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Why Do You Only See Me as Big, Black, and Scary?
Forever trying to escape the racist tropes of Black people being viewed as scary and menacing
I’ve heard it all. And if the past designs the future, I expect to hear it all again:
“We need someone to stand by the door.”
“You’ve done time, right?”
“Hey, we’re having trouble with this guy. You can take him.”
“Don’t hurt me; I don’t have any money.”
“Man, you’re big. People must be scared of you.”
Being the recipient of such stereotypes is taxing.
Black people have tried tirelessly to counter negative stereotypes while witnessing the threads of racism continuing to infect future generations.
Nice to meet you
I recall many instances when someone used my size and skin color to satisfy deep-seated fears of the scary and threatening Black man. On one occasion, I was put in a position of being physically harmed or worse.
A college acquaintance (let’s call him Ed) who I met through a friend’s friend asked if I wanted to hit a bar one night. I was only superficially familiar with this person, but I recall him being aggressive with his invite — as…
