Tag Archives: racism

Adrian Peterson, Black Monsters, and the Daddy Problem

NFL running back Adrian Peterson (AP) unarguably suffered a tragedy last week in the death of his young son. But another quiet, subtle injury to the football player saddened me for a different reason. Two articles published by major news sources shifted the lens from the pervasive problem of domestic violence against African-American women and children toContinue reading “Adrian Peterson, Black Monsters, and the Daddy Problem”

Decoding Ratchets, Respectability, and Racism

I think of the word ratchet like a friend you graciously let stay on your couch: it was cool at the beginning, but it’s really overstayed its welcome by about a year. The first time I heard the word was in a 2009 song by Hurricane Chris called “Halle Berry (She Fine),” where the rapperContinue reading “Decoding Ratchets, Respectability, and Racism”

Zimmerman’s Valid Fear

“I’m gon’ put some lead in him,” Mr. Williams says. His raucous laugh holds no mirth, but his belly shakes a little beneath his hands. “If I catch ’em in my yard, I’ma beat the piss out of ’em!” “Mhmm. I ain’t got too good an aim, so I’ma buy me one of them shotguns.Continue reading “Zimmerman’s Valid Fear”

A Racist Apologizes

Dear Offended Black People: I meant exactly what you thought I meant when the word nigger leapt from my mouth. It did not escape. It did not slip out. I launched it with all the force my vocal chords could muster. I wanted it to stick.  If I was sorry for offending you, I wouldContinue reading “A Racist Apologizes”