It’s unbelievable how some people have the nerve to just spout out their unjustified thoughts without thinking of the consequences and that these kind of comments can hurt another person. We’re not talking only about skin colour here, we’re talking about a human being who we’re supposed to treat the way we treat ourselves. Skin colour,race and religion don’t count. A man has a right to learn and be successful in whatever career s/he chooses. So, keep it up TJ. We’re proud of you

It is sad in this day and age that people stereotype people just by their looks. It is sad that people will look at someones skin color and automatically decide who or what type of a person that they are. When in reality they may be the nicest person you’d want to meet.

I have a friend who is black and is over 6 ft tall and near 250 lbs. He owns his own company and drives several expensive cars. He is always asked if he is a football player or a drug dealer! The man goes to church and preaches in jails to the inmates!! He just shrugs it off as peoples ignorance also.

People who think and act this way won’t change just because of a documentary or others trying to “talk” to them. That is why we need to get the kids at a very young age and teach them that judging others is not right. That we all are the same inside and that is what matters most.

Cindy…Ga.

TJ, great story and a great example of racial bias. And guess what? You’re in the very position to change the image of young black males in the media. Often times when we’re shown in the news it’s usually because we have committed a crime. Very rarely are we seen when we have done something positive. I don’t blame white people for that misperception, I blame the white media. Even more interesting, is now we can see more racial biases in the media due to there being the first black democratic nominee and how overly scrutinized he has been and is still being scrutinized. Also, there’s a lot of negative spins when it comes to Sen. Obama.

Truthfully, CNN is also guilty of racial biases. During the week and the prime time hours, we only see the white anchors. The white talents of CNN are the only ones who have their own shows. However, we have to wait until the weekend to see you or Fredricka Whitfield. There’s no diversity in the viewing of all the CNN talents. I don’t think a lot of people pay attention to that. But I give CNN some credit because the other cable news networks and non-cable networks alike, I rarely see a black face at all. But there’s room for diversity everywhere and room to change people perceptions of minorities in the media.

Man I get this all the time. I am a 6′ 6′ pharmaceutical sales rep and I get questions about being a basketball ball player all the time.

These questions mainly come from older white Americans though.

I used to get angry about it because I wonder why a black man can ‘t just go to college and get an education and work in the corporate environment. Why did he have to play ball or currently be playing ball to make anything out of life

After a while I would just kindly respond by saying “No, actually I used to be a horse jockey in the Kentucky Derby”

It is at this point in time where some will start to pick up by my polite sarcasm that I probably get that question all the time.

This whole “black in america” piece is a tedious, worthless piece of boring journalism.

I am white and I’ve been asked if I play professional sports as well. What social injustice can I blame this on? Hmmmm…let me think about it…I’m sure I’ll be able to come up with something.

Not to beat a dead horse…but, T.J., the guy said “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys do to have nice cars like that?”. You heard, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you black guys do to have nice cars like that?” How do you know the guy didn’t mean, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys that have really nice cars like that do to have nice cars like that?”

Do you think maybe you are being a little overly sensitive? That’s what it sounds like.

TJ thanks for your unsight. As you can see here from these bloggers that many White people think we (black people) are overly sensitive. I seriously doubt that they have ever taken the time to wonder why……… Never taken the time to look at the history of the country and its people. They don;t understand what it means to live in a country where the laws of the land weren’t written for you (blacks) but in the past was against you. It must be nice to LIVE IN THAT AMERICA.

I experienced a similar encounter with a Baltimore City Police Officer in the late 1980’s. At that time I drove a late model Nissan Maxima and by husband drove a late model Volvo. My car was hit while parked outside our home and I called the police to get an accident report. When the police officer arrived and saw we owned our home and had two late model vehicles, he ran a background check on the both of us PRIOR to even discussing the accident for which he was called in the first place. In another incident around that time, a caucasion co-worker, who had seen me driving both cars, questioned how I could afford the cars. I simply reminded him that I was paid for the job I do as well as he. Ironically, he drove a high end Saab at the time.

I’m a white woman who lives in the south I do know what T.J is saying is happening. I have seen it happen a lot.

I think a lot of the problem is that people tend generalize everyone. All black people are like this or all Asians are good at math…that type of thing. We are all individuals and my wish is one day we can be treated by our own merits.

I think to deny that this is an issue is refusing to deal with the problem and make it better. I have no idea what it’s like to be in a black person’s shoes but I do try to understand the issues they can face. A lot of people in my family feel like “Damian” but I think until you walk a mile in someone’s shoes you can’t possibly know what someone else goes through.

Thanks for a great article T.J. !

Tesap, I didn’t say black people are overly sensitive - I said TJ was being overly sensitive.

Also interesting that you took my comment and applied it to all white people. All white people didn’t say TJ was being overly sensitive - I did.

Folks, this is the problem. Anything that a white person or black person says or does that is seen as offensive is applied to the entire race by insecure and unintelligent people.

TJ thanks for the insight I have heard others say the same thing.
I really appreciate your journalism on CNN.

Dan,
My brother in law is also about your height and alsogets asked that question about baasket ball and he is a white teacher. So it is not just because you are black..

Damian you know what they say about an opinion………anyways!

I am enlightened as a black person from the caribbean by this documentary. To think that the scenarios that damian pointed out could have been the real intent of the man asking T.J the question would show that one is not being realistic about the real truth about white people’s(some)… opinion of black people.
I myself as a black person form my own opinion about certain images i see in our black communities. it is a common human trait. that is were education comes in and i am not speaking of education from some ivy league institution i am speaking of common place education where we get to know a person before we make assumptions.

I would ask a young white guy the same question. Maybe you are a bit oversensitive and were looking for a racial bias that wasn’t really there.

Maybe he actually thought you looked like one of the 49’s players..

I agree with you…as soon as I hear any insults or bias toward me, I know that it is that person’s problem or ignorance -it has nothing to do with me. Doesn’t everyone have to deal with some sort of abuse or bias?

come on now of course you play football, basketball, ice hockey (well maybe not) baseball, curling, fencing and biking (on and off road). NASCAR is next.

What is going on with CNN and black related stories? There are more latinos in the US than blacks now and yet there are no stories on their stuggles. Is CNN becoming the next BET?

I’m pretty sure every person in the world has had someone say something strange, offensive, or otherwise inexplicable to them. This happens to young business owners who people assume to be interns, for example, routinely. Just give an amusing response, and move on.

Funny.

I saw this same incident in the movies. Guy drives up in a hot car. Another guy asks him (something like) “What do you do to drive a car like that?”

