Barely Visible

Chapter 1

Do you know what it means to be seen but not really seen? What does it mean to be visible in a world that is run by those who have controlled society for centuries? These questions can't help but swim around on my brain as I struggle to fit in with the non-diverse environment surrounding me. It's not that I dislike the people around me, no it's not that at all. Rather, it's the sight of walking into a large space only to be greeted with an empty feeling. How does one cope with the feeling of emptiness? Could it be fulfilled by trust? Maybe, understanding? God knows it'll take time before either of those are truly achieved. Maybe for now we can just settle with..change.

Growing up going in nothing but private schools meant one thing, predominantly white. It wasn't the white people who were bad, it was the media that influenced their behavior. Everyday you see more acts of violence, micro-aggressions, and just blatant acts of racism without remorse. That display of hatred eventually traveled into the ideas of the weak-minded population. The population of people who say, "I'm not racist because I have associates and acquaintances who are people of color" yet say the n-word in songs because they feel like it has no wrong meaning or hold their belongings close when in an enclosed space with an African American individual. It's those who are weak-minded who defend those who have done or said racist things by blaming it on their lack of knowledge due to their age or (a more commonly known excuse) "dark humor".

It has come to my attention that the term "dark humor" has gained a new meaning. You see, it originally was humor that was mildly inappropriate but still funny in a certain sense. Maybe some used it to cope while others used it because their humor is a bit..less advanced than the typical human being. Now I enjoy a good dark humor joke from time to time, however; it seems every "dark humor" joke now involves some sort of racial profiling, generalization of a community, and usage of unnecessary and unneeded slurs. I may be called sensitive or flawed because I don't find these "jokes" funny but that doesn't bother me. I know the history behind things and why you shouldn't joke about them and you would too had you actually paid attention in your history classes instead of focusing on how you can turn a serious situation into a laughing matter.

For all those who read this, I would like you to take away a few key points. Look at your own life and your surroundings. Look at the people you choose to surround yourself with. Don't take what I've written as a rant or a complaint. Take it as an eye-opener. Use it for support. Know that you aren't alone and we can get through this together. Racism was created to tear others down and allow people to take back control. Don't give them the upper hand against you.