#McKinney

I'm here, writing as a teenager, a citizen, and a human.

My skin has shades of yellow undertones. I have hair on my skin like every other. I have dark eyes and black hair. I am normal in my country. Yet, in many others, I am different. And in many minds, I am unaccepted.

I was scrolling down my tumblr dashboard, and came across numerous posts about a single topic. One after the other, again and again... The Texas Pool Party Incident or #McKinney.

As I scrolled through them, I didn't know the extent of what was done. I just knew that apparently a cop, with white skin, had pinned down an African American teenager at her pool party for no particular reason at all. 

It was only after seeing the actual video(or video turned gif) did I actually realise the enormity of the situation.

This man was incredibly violent with all the civilians around him. He shouted at them, made them get on the floor. And then turned to an innocent fourteen year old clad in a bikini. He forced her to get down and I quote, "on your face". He literally dragged and slammed her down to the floor. A few of the people around tried to help, but the minute they got close the cop would immediately reach for his gun, threatening them.

I don't need to explain any further. And if one wants more details I'm certain they'll find thousands of posts about it. 

But this, this is the way some people live.

They live in constant fear, at the mercy of others. It was as if they were controlled by the gun, the fear of it, and the stories behind the trigger. They know all too well of what were to happen if they were to make the wrong move. It's absolutely heart wrenching to think that these people can't trust or rely on the policemen that are supposed to protect and care for them. There will always be the possibility of injury and even death. I can't imagine living like that.

I can't even find words to explain the pain and the sympathy that I feel for these people, anyone that has to reconsider their actions or words because of the colour of their skin and the root of their existence. I can't believe that this is the norm in some societies, and I can't believe that this can ever be a norm in someones life. 

What I just saw... is not how someone, anyone should be treated.

They deserve justice, and I don't mean by putting down any other race to do so. 

Is peace between two races such an uphill and far-fetched thing? Is empathy, understanding, love and care so hard to find? Is equality, true equality, ever going to come through? 

I've never written about racism before. But I thought I ought to touch on this incredibly important topic. I would also like to say that I am very very lucky to be able to grow up in an accepting and safe environment, and around people who do not discriminate me for my background. I am aware that in many countries there is racism towards asians and racism is still a very much prevalent thing in our world. I have absolutely no tolerance for any of it, and I respect each and every single person regardless of their skin colour, language, race or religion. I have been raised to think this way, and in my actions I will uphold my values. I personally am lucky to have not had big incidents with racism, but I have friends whom I respect greatly, for their strength regarding racial discrimination.

I've come across certain instances where my friends get slammed online for being a certain race.

Even in our country where we enjoy equality, there is still racism among the people. This fact we cannot deny. Many teens I know actually make jokes about another persons race/religion, and at that point I know whether or not I want to be closely associated with them.

It is not a joke. It is not funny and it is not acceptable.

It is not cool, it doesn't make someone in anyway attractive or any where near likeable.

Issues of race are not for anyone to throw tantrums about, and there are no excuses for the inhumanity of physical and verbal violence.

Watch what you say;

Watch what you do;

End Racisim.

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Signing Off...

CLL