Only, of course, in that movie, Will Smith is doing the asking. And no one thinks it’s racist.

I do not deny that bias and misconceptions exist, and that it’s sad. But it’s sad to read so much into an offhand comment, too.

It is America’s shame that this kind of racial bias still exists in this country. How long is it going to take for people in this country to move beyond race and racial stereotypes? Soon I hope!

When the person asked “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys do to have nice cars like that?” isn’t it possible that he was just admiring a vehicle that he could not afford and wanted to know what you did for a living?

Nearly the exact same phrase was uttered by Will Smith portraying Chris Gardener’s charachter in the movie “The Pursuit of Happiness.” That exchange lead Chris Gardener to become a stock brocker.

Perhaps if you hadn’t assumed this was a racially biased question you might have inspired someone to become a journalist…think about it.

So how do you go about getting a really hot car?

I dream of the day when it just does not matter any more…………..

To damien. I think it’s important to realize that these occurances black people talk about aren’t one time things. TJ gave one example of how he’s experienced bias. I’m pretty sure he could give you a lot more if asked. Is it possible that maybe he misinterprted what the guy said and overreacted? I suppose it is. But when you see a pattern of this behavior that other blacks notice as well and talk about, it gets a little frustrating to constantly be told that “Well you might have just been oversensitive”. If it happens once or twice? Ya I suppose that would be the case. When you deal with it your entire life only to be told you’re imagining it, in a lot of cases by people who DON’T experience it, it gets extremely tired. And is one of the reason why many blacks are skeptical about race relations now and race relations in the future.

I believe we would see much less bias on both sides if we worked to be less offended and more understanding.

Im a blue caller hardworker from ohio, i grew up in a post racial society… im only 23… but I hate being put into this stereotype of redneck racist… so what I may wear a cowboy hat and get loud from time to time… doesent mean I cant do it with a brotha…

This response is for Damian: When you proclaimed to know what TJ heard as opposed to what was said, what makes you the expert the thinking of an African American?? While your point “What do you guys that have really nice cars like that do to have nice cars like that?” is plausible, wouldn’t it have been phrased that way from start?? Additionally, you neglected to touch on the point of being a football player…How would that comment be defended? Other than being fully clothed washing his car, what trait was portrayed to lead him to believe TJ as a football player?? Perhaps it was the black man in a nice vehicle combination…..but then that negates your argument…in context, there was only one way to take the comment…exactly what it was at the time it was said…..

Funny, I would have guessed you played golf or maybe were running for president.

Hmmmm another story about this garbage??? Come on with the black stuff…… Why is everyone so sensitive and it’s getting worse… I’m sick of this black pride trash…… I’m not racist, but I’m sick of people calling other people bias and racist, but won’t be accountable for themselves!!!!!!!!!!

To Damian, “a worthless boring piece of journalism??”" How ignorant are you? Perhaps you should watch the show and gain more insight into the steretypes that Black Americans have had to endure for basically our entire existence here. We cannot walk into a store without being followed around. Or better yet have the white salesperson run to help another white person before you yet you were in the store and/or line first? Do you have a hard time getting a job because your name is not Paul, John, Jacob, Luke, etc.? Do you have a hard time getting approved for a mortgage? Is your credit scruntinized more heavily? I’m sure you can answer “No” to the majority of these questions. Like Claire said, until you have walked a mile in a Black man’s shoes, you do not know what that man is going through.

I am 6′4 and white and get the “did you play basketball question”. I think you might be reading into the fact that your black more than the person that asked you. If a black person asked you the same question would you have taken offense to it? I doubt it. I see it all the time as I work for two young (age 25) successful bosses. All the time they get asked what they do to make money to afford such nice cars. They are white. They dont take offense to it because they are white.

I dont disagree that people sterotype black people, but I do think that black people use their skin color as an excuse to explain.

Oh one more thing?
In the article it reads “Yes, I’ve been called the N-word. To be honest, it never really upset me because as soon as that word comes out of someone’s mouth, I’m pretty sure that I’ve won the argument. That person has just confirmed how ignorant they are.” So does he think the black ladies from The View are ignorant?

Damian doesn’t understand that after experiencing racism your whole life, you become an expert at determining whether “you guys” means “you guys” or “you black guys.”

I sometimes wonder if in some instances what we see as racism might be stereo typing. Stereo typing is something that people of all color must deal with which can also be just as negative as racism. A large guy that is muscular must take steroids white or black, a guy wearing overalls and driving an old truck must be a dumb farmer white or black, a guy dressed in a suit must be educated and work a high paying job white or black. Sometimes its all about image that people have in their heads of how certain people should look, dress or act.

give me a break. He probably was half joking and you made it into something it wasn’t. Not too many 5′11 165 pound men of any color play pro football. Bull crap like this creates more resentment and distrust. Why don’t you stick to real stories of racism, not ones you invented due to paranoia.

20 years ago I was told that white’s would soon be the minority and it is my belief that we are.
I drive through a black neighborhood on my way to work and I have been pulled over by the police and asked if I am looking for drugs.
I know I have been passed over for opportunities because I am white.
I am not a racist but I do think you judge the person by the person,not skin color….and that is a two-way street.

Have you *ever* looked at yourself in a mirror? Looking at that promo shot I immediately think…

model
professional athlete
actor
spokesman
inspirational speaker

Sorry, T.J.. Your problem isn’t that you’re black, it’s that you’re a tall, handsome, charismatic man. “Regular” people are always going to think you have a magic secret, no matter what color you are. A face like that and a hot car don’t scream “educated man,” they say “look at me! Of *course* I have a hot car!”

As soon as I saw the heading of the article I laughed out loud and my co-workers were puzzled. I told them about an experience I had when my son was born on 07/07/08.

He weighed 8.9 pounds. The first thing the nice white doctor said to me was that “he is big and he is going to be a football player.”

I said to myself, why not a doctor, a lawyer, a scientist, a teacher, a politician, a professor, etc..” I did not ponder on it for long, I was just happy my baby was born and both the mother and the baby were healthy.

Here we go, let us be all we can be.
Thanks TJ for a great article.

If I were TJ, I would have said I am a News Anchor in the TV station and they pay me good, and moved on. TJ seems to be ( and perhaps many more people), seem to be sensitive (and justifiably so) about this type of questions. However, we all can be little more confident and try not suffer from complexes, (no matter what is the reason). I admire TJ and his blog is well written and touches on emotional level.

Damien, you exemplify the typical white attitude when it comes to subtle racism. As a blackman with dual masters degrees from a first class university I can tell you personally that young black men are judged first by race and age by many people of all races.

