, they would ask several times, "so it was you that I spoke with on the phone"? I am well spoken Karen, just like yourself I have been mistaken so many times for being white until I showed up to the interview! I cannot help how I sound, as far as I am concerned, I sound like me! On occasions in my new job, I am a support worker and I need to represent my tenant make and book appointments and communicate with different services, I have been asked on occasions by my Nigerian colleagues to either converse or make appointments on their behalf because of the way I speak.
This is the VERY FIRST!!! Time that I have EVER openly acknowledged everything.
Thank you for making this video and allowing me to tell my own story.
As always Karen, I am sending love, peace and blessings from England.
Brit chick 2 Brit chick❤❤
i love what you did here with your video, and sharing your space with other fam telling their stories. This Nicaraguan chick sends you her love, Black & Brown solidarity is absolutely crucial. We must work together, love and support one another... we have nothing to lose but our chains...
Thank you for sharing! I’ve subscribed for 2 years now and you have a beautiful heart! I absolutely hope more opportunities will come your way.
Thank you for speaking your perspective to the world. Your voice is critical! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to actually SEE. I'm here now and ready to keep educating myself and give support every way I can.
I’m so sorry. Why does this exist 😭 Some Humans have a lot to learn ❤️
I love your fashion content Karen and have watched your videos for a few years now. Thank you for posting this video. As a white woman from the UK it is important that I hear these stories. I feel so very sad that this is still happening and will try all I can to listen, learn and try not to be scared to speak out .Thank you to all that shared these experiences, love and support to you all, this should not be happening!!!!
Thank you to all of the beautiful women whose voices I just heard. Powerful!
Powerful video. I don't think I had realised that I didn't fully understand before. Having been looking at Instagram and observing and feeling ashamed and sitting with those feelings, I know now that I want to make a commitment to speak up more, to be braver to say no to comments that are made because people think they are being 'funny' (they're not). Thank you for making this video and allowing us to sit with our discomfort and learn. I am making a commitment to do better and not continue to be silent for fear of getting it wrong.
Well done you.
Thank you Karen and Paula and everyone who shared their story 💗 There’s little doubt in my mind that this burden is part of the reason for health disparities that create more injustice. I am praying every day for truth and justice and a transformation of policing in this country. We have a funding renewal vote coming up in my city that includes school resource officers and I will vote no. Wanted to mention thefashionspot tracks diversity numbers for all runway shows in case you haven’t seen. 💗
if anyone is planning to get these books, please consider ordering them from Black owned bookstores, preferably local. I wouldn’t want to give any money to Amazon.
Can I ask, why influencers never say the name of these companies? If we're going to truly address systematic racism, we really need to speak our truth, wholeheartedly. Why are you protecting this brand? Call them out, especially if blacks are consuming their products.
I refused to be hurt over white folks.
Because they can be sued and Blacklisted. 🤷🏾♀️
Because of consequential backlash to people’s careers. Hopefully, ongoing discussion and agitation will dismantle this systematic racism crumb by crumb....and that will pave the way for eliminating or curbing the consequences of people speaking out.
Girl... slander... why get caught up in getting sued for that....
Wal-Mart, Tj-Maxx, sephora, Ulta, Victoria Secret, discriminate young colored people. I have bad experiences at all of them and I get watched like a hawk. Basically, any bougie beauty stores.
White people should do this for POC. If white people are to be real allies, we must take real action.
Hi Karen sending you love and support from the UK. I have experienced all the examples of racism described in your video especially being invisible, ignored in restaurants, stupid assumptions being made about my abilities and lifestyle. I am sick of it, like so many others. Call these racists - don’t spend money in their shops and restaurants, support black owned business.
I am part of a mixed couple and have been for over 40 years. With the restaurant, that would have made me so angry. I would have asked for the manager and read him the riot act. I can't sit by for that kind of shit.
That’s one way of dealing with it - I think not spending your money there and calling them out on social media is another way
Yes, I would have had to have said something before I left. Restaurants don't like scenes or people speaking out because it makes customers feel uncomfortable so I would have asked to speak to the manager and would have made my point politely and if they then offered me a table to pacify me, I would have taken great pleasure in saying "No thank you, if it's not good enough for my black brothers, it's not good enough for me, I will take my money elsewhere".