At the school yesterday, I had an interesting encounter with a student. Although I don't think I had ever met him before, he stopped me in the hall and said to me, "I just want you to know that you are the only white guy I know who doesn't talk at us all the time. In my eyes, you are black." It was obviously a compliment, but it left me asking more questions.
Was this a race issue, an authority issue, or an age issue? Do most adults not take the time to be still and listen to kids, instead choosing to talk or yell after making a quick judgment? Or are most white folks verbally paternalistic and condemning of young black men. Does "being black" mean being more relaxed and not as uptight, or tolerant of problems because I choose not to confront much of the delinquency in the school? All these things get mixed together in a mush of misunderstanding and hurt that perpetuate all kinds prejudice and systemic problems that destroy our community.
Whatever the case, I know that teens need caring adults who love them unconditionally, take time to get to know their situation, and offer compassion prior to discipline. Therefore, I will keep walking the halls and telling the story.