Much of it has to do with the fact that the media rarely depicts positive images of black men, instead choosing to seek out negative stories. Daily, many people of all races commit crimes but in the media we see mostly black faces. In major newsroom we see mostly white faces. What is the subtle message?

TJ, thank you for your insights.

I’m a teacher and one of the hardest challenges facing me these days is reconciling the labels placed upon my students externally with the labels they choose for themselves. My school prepares diversity programs and offers a multicultural center designed to support each and every student’s individuality, but mostly what happens is a recurrance of stereotyping into tiny, little, meaningless boxes to keep each person “in line.” I wish we lived in a society where it wasn’t what someone looked like, or how they dressed, or their accent, or gender, or sexuality, that decided how they were treated by others.

it’s kind of sad in today’s world that this type of bias exists, but it does. more often with all kinds of races in all countries. not just in america. so it’s not an American problem, it’s a human being problem. nice article tho.

Darrell Green, DB Washington Redskins. Considered one of the best DB’s in NFL histroy.
5″ 11″‘, 160 lbs.

And I’ve asked white people who roll up in a S Class and ask what he does to have nice cars like that. Why? Because I want to have S Class too.

Regards,
Typical White Person

I agree that most people may not be racist, just bias. I remember a few months ago, me and a co-worker were sitting in a fast food restaurant watching CNN (no really). I work for an insurance company so I was dressed in slacks and a button-up shirt. They were talking about Obama that day and the election. This white guy sitting across from me began to try and school me on politics with a history lesson. He said “there was this guy, Abraham Lincoln, he was a president a long time ago”. That statement alone shocked me, as if I may not know who he was.

Its ashame that people who are not Black seem to understand that with us it happens much to often to just be a coincidence.

Let’s face it! When you see a handsome, well-conditioned black man, you think football, basketball, and baseball. The fact is that most black men are nowhere NEAR the top or mid-level corporate ladder. They have no one to blame but themselves. They are the ONLY people not to make it in this country! Just a fact.

TJ, nice commentary. Racism and prejudice is alive and well. Your candor and frankness as a CNN anchor is appreciated.

Stereotypes exist for a reason!

By my count there are 6 players on the 49ers roster who have a similar height and weight, so for someone to think that you played proffessional football is not at all ridiculous. Now if you were 5′5″ and he asked you if you played for the Warriors, I would understand your point.

Don’t be so sensetive. He was probably paying you a compliment.

who is this guy? and who cares? what a stupid article…WE DON”T CARE ABOUT YOUR STUPID CHROME WHEELS OR HOW LITTLE MONEY YOU MAKE…OR ABOUT YOUR “HOT” CAR…IDIOT

It’s very true that these sterotypes still do exist…..obviously, granted the Black men in America, still lags behind other men in other races class/education wise.

T.J.’s story doesn’t surprise me, however what is really interesting is the way he ended that piece….really nice touch on salaries and biases.

Francine

Just reading the two bloggers negative comments about this article, just drives home the fact people see only what they want to see.

Nice article TJ!

I live in the Bay Area and became familiar with T.J. Holmes when he was an anchor at a local TV news station. I knew right away that this guy was going places - no matter what color he was. I wasn’t surprised to see him go national at CNN.

Great job, T.J. Keep it up!

It’s the same ignorance passed down from parents & grandparents. People learn these ways of thinking. They don’t just happen upon them. I do hope you told the man what a success you are & left nothing out. I’d have loved to see the look on his face.

All the person asked was “What do you have to do to drive a nice car like that.” Color of skin was not an issue. It was assumed by you that was what was meant. You know what ASSUME means. It can make an ASS out of U and ME. Whenever people are envious they ask questions about how they can obtain what you have. You should be flattered. When I was in school, gym class, the students would vote on what activity to do in the class, the majority votes would determine the activity. Nowadays, if 99 people want to play baseball and 1 wants to play soccer, they play soccer to accomodate the 1. Things are really crazy.

What a crybaby. Be thankful for what you’ve accomplished, and quit trying to blame people for your own misperceptions.

TJ, I can see how you would take the comment the way you did. But, trying to be as unbiased as I can be, I see the comment in a totally different perspective. This guy was acting like he didn’t know how to get a nice car. Duh, go get a good job and work for it. It seems like everyone in this country thinks the only way to do well and live comfortably is to make millions of dollars in pro sports. If people would learn to live within their means, they could save up for nice cars like the ones you drive.
I will admit that I have stereotypes about black people. I have tons of black friends and I went to school with them and worked with them so it’s not like I cannot speak from experience. But, I will tell you that the majority of black people I run into are mean. They are mean to me even if they don’t know my name. I am the last person you would call a racist so I don’t know why I get treated the way I do. And, most of the black people I meet are either high school drop outs working part time jobs and living on welfare or they make money illegally. But black society is just like white society. There are a lot of whites who give us a bad name and sterotype as well. I think eveyone, regardless of color, needs to start taking responsibility for their lives and decisions and quit blaming it on other people.

LOL. I am a 5-10, 185 lb young black professional male and this happened to me all the time when I went to college. People always asked if I played Division I NCAA football. Yeah, it’s pretty shallow minded for them to ask those types of questions, but there’s a lot worse they could (and have) ask.

Truth is, we gotta place more value academic and educaucational achievement in black american culture and then maybe other people will stop stereotyping us like that. It ain’t right, but we, and BET, contributes.

Two things here,

First: “Yes, I’ve been called the N-word. To be honest, it never really upset me because as soon as that word comes out of someone’s mouth, I’m pretty sure that I’ve won the argument. That person has just confirmed how ignorant they are.”

-that could not have been put any more eloquently - I come from an “old fashioned” area and everyone, including my family used it all the time like it was nothing - never been more embarrassed to know people

Second: Dan you might be jumping the height/racial gap there with that one. I’m 6′7 and white and I get that question from older white men and women literally every day for at least the last 5 years - I do agree with you that it is the most annoying thing in the world though, Im not good with the polite responses, I’ve gone from just an uncomfortable laugh to a scowl and walk away now, ha

it has nothing to do with racism or bias. it has to do with reality. the reality is, not enough black men take advantage of the free education system in this country. most aspire to be street rich, just what the rapper heroes preach. most blackS aren’t raised by suitable parents. REALITY.

