We often forget or try not to think about how being black in this world can be difficult. The world may try to convince us that it is in our minds; however, the reality tells us differently. I will never forget the day a patient got off the operating room bed in tears because I was black. She and her mother did not want a black physician taking care of her. They left the operating room without getting the procedure done. That’s how real it gets.
Naomi Osaka Never Regained Her Composure
It breaks my heart that we live in a world filled with such ignorance and narrow-mindedness. I have the saying that if I cut you, white, black, or yellow, your blood is the same color as mine. Furthermore, if you were dying and my blood was the only blood available you would have no issues taking it. Yet, you have an issue riding in the same elevator with me. Why? What is going on in your mind that makes you believe or think that it is okay to treat anyone with disrespect?
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Heckler Needs To Examine Their Story
After years of being heckled in school, college, medical school, and in various hospitals I have worked in, I came to a sobering conclusion. There will always be ignorant and narrow-minded people in the world. Usually, their behavior is fueled by fear. Furthermore, I can ONLY control my response. No longer do I let it “tear me up” inside. Instead, I smile and think I know who I am and what I stand for. For Naomi Osaka, it was too fresh an incident and she could not put enough space between the incident to focus on her game. Reminds us that they are human and struggle with emotions and pain just like us.
Fame And Money Do Not Change The Color Of Your Skin
It is silly to believe or think because you are rich and famous, you are no longer black. I would go on to say that they tolerate you because of your fame and fortune. In fact, I will take it a step further, they have found a way to make it more palatable to be around you. When I was in medical school, my attending physician, a psychiatrist, who was responsible for our psychology rotation, told me I was not black because I was a physician. Think about that one for a second folks!
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Unbelievable that in the year 2022 these issues still exist!! And I can only laugh at the idiotic comment made by that psychiatrist!! Look at how much time and effort white folks devote to trying to achieve our coloring…..tanning!! I’ve actually had them say….”look, I’m darker than you!!”……however they wouldn’t want to be me or live next door to me!! Does any of this make any kind of sense?!!
Yep, something has got to change. Sadly, it probably won’t be in my lifetime.