Response on How to Raise a Black Son in America

Introduction

Growing up in America is not an easy thing, especially for the blacks. This is because being a black kid exposes one to many limitations and restrictions in life. Smith clarifies that there are various activities done by the white kids but not at all eligible for the blacks. He is pinched so much on the aspect of shared humanity and wonders whether the Americans understand its meaning as they prevent others from achieving it. So, in America, being born here, a black kid needs to follow strict guidelines from the parents and, by all means, avoid doing what their white friends do; otherwise, they will be killed. This provides the aspect of race-based on color, which results in discrimination.

In the video authored by Clint Smith, some prospects stand out clearly. First, we need to appreciate that he is a black child born and raised in America and has experienced it all about being a black boy in America. In his message, he presents racism based on color, where being black is an automatic assurance that life in America cannot just be normal; instead, you need to get cautious from childhood. More so, being black is a limitation that demands keenness while addressing issues; even when playing, parents send a warning to Smith that he should avoid all the things that are done by the white kids (Smith, 2015). Basically, the aspect of humanity when addressing the people of color is not present in the United States. Blacks can never be left to be; over the recent days, many issues of concern are reported on unarmed blacks who succumb to death at the hands of police and vigilante. Smith says it all that being black an additional piece of advice to stay away from the whites, if only they needed to stay alive.

Additionally, smith highlight how an ideal black family addresses issues. A child born from a black family is entitled to follow the same rules that the parents followed. Belonging to these families calls for additional caution; as a child, he was not entitled to play games that were played by the whites; his father warns him that "Son, I'm sorry, but you can't act the same as your white friends (Smith, 2015).” Similarly, being a black kid in America today, the same system applies; one thing that the American students do might appear wrong when done by the blacks. Over the recent years, the issue of police brutality involving blacks is so high, and almost every black in America exists with fear. Our parents, therefore, stay cautious, warning us to avoid areas that might cause suspicion like partying, almost every day emphasizing the importance of staying alive.

Conclusion

Born in America and black in color is a challenge that starts right from childhood. The idea of racism is evident within the text on color, limiting the blacks from doing things that the white kids can do without restriction. Moreover, black parents can tell it all that bringing up a black child is not easy; one needs to keep track of the kid and offer adequate guidelines to protect their life. Smith clearly highlights the idea of shared humanity that proves to me although America is a super country, they do not understand the meaning of humanity as they prevent the whites from being human; this is something I had not discovered earlier. This work has been so helpful in picturing the relationship between family and society in terms of challenges, such as racial discrimination.

 

References

Smith, C. (2015). How to raise a black son in America. TED Talk. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us70DN2XSfM