to find it hard to talk about race/racism as a black woman without feeling like I'm 'playing the race card'

[CalliopeSparkles]

Sorry if this isn't the most eloquently put post. I read some of the threads on here where people seem to know so much about their subject, it's a little intimidating at times (not a bad thing) so will do my best to get my point across!

I am a mixed race woman. Black and Caucasian. Recently saw a clip of George the Poet during a search:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkmV6viAfz3/?utmsource=iggsharesheet&igshid=1ilippwo0ufby

Nothing we haven't seen before!

My dad is a runner and went out running one evening. He was pulled over by the police who asked to search him and his bag, saying he looked like a known criminal (he's a professional with a clean record, never broken a law in his life - other than simple ones like breaking the speed limit or not wearing a seatbelt). My brother was strip searched in a shopping mall once after someone thought he was shop lifting (he wasn't), my other brother lives in London, works for the BBC, clean record, and has been stopped and searched 4 times in 2 years, all for no reason (that he could tell anyway). These are all hurtful for me to hear and I know there is something wrong with this. If I've ever entered in to a discussion about it however it often turns in to people becoming defensive, trying to defend why the searches might have been done, and a refusal to see an issue. I believe that most people in this world are good, and kind, and are in no way bigoted or racist, however why is it so hard for some people to simply admit that racism does exist? It's almost like it's taken as a personal insult at times, even though I am as explanatory and unbiased as can be in my discussion.

The last straw for me was the other day when my whole office was in total uproar about a crime stoppers report regarding a white male that was called a 'cracker' by two black men. This is awful racist behaviour, however the anger is never there when it's the every day 'normal' racism we hear about towards ethnic minorities.

AIBU to think that there IS a problem and to be frustrated when trying to discuss it with those who won't engage unless it's their own race that's affected?

No, but I as a woman I’m told that I am more statistically likely to be a victim of rape or sexual attack so that colours my behaviour when on a night out. I’m more aware of my surroundings and would be more anxious walking down a street alone that a man would be.

I didn’t say that it was right, I just said that it could happen.

Drunkunicorn im agreeing with you. It shouldn’t be more greater for her. But it is, and she knows it, which will show in her body language, which will be picked up on. I never said it was right

Yes, most women are used to being aware of our surroundings and are ‘careful’ on a night out. Whether we do or we don’t, it is still not our fault if we’re attacked.

Women have the right to go on night’s out without being attacked. People of colour have the right to go shopping without being followed and scrutinised.

I did NOT put that apostrophe there, for the record. 😱

And not only followed and scrutinised, but in some cases confronted, challenged and searched!