I’ll admit it…

I’m puzzled when I drive through a very low-income neighborhood (with a mainly black population, which is a fact) in Baltimore on my way to work every morning and I see brand new BMW’s and Cadillac’s parked on the side of the street. I would never even think thoughts like this if I weren’t driving through one of the poorest neighborhood’s in the city…

You know what, I;m tired of being lumped into the “white people are all racists” group. It’s no fun either. I don’t give a crap who you are, what you do, how much money you make, what color your skin is, what your IQ is, etc. A god person is a good person. A bad person is trash. Rgardless of your income, ethnicity, etc. I’m white and I’m not racist (that I know of), I just don’t like bad people, period.

this is moronic, you had a huge suv with huge rims like the ones we see on mtv cribs. it had more to do with your tricked out ride than anything else. had you had a normal ride like most people it would have never come up.

If it were a young white man, people wouldn’t bother asking how he got the car because they would assume it was given to him by his rich white parents. Everyone deals with the biases all of society has. And every race, gender, and age group has a bias they direct towards others who do not fall in their specific race, gender, and age.

The guy who made the comments named “Damian” is the best example of the problems faced in this country. How dare he speak on an issue that he couldn’t possibly have a point of reference on. Sadly, some things never change.

T.J I think that too many people cry racial baisness when its nothing so serious. I think blacks cry and complain too much. Whites and other races experience it too,but u dont hear them complain. In life as long as the color of our skin,hair,accent,religion,etc, is different we will complain,I am black and i accept it and move on.
arun,NY

I know how T J Holmes feels. I don’t think of every white person I see as racist but when they cannot believe that I, a black female can own something as simple as a jet ski? When I take that jet ski out to ride, a crowd gathers! Then to be as rude as to ask how I got that jet ski? I cannot help but to wonder…

QUOTE –

“damian July 24th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Not to beat a dead horse…but, T.J., the guy said “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys do to have nice cars like that?”. You heard, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you black guys do to have nice cars like that?” How do you know the guy didn’t mean, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys that have really nice cars like that do to have nice cars like that?”

Do you think maybe you are being a little overly sensitive? That’s what it sounds like.”

EXACTLY!!!!

I see what TJ is saying but I think the same thing any time I see anyone in their mid - late 20’s with a nice decked out ride or other toys. I guess I just wonder what others my age are doing to be able to afford things at that age. My wife and I have good jobs but we also put a lot into savings rather than expensive toys.

I love how your article separates your race from any other bias. I’m 6′4″ and 245. I have a JD and I work in the business world. People ask me all the time about what football team I played on. Every meeting it seems as if someone asks me to beat someone up in a joking manner. I’m told all the time about how intimidating I am. All because of my size and their bias.

Conclusion, get off your high horse and realize everyone has traits that people distinguish and comment on. Blacks, not African-Americans (a large percentage of true African-Americans in the US are white) don’t have the monopoly on this issue. Talk to my white friend from Zimbabwe who was denied an African-American scholarship because he wasn’t black. That’s racism at its most ignorant.

It sounds like one of the stereotypes perpetuated by MTV and the rapper image. To be honest, I would have probably assumed something similar depending on what you were wearing. It’s not that I couldn’t imagine a young educated, successful black man, it’s just that we’re been thrown so many images of what a young black man in a blinged out SUV equals that we don’t always realize our own misconceptions. But it’s good to bring these things up to remind us to stop and think for a second before making a rash judgement or assumption.

To me he just was trying to ask what you do for a living because to him you were obviously doing well. Don’t assume to know the “real” reason for his questions. You don’t know him or his thoughts. You made assumptions about his intentions based on the color of his skin, sounds like you were the racist one.

PS To Dan, anybody over 6′3″ is asked if they played basketball regardless of their skin color. I think that has something to do with basketball players being tall.

You’re kidding me right? This is his righteous indignation? I live in an upscale neighborhood with both with and black families. I drive a BMW and just a few weeks ago an African American Democratic pollster was going door to door gathering donations for Obama. He told me he loved my car and house and asked me what I did for a career. Clearly he’s a racist. How could a white man gain such things without being a professional athlete. This just proves that you can find whatever you’re looking for in any situation. Get over yourself.

Perhaps it is just my upbringing or differences in Canadian culture - I wouldn’t have assumed football in the first place; in fact I wouldn’t have assumed anything at all. It is a “man” driving an SUV. i likey would have admired your truck (since I had a large white one before) but I doubt it would have gone further.

And if we had found cause to talk, Id do what i do with anyone, just ask what you do.

This is not particle physics.

TJ.. We are soooo proud of you. Each day I tune in and see you I am proud. My son is 13 years old and a straight A student, but also loves sports. It is amazing how so many people /adults with kids focus on Athletics as maybe being the only way a young black male can be successful. We make sure he knows that the education piece will be what ultimately makes him a success! You are a great example of that..Again.. You make us proud

The MORE Whites DENY and REFUSE to acknowledge
the FEELINGS and Experience of others, as if we’re MAKING
ALL OF THIS UP, the more PROLONGED this problem will be !
When you’ve NEVER been the VICTIM of this, then you couldn’t
possibly understand it and NEVER will !!! Just know that it’s
TRUE and ACCEPT that fact !! Period ! If this country NEVER
had SLAVERY as it’s Historical reference, this would never
have become a problem to begin with !!! Just because Slavery
existed was hundred of years ago, whites DISMISS this as old and
irrelevent in today’s world. OBVIOUSLY it’s STILL relevent if generations later we’re STILL feeling the side-affects of it’s Power !!! White’s PLEASE try to take this as SERIOUS as Blacks & Browns
do, because UNTIL you do, we’ll NEVER get passed this, hundreds
of years into the Future!

Let’s go back to that dead horse for a minute, Damian. The gentleman who approached TJ started of the question with ‘what do you guys do…’. Well, who exactly are ‘you guys’? It doesn’t take a genius to understand the implication. I myself am a black man, and black people aren’t necessarily overly sensitive, just tired….very, very tired.

Having been born and raised in the South, I’m accustomed to bias … against me from the rest of the country. People always jump to the conclusion that everyone from the South is ignorant and racist. I have 3 separate college degrees and have been a working professional all of my adult life. I can speak to the fact, however, that racism exists everywhere and there’s no limit on the color of the perpetrator. In Chicago, for example, there was a particular store I went in with my husband and the saleslady followed us around, watching and making snide comments about anything we looked at, finally saying she would call the manager to escort us out just because I asked how much a garlic roaster was. (it was the only thing I’d said to her the entire time except, “no thank you” when she asked if there was something in particular we wanted) I told her there was no need and that I wouldn’t bother her again. The store was going out of business and everything was marked 80% off. I’m as white as snow (I sunburn in the shade) and my husband is pretty dark (he’s Filipino). The saleslady, however, was black. What preconcieved notion did she have?

