quote:
I am a 24 year old male who has lived in Louisiana for most of my life. I graduated from highschool here, I received my bachelors degree here, and I am in pursuit of my masters degree here. I am not suggesting that the entirety of Louisiana is racist, nor am I suggesting that everyone is out to get me, but there are few things that concern me that I wonder if concern my caucasian brothers.

- 1. I am afraid to drive in my vehicle once it has become dark outside. It is not in bad shape, I believe it does not fit the profile of a vehicle that would be considered suspicious, but never the less I am afraid as I have been pulled over multiple times. I am not rude in fact, I feel as though I pretend I am a sub-human as I try to be as respectful as possible. I have tried addressing the officer and adjusting my demeanor in various ways. I have tried the "slave-mentality" demeanor in which I maintain eye-contact long enough to show compliance, I say "yes sir" and "no sir" and tell the officer to "please search whatever you would like, I am in your complete control I do not wish to do anything that would show you that I am threat in any manner." This ended up with me in hand-cuffs on the hood of his vehicle. I tried the "I am an American" approach. Assertive, but not rude. This ended up with me in handcuffs even faster.

- 2. I am afraid to go to certain businesses in Louisiana. At this point, I am used to be followed, but it is the looks that I get from people that are the most disconcerting. I have walked into various establishments, and just been given a look that causes me to be sick to my stomach. This happens on such a regular basis. I dress in slacks and a button up shirt everywhere that I go, but it seems to not help. I even once went to the courthouse with my wife, who is white, to apply for a marriage license and the first person I asked for directions completely disregarded my statement and I asked if I was looking for the probation and parole department.

- 3. I am afraid to call the police in Louisiana. There have been times where I have seen or heard things that would have prompted me to call the police, but I am always hesitant as I made a call before on someone else and I was then made the subject of inquiry.

- 4. I am afraid to be myself in Louisiana. I have my hair cut in a buzz cut. (oh how I have wanted dreads, braids) I wear clothes that are not my style in an effort to assimilate into the culture. I am generally uncomfortable in many public situations. I am stared at whereever I go, suspect in whatever I do, and I really feel that I am invisible to a certain extent but at the same time I feel that people are suspecting of me just because of my race.

I understand that many people could say that I am being paranoid, I understand that completely, but I have tried to be confident and proud and that only results in more scrutiny. Maybe there is nothing that I can do, but if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

I didn't think it was this bad here, especially in the south parts. I feel everyone is easy-going and understanding? I've lived in the north too, and I didn't see any of what he was talking about. The black people did see more cautious of what white people were saying/doing around them.

This post was edited on 8/15/14 at 8:50 pm