I got a chance recently to conduct some professional business out in the "Mid-West" with a colleague of mines. Big time RED state!! Long story short, my colleague is a big dude that use to play football. He keeps it clean, well groomed for our line of work etc.
At some point, over a few weeks, while working with our "white" customers in the area. One of them pulled me to the side, guess he was feeling comfortable and said something to the effect of:
" I feel GUILTY because I never thought that someone that looked like that could be a professional and be that good!"
Translation
" I never thought a big black guy could be an intelligent professional!"
Ol boy proceeded to ask me about my thoughts on Trump and Police killing, Kap etc. I was in a teaching mode so I dropped some knowledge. The conversation ended with him asking, "How could he learn more about stuff like this? Because he can't really talk to his FRIENDS or FAMILY about these things without being ostracized"
I essentially said, "Get the hell out there man! Visit places! Put yourself around people that don't look like you or had the same upbringing!"
It's likely this white guys background fits most in these kinds of places. Grew-up in a conservative home maybe came across 1-2 minorities during their entire schooling background and everything they know about the United States comes from FOX NEWS!
When you look at a map of the country, it becomes glaring that there are only a few pockets where people like him would even get a chance to interact with others outside of his circle.
When you come across stuff like this it makes you really start to understand why this country is the way it has been and also makes you understand the miraculousness of Obama both winning and serving two terms.
At some point, over a few weeks, while working with our "white" customers in the area. One of them pulled me to the side, guess he was feeling comfortable and said something to the effect of:
" I feel GUILTY because I never thought that someone that looked like that could be a professional and be that good!"
Translation
" I never thought a big black guy could be an intelligent professional!"
Ol boy proceeded to ask me about my thoughts on Trump and Police killing, Kap etc. I was in a teaching mode so I dropped some knowledge. The conversation ended with him asking, "How could he learn more about stuff like this? Because he can't really talk to his FRIENDS or FAMILY about these things without being ostracized"
I essentially said, "Get the hell out there man! Visit places! Put yourself around people that don't look like you or had the same upbringing!"
It's likely this white guys background fits most in these kinds of places. Grew-up in a conservative home maybe came across 1-2 minorities during their entire schooling background and everything they know about the United States comes from FOX NEWS!
When you look at a map of the country, it becomes glaring that there are only a few pockets where people like him would even get a chance to interact with others outside of his circle.
When you come across stuff like this it makes you really start to understand why this country is the way it has been and also makes you understand the miraculousness of Obama both winning and serving two terms.