You need to relax T.J. Nothing that guy said to you at the car wash was even remotely racist. I can’t believe you wrote a column on race relations because someone asked you how you got such a nice car and if you were a professional athlete. Oh, and “Marlon”, if you think there’s a media bias AGAINST Barack Obama then you aren’t paying much attention buddy. He’s being followed around and worshiped by the MSM like he’s the second coming of Christ.

I completely understand where you are coming from. Being an ethnic born Chinese Canadian, I’m a third generation born Canadian. When people look at me, they see “Oriental” even though I speak fluent English. Fortunately, I lived in a large multicultural city, but when I started working in small towns in Northern Canada, people up there thought three things: They assumed I spoke Chinese, I know how to cook Chinese food, and I can do Kung Fu.

One time I was at a service station and this little kid stares at me because they’ve NEVER seen someone like me. After asking what I am to her mother, her mother replies “don’t be rude to that Japanese Gentleman”.

Boy was I shocked.

I can say the same thing because I speak with a very heavy southern accent, unfortunately for me they don’t assume I’m black they assume I’m stupid. Luckily, I too received a college education and post graduate degree, but the only place that recognizes my talents are the economic development organizations in other countries, over 25 of them infact and currently Iraq, but not the people of Virginia.
By the way, I’m an Audrea Mitchell RedNECK.

Having that monster SUV is a sure sign of bad taste - not of sense, skills or talent.

Having said that, I remember Oscar Peterson, a man of great sense, skill and talent relating a story how he was addressed by a passer-by while raking the autumn leaves from his cottage lawn. A person with skill and talent surely could guess the punchline.

TJ,
From your description of your SUV, it just might be the car of an athlete.
I often wonder what people (regardless of race or ethnic background) do for a living when I see an expensive car. I don’t always go up to them, but it might be interesting to find out.
By the way, TJ, during your education, you should have paid more attention in English class - the grammatically correct last sentence in your article should read “…black man was making more money than he” (as in “than he does.”)

TJ,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m an African American woman from the Bay Area and had a similar situation happen to me when I was home from college visiting my family. School was out and my plan was stay on the East Coast for the summer. I decided to come home and surprise my mother for Mother’s Day. At the time my mother was a partner for a consulting firm that contracted for the City of San Francisco. My mother loves fresh flowers. So I decided I would go by her office and surprise her with flowers. I get on the elevator, and a woman says to me ‘It must be nice to have a job delivering flowers to people” I was not remotely dressed like a delivery person…summer dress, high heel sandals, etc. No disrepect to people who deliver flowers, but why was that her first assumption?

It is very interesting how you pointed it out as racial bias and not racist. There are a lot of people out there that lump people in groups as Claire mentioned. I guess I’m tired of hearing about it mainly from African Americans. I’m a blonde, do you want to know how much bias there is against blondes? Yet all of the blondes in America are not writing articles about the crap that they get on a daily basis. Just because I have blonde hair everyone assumes that I’m an airhead and that I can’t think for myself. I don’t take it personally - I just remember that some people are born with foot in mouth syndrome!

Trust me when I say this type of judgement does not apply only to young black men. Although it may happen more often, they are not alone. Be honest, you see a white man with long hair, tank top (although called a wife-beater on these guys) tattoos and riding a Harley. No judgments or assumptions ever enter your mind? You see a young white girl in college and doing well, no assumptions of her having rich parents or an easy life enter your mind? We all make assumptions and we all are guilty of making judgments. I do not believe this affects only one race of people but I do believe only certain races of people get to discuss it at length while others are pretty much taught to deal with it.

TJ-
Every political thread I read lately on Barack and Michelle Obama has posters who state that they should be grateful to America for their success. They imply that affirmative action permitted their success in Ivy League Schools and presumably, in the workforce and in politics. Your thread and Damian’s post imply the same thing- how did you accomplish this success except through special treatment because of your race? This attitude takes away any success you have achieved through talent or hard work and makes it become a gift from a generous America to you because of your race for which you should be grateful because this is somehow undeserved.

Great story. This country truly has a big misconception on young black men. Unlike T.J, I am 5′ 7″ and 120 lbs and have never been mistaken for a football player. However, I guess I might have been mistaken for a car thief. Upon graduating from college and landing my first professional job, I treated myself to a brand new black Mustang. I worked 2 jobs to pay my way through college, so I felt that I deserved something nice. I only had the car for about 2 days when I got pulled over by 2 cops. I was not speeding or anything like that. They made me get out the car and shined the flashlight in my face and asked if that was my car. I said yes and 1 of the officers said “OK, we’ll see.” After questioning me and running my license, they let me go. I asked why I was pulled over and they said they just wanted to make sure it was my car. This was in 1997.

It’s ridiculous that people would assume that only specific avenues of success were available to anyone, regardless of race, gender, or creed.

However, I think you’ve hurt your argument a bit by displaying a class bias of your own.

You refer to what you do as having a successful career, implying that an athlete’s career is somehow inferior. You say that you got where you are through education and hard work, implying that athletes don’t learn their trade and work every bit as hard in their own way.

I’m not a religious man, but the line “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” has always resonated with me. Until you’ve dealt with your own biases, and forgive me if I’ve misinterpreted your remarks in that regard, you may want to step down from your high horse.

As a young male that often wears a backwards hat (which my mother hates), my personal experiences suggest that your age and apparel may have been more influential than your skin color.

LOL. I am a 5-10, 185 lb young black professional male and this happened to me all the time when I went to college. People always asked if I played Division I NCAA football. Yeah, it’s pretty shallow minded for them to ask those types of questions, but there’s a lot worse they could (and have) ask.

Truth is, we gotta place more value on academic and educational achievement in black american culture, and then maybe other people will stop stereotyping us like that. It ain’t right, but we, and also BET, contribute.

This kind of incident is all too common for African American men especially. I was staying at a 5-star resort for my bachelor party this April. I was on a terrace with three of my friends where the executive club room sits. The executive club is reserved for platinum members of this hotel chain. I am 5′10″ 240 pounds with a football player frame, the other three men are 6′1″ 225, 6′4″ 235 and 6′4″ 240. We are pretty big guys. A young white girl was sitting with her family and they were staring at us. In a very nice way, she comes to us with pen and a pad and asks us if we were professional football players and what team do we pay for. I chuckled and replied that we didn’t play professional sports. What I wanted to say to her father, is that we play for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Wachovia Bank, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and Merck. Those are the four companies that we work for and I met all three of these gentleman in either undergrad or my MBA program.

