A section in the first part of this book was when he talked about how he developed a new language to protect himself opened my eyes. Because of the culture that he was brought up, he had to be so cautious of what he said. Just simply asking to see someone's bike was taken as he was starting a fight. Using the example of Treyvon Martin, he explains the danger of simply growing up as a young black man. My heart hurts for those who constantly feel like they have to defend themselves from the world around them.
As a Christian, I wish our human eyes could see how God views his children. Before people become so quick to judge, I wish they would take into thought how precious that person is in the Lord's eyes.
I agree with not being able to relate to someone in this situation that much. That is one of the main reasons I picked this book.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so crazy how different our perspectives are from Mr. Coates? I also have never felt that kind of fear just simply stepping out of my home. I can't even imagine it, and yet it saddens me that thousands of young men and women live in that reality everyday. It totally changes the fundamental basis of human interaction and I would not know how to handle it.
ReplyDeleteGood empathy and connection to Coate's experiences. I think he was trying to illustrate the privilege that some have when experiencing the more common things in life. I'm glad you're willing to empathize with his experiences and think through how they were/are different than yours
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