Dear WISY,
I grew up in the
inner city area of a major city. My
daily life consisted of ducking from shootings, fighting, watching drug addicts
shoot up in the streets and ratchet baby mamas yelling at their kids. My parents were strong and cautioned me and
my siblings about the streets and told us to work hard so we’d never have the
stress of raising a family in an area like where I grew up. My parents tried hard to get us out but
weren’t successful so when it was time to go to college, I left and never
intended to return.
I left the state
and went to a school completely different to what I was accustomed to. I was the minority on campus but that didn’t
phase me. I wasn’t treated badly and I
quickly learned to relax and adjust to the safety that this new environment
brought. I also met someone and we fell
for each other fast.
He’s white and I’m
black and my family is against dating outside of our race because of a so
called system but I don’t believe all of that and even if I did, I believe in
the power of love more. Anyway, my
parents want me to come home for the summer but I don’t want to go back to
dodging bullets and I especially don’t want to go back if I can’t bring my
boyfriend to meet my parents. I know
they’ll be angry about it but I just don’t want to live that life anymore.
How do you tell
pro black parents that you aren’t down for the cause anymore?
Signed,
Swirling
WISY’s Response:
Dear Swirling,
I have several
thoughts about your letter. First, I
totally understand why you wouldn’t want to return to that environment; I can’t fault you for that at all. Second, I also believe that the power of love
is greater than anything else in this Universe and you should be free to love
whomever you want. However, I am concerned that you are too comfortable with turning your
back on your family after such a short time.
It makes me wonder how you will treat them in the future for believing
what they do. I think the most important
thing here is to find balance.
Understand that
everyone has their beliefs and more often than not, they stem from a life
experience of some sort (you’re a prime example of that). We all have to find our own way in this world
but we also need support. Be sure not to
cut ties with your parents for the first thing that seemingly rescues you
from your past.
If your parents
are pro black and do not condone dating outside of your race then respect that
but let them know that you do not agree and would like your decision to be
respected as well. Explain your feelings
towards your neighborhood and the fear you experienced as a child. I’m sure they will understand your hesitance
to return, especially since they’ve engraved in you the need to work hard and
not raise your own family there. Perhaps they could come visit you at college or you could stay in a safer area near your home where they can visit.
Be mindful when you say you’re not down for the cause anymore. You’re black so you should always be aware of
the injustices towards your race. Whether you choose to take an active role in seeking justice is up to you but you will never completely escape the injustices because you are black, my dear. If you haven't realized that yet, you will soon. Being
conscious and having awareness isn't negative, it does not translate to anti-white, it does not
translate to enduring harsh living environments for the sake of not "selling out"and it definitely does not
translate to being closed minded. So, be sure not to also box yourself into a category by eliminating a major part of who you are. Again,
balance will be your friend through all of this.
Have a conversation with your parents about your thoughts and let them know that you want them to meet your boyfriend at some point. You should get them used to this before you pop up with him (something you should do regardless of his race anyway). You never know, your parents could be more accepting of this than you think.
Walk good,
#TeamWISY
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