The fact that I was a platinum member that travels almost every week for my job, didn’t cross their mind. We just have to get over it and keep doing our thing.

Great article T.J. I have been in that type of situation many times myself. Damien, wow!! you are extremely ignorant. I’m sure you have been asked if you play a sport but when it becomes an almost weekly occurence come talk to me. Also maybe T.J. wouldn’t have taken his question to be racial if the ignorant man hadn’t proceeded to ask the 5′1ll 165 pound T.J. if he played football for the 49ers. People like you make me extremely pessimistic about things ever truly changing

same old thing with the black community, don’t see them for who they are or they aren’t judged fairly for their work. Can’t get a break, always go to the worst schools, never had a good role model. beats me how a young black is the front runner for presdient of the united states. guess some of us forgot to look real close.

Great article! However, you have to remember that some people have never had experience with professional, college-educated black males. Until I went to college, I was one of those. And even now, in my small hometown, there are very few black people “like you”. And the ones that are, who could really break through barriers, don’t mix and mingle with “old guard” whites (and, granted, vice versa). When you only have experience with unemployed, uneducated, criminal-looking black males driving souped up SUVs, you are naturally going to base your reaction to seeing one on that experience. Don’t be so hard on the guy who approached you at the carwash. I hope you took the time to explain what you did do, to show him that you were different than what he had experienced in the past.

Stereotypes are very hard to break down - we all have them. Even you had one about a man who would ask you the question he did. Maybe he was very much like you, maybe even earning more than you (though I doubt it - haha). But, the more we encounter situations that broaden our base of experiences, the more likely we are to see just a guy washing his car instead of a black guy washing a “hot” SUV with chrome wheels and tinted windows.

I understand being annoyed at being stereotyped. But I also agree a little with Damian, he was just asking a question about how a young person can afford the expensive car with flashy additions (granted “you guys” can mean anything depending on the reader). As for the football player comment, there are a great number of americans who are in excellent shape and who play professional sports. I would be rather proud if someone asked me if I played professional sports, I would take it as a compliment for my physical fitness.

I would have to disagree with your statement about being a professional athlete not being about hard work and education. I know several people who excelled in sports and education, they have said nothing about any of it being easy.

I believe the man’s question was directed at the fact that TV and Music Videos prominently display young black americans driving big flashy SUVs and he was simply curious as to how/why they do such things. Granted he could have worded his question better.

Regardless of everything, it was a good article.

Yawlay you genius, That’s what people say when a big baby is born.

I agree with TJ.

My mother is caucasian American and my father is from Indonesia and I am an American citizen. I look mixed, not white, not Indonesian and I get looks all the time. But after living in Maryland for 25 years, I don’t really give a f..k what other people think about me. I am fairly good looking, I have a good job and make pretty good money, I pay taxes, I follow rules, I treat people well, and my family loves me. I think we just need to avoid people that judge other people based on their ethnic background (or other reasons as well). Most of them are un-educated anyway. We don’t have time for them. Live is to short to deal with stupidity.

Well put!

T.J., one day I noticed you were gone from our local station here in Littlerock, and now very happy to see you on CNN.

The whole thing about the guy asking you about your car is ridiculous. Maybe he was just impressed with your car. You have a serious inferiority complex.

Damian,
If you don’t have anything constructive to say then…

TJ, that is a great story. You are in a position to help change the perception of black men especially. Far too often we are only seen in handcuffs on tv, and that isn’t anybody’s fault other than the individual. I hope that you remain a role model for young black men and I hope to do the same. Hopefully, within our lifetime’s (thirty somethings currently) the perception will change.

Jay why did you read the article and feel compelled to comment if it’s of such little importance to you

I think that we can find what we are looking for in everything in our daily lives. I am 6′ tall and 225 pounds and white and get comments that I must of played linebacker. I also have not gotten every job that I wanted, didn’t get picked first all the time, and am a little unsure if my Dad really loved me. I grew up in south Georgia, so I am sure that racism exists as I witnessed it often. I am also sure that it runs deep both ways. On more than one occasion I would go to the home of my black friends and be treated rather rudely. So what, though. From a white guy that grew up poor with a mother that literally worked herself to death at age 40 and a construction worker father, I can’t see where being white has gotten me a whole lot. However, being a hard worker, nice guy, and making the attempt to do the right thing has.

I’m a white guy married to a black woman. We have 2 wonderful kids. I’m raising them to good, productive members of society. This can be accomplished regardless of race. They are human beings first, not to be held down and classified or grouped into a specific category. When asked “what they are,” they reply that they are mixed. I don’t see the big deal with this and I think people are sometimes too sensitive about race issues these days. Any person can succeed if they make the proper choices in life. It does, of course, help if you have the funds to help them. I do feel badly for the people who are struggling to make ends meet as documented in the show.

people aren’t much of anything were just information junkies. im an italian american from ny my father was is the night club business and through out my life people have assumed that our family was in the mafia. stereotyping is all around us but i think the best method for our generation is to just forgive each other for our ignorance.

I cannot be mad at the guy. Stereotypes have power and most young blacks with degrees don’t bling. Better yet, not chrome, 22’s, trimmings, etc. They drive Malibu’s and Impala’s and actually try to stay away from reinforcing the athlete/gangsta ‘motiffs’. Im black and degreed by the way.

“Not to beat a dead horse…but, T.J., the guy said “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys do to have nice cars like that?”. You heard, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you black guys do to have nice cars like that?” How do you know the guy didn’t mean, “Man, I just gotta know. What do you guys that have really nice cars like that do to have nice cars like that?”

Do you think maybe you are being a little overly sensitive? That’s what it sounds like.”

Damien, I have to agree with you. The worse thing about being black is the uncertainty of situations like this. I’m from the Heart of Dixie so I can deal with blatant racism as well as undertones and hidden racism. What gets me is the “not knowing”. When I go in a store is the clerk all over me because he thinks I’m a thief, does he not help me because he thinks I cannot afford the items, or is he just being himself and I’m overanalyzing the situation.

Welcome to racism. Until we all admit that we see and judge each other based on race, religion, education, and history; we as a people will never progress past this cycle of wounded egos. Accept people as people. The first step of education is ignorance. Calling someone a racist wont educate them. It will just make them more ardent in their beliefs.

Damian,

If you think this is such a worthless piece of journalism then why are you reading it. Why are you giving it your time of day.

Well, if you’re going to waste your time reading it, why don’t you do so with an open mind. You might learn something.

I was driving to the airport the other day and I noticed a young black man walking across the street with his pants below his but and holding them in the front.

When will this fad and ugly prison look no longer be embrased by our young black males?

It is hurting their image. T.J. please help with this one.

I totally agree with you TJ… this happens all over the world and I do the same thing you do… I tell myself this person is so IGNORANT! As a proud black female from West Africa living in the U.S… I have had white educated people ask such silly questions like were you born in a hospital, how did you learn how to speak english etc. The thing is people like that are very ignorant and don’t know anything about the world outside theirs hence such question… Its time that we all wake up from these stereotypes that someone being black means they are worthless… Kudos to you and Soledad

Please Dan from INDY my brother is 6′6 and white and people say to him all the time, I BET YOU PLAYED BASKETBALL IN SCHOOL. I think you are being a little too sensitive on that subject. Have you ever thought they might have been just making conversation. I wonder if it is how you are raised, if you are raised in a household that you are told to watch what people say because they are racist and might be cutting you down, you then grow up thinking no matter what they say, as a racist comment.

TJ:

Thanks for sharing that. I like the way you presented the situation. Yes, there is still a lot of racial bias out there. Somehow, someday we may grow past that. We need to speak to it - all of us no matter who we are and where we are in life. These divisions are man made and as such we have the power within each of us to tear them down.
I’ve watched you on CNN and am proud of you.

TJ,

Ask yourself what type of people drive those types of trucks/suvs? Look at the music videos they play on tv all day, or rappers that rap about those suvs. You have a right to drive/own what ever you like, but those types of vehicles will get attention, good and bad.

I am sure if you were in a Honda Accord, no one would have bothered to ask you what you do for a living. To me, people that have to have those types of suvs, are crying out for attention. Why else would you customize it with 22″ wheels?

One day you will realize that material objects were designed to enslave the people through economic means. I learned this when I was 28. I prefer being happy with what I have, and helping the youth in my community that need guidance. Most of these kids come from a single parent family.

Making more money than HE WAS. Use that education.

iam white and want to know why we even look at color. iam 27 and the northeast. i grow up in the south and have never looked at somebodys color. lets stop talking about color and maybe the hatered will stop also..

All I can say as a 35 year old black man with two college degrees, T.J. you are not alone. I am sure you could have given several examples of going into “high end” clothing stores and requesting assistance and sales assistance looking like ok, ” We don’t sell FUBU here”. Just Crazy!

I wear bowties and if I get asked one more time from a white person if I belong to the Nation of Islam I am going to find a bean pie, final call and throw it at them. LOL

The scary thing about us (black people) is that we can not be figured out. Just when “they” think they figured “us” out here we go changing up on “them”

Everyone wants to be “black”, but no one wants to be “black”

I think you took his question in the absolutely wrong way. Not necessarily any better of a way, but in a different way.

I think he asked the question and hinted at a little bit of a shot against you: he didn’t think an academically and professionally successful young man would drive a car like that. What you described is what is seen as a staple in the black community, and generally we aren’t talking about lawyers. I know black lawyers and men of other professions, and none of them drive these generally obscene cars.

So I think he thought you were a football player since they do often have those tricked-out cars. He figured, on the basis of your car, that you had to be someone who earned the money not through intelligence — surely you’d have a better, more classy car if you did — but through physicality or other means.

It’s still bias, but not because of what you thought.

I think you got it just right. Coming from South Georgia and being white, I heard so much racism that was said behind people’s backs. “Oh, he’s nice for a black guy” or other term. It was unbearable the racism I heard. Yeah, there is a huge racial bias out there. “You should be nice towards them and get along with them; just don’t make friends with them.”
T.J. I watch you often and you do a fine job. I’m very proud of you and glad you posted your experiences on here. Best of luck my friend!

T.J.
I have had the pro sports thing happen to me also. I was kind of flattered seeing how I was a utter failure at football. I see your point.

I was in Europe and the same thing happened so It is not only in America. Some Europeans think that the only way you can make it out of America is if your a rapper or a baller.

You articulate your point wonderfully. Not black, not white, just wonderful. I know your parents are proud and you have a bunch of options (eeh ehm) in Atlanta. Good job.

T.J. I’m glad you took the time to write this article. Its so crazy that in 2008 racism exist even more than in the past. Its not always a color issue either. I seem to encounter a more gender issue. In the industry I work in, I am an educated black woman in a managerial position and some people just cant handle that. I really applaud CNN taking the time to educate those who don’t know the struggle and the path that our ancestors had to endure and pave the way so that we can be where we are today. We have so much work to do and such a long road in front of us. Many of us know the history and the stats, but its up to us as a whole to make a difference. Keep up the great work TJ!!!! You are representing us well.

I think TJ is being overly sensitive. Of course there are stereotypes and they will always be there. The dude was probably looking up to you like ‘waoh! a successful black man. How do I being a black man get to where you are and own a ride like that? Dont be offended but forgive people for their ignorance.

I grew up being taught that we should see everyone as our equals!! I think that it is unfair how people get sterotyped all the time. For example I am a blonde!! I bet everyone has a few jokes rolling around in their head right now. But, as much I don’t think I am racist I sometimes think that when i see a tall, build black man that maybe he is a football player!! ( I was right once!!) but more times than not i am wrong. So on behalf of us that are just not always thinking about our actions. I am sorry for all the times I have sterotyped anyone!!
Thank you for opening my eyes a bit more!!

just wondering what folks would want to call you the n-word…..your family? your friends? seems like thats where you hear that the most. but like woopie said “i” just dont understand. i grew up in the military where respect is earned and given regardless of race. i would never ask; “What do you guys do to have nice cars like that?” more power to anybody who can make the money! I think the bias comes from the way some people (white and black) choose to represent themselves. it starts at home and in your neighborhood. i have no problem telling my neighbors to clean up their yards and cut the grass. i will even call parents when kids are hanging out on the street corner at 1 am. lets start at home and work outwards. plenty of white folks out there who can be called the n-word.

Dan from Indianapolis, did it ever occur to you that someone might have asked you if you ever played college basketball due to the fact that you’re 6′6″ and not because you’re black? I ask that question to a lot of exceptionally tall people I meet (white, black, brown, whatever), not just to be another person asking the same annoying question to them, but because I play basketball and envy the height advantage they carry.

To Dan from Indianapolis, I think that the basketball question is more height related than race related. I am a 6′2″ white woman and I get asked if I play basketball on an almost daily basis.

While I think he may have had this experience and perceived it as a racial bias in regards to the individual asking the question, the real issue here is yes, there is racism, everywhere, all the time, but for crying out loud, it needs to stop being a white vs black campaign. I’m referring to all the posters I see during this “Black In America” series who blog.

2006 U.S. Census data shows 80.1% of US population is categorized as white, while 12.8% of US population is categorized as black. There is just as much “in race” bias and bigotry as there is “out of race” bias; i.e. affluent whites in suburbs that shun rednecks and hicks, or white blue collar workers that think all white fat men in nice cars are rich pricks.

To quote Tesap, you’re right, why don’t we “take a look at the history of the country and its people,” and I would argue I can say it’s you that might not be thinking outside your own race. Lets go back seventy years and look at the Japanese internment camps, or a hundred plus years ago and look at the railroads and the abuse among Chinese immigrants. Have we forgot the plight of the Irish Immigrants? Or what about the Germans and other European immigrants who came to this country as indentured servants and treated as second class citizens.

Racism exists. It’s a shame it does. Lets combat this epidemic by not focusing on any one race as the perpetrator or the victim…they all fulfill both roles at one time or another. Race is what people make it, so don’t make it worse.

Reading over the comments I have to agree in this case with damian about the way the guy said what do you guys do…….. I am African American and trust me I know racism still exist however I believe that image plays a role. If I saw TJ at the car wash in a polo shirt and kackis shorts I would think he was most likely a successful business man. If I saw a young caucasian male at the car wash same car with shorts, tank top and baseball hat turned back I would think he was a professional athelete as well or in the street life. I am a people watcher and for the most part I can tell what people do or how they act by the way they carry themselves or dress. Now it is unfortunate that African Americans most dress a certain way not to be stero typed when our counter parts do not have to. I have alot of friends who will dress up to go to the mall to be treated fairly. Whereas a caucasian person could dress casually(not trashy) go to the mall and automatically be given fair treatment. Yes, damien that does happen and until you walked in someone else’s shoes don’t be so quick to say they are beating a dead horse.

Wow damian, what a closed mind you have. That shows exactly what we ( as a Black person in America) has to deal with. Thanks for showing what its like being Black in America. TJ great article, I can definitely relate.

I had just moved to the new town in the Northeast and was working for a major defense contractor making more than twice what I did while working as a USAF Law Enforcement Supervisor. My wife and I just bought a new home (1/2 duplex), new car and replaced all our old furniture. I called the local police about a complaint against my next door neighbor on suspicion of selling drugs. She was a white female living with a black male that was hardly ever seen. The white police officer taking my complaint looked at me, the new car and new furniture and told me it was more likely that I was the one selling the drugs.

I have worked in law enforcement for a number of years since. I made good money and my family and I made numerous sacrfice to get to a point where we were, not rich, but at least financially comfortable. It irked me that this ass reverted to the racial stereotyping and assumption that I gained these material possessions through ill gotten means just because I was Black. It wasn’t the first time and certainly wasn’t the last time it would happen. I’ve even had white men purposely cross the street in front of my own home, just to avoid coming in contact with me because of my race and physical stature.

Master of Arts, Criminal Justice
Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire

I think there are two sides to this.

First of all, I cannot believe how insensitive that man was who asked that question. How absolutely ignorant. Although I must say I hope that you’ve dumped your SUV for a Prius.

On the other hand, African-Americans comprise a large majority of the players in professional sports such as football and basketball. When I have played playground basketball, I, of mixed Asian heritage, myself have been repeatedly made fun of by many African-Americans for no other reason than the fact that I’m not a great player, and honestly I believe there is racial bias behind this. These African-Americans seem to place such extreme importance on athletic prowess, even though only a tiny, tiny majority are going to make an income from professional sports.

I’m not totally agreeing with what Damian is saying but I’m a young white male that has a white collar job, yet I like to drive my sports car with my hat turned backwards, my music turned up and have tatoos on my arms. I’m not saying TJ is being overly sensitive but I’ve had quite a few people think I must be a drug dealer or some type of “thug” in general. Older people (black and white) often show looks of disgust. I shrug it off. Accept me for who I am, or not at all. Furthermore, some acquaintances of mine, also black and white, often ask how I afford the things I have…………I work people, I work. Many times it’s generational differences in this country that show the ignorance of people. Of course if these differences are passed on to younger folks we never totally rid ourselves of these biases.

Interesting. I have a neighbor from China who use to compliment me on my SUV. Then one day he finally got to nerve to ask me what type of work I do. I told him that I was a software engineer. I think it is normal for people to be curious especially when they get a different picture from TV.

It is simply astounding to read a blogger state that Senator Obama has been “overly scrutinized” by the press. Senator Obama has been given a free pass by the press, and has not been scrutinized at all. Is that because he is black? I have no idea. But the man has never been seriously questioned about his qualifications, background or positions on anything. He is treated as the messiah.

Great article but I wonder if the question was maybe more about your look of youth versus your color. I am white, young and quite successful and I have received similar looks and comments with the vehicle I drive (similar to yours). Primarily people tend to question my comments and looks until they truly know who I am. Bottom line people tend to judge well before they know the person which rely specifically on stereotypes only but these stereotypes are of multiple variations.

Perceived denigration empowers them. I bet the guys question was referring to how could new anchors could afford cars like the one he was washing.

I think there is quite a bit of sensitivity to all racial bias’ right now. I am a white male (mid 30’s), and guess I count myself among the fortunate that I stopped seeing skin color quite some time ago. Many of my friends have told me of similar experiences, and have seen a few of them happen first hand (one friend from college, black, 6′8, 280) was always asked who he played for, no matter where we went. Like Dan from Indianapolis, he came up with some good one-liners to zing back (his favorite was that no, he didnt play football, he was in the ballet).

It is sad for me to see how many people still react to race in any way. I really hope that at some point in the future, everyone can stop seeing race - both the people who have the bias, and the people who might be sensitive to the bias. I understand there is a lot of history to overcome, but let us all try to leave history where it belongs, in the past.

I totally agree. Lots of white people are clueless and ignorant and they won’t keep their mouth shut. I have had so many racist incidence being a black man but I don’t care….I keep moving.

1. Asked to be followed by an associate at a Walmart in MI as soon as I entered the store. I feel violated and was really angry. Every isle I turned, I saw this lady peeping and I decided to confront the manage who apologized.

2. Assume I do drugs just because I drive a really nice car. Get a clue and get a life - black people make money too by going to college and getting real jobs

…a lot more have happened and I’ll just hold it in for now.