While slavery was outlawed in 1865, it didn't equate to equality. While the Black American experience has improved substantially since the 19th century, it's been rather comical to see people tweet in shock everytime something racist occurs. While I often find myself disappointed very rarely do I find myself shocked.

Anti-blackness is everywhere and institutionalized.

Heartbreaking events deserve their own moment of grief, however, African Americans aren't allocated enough time to grieve because these events never stop happening. As a result, most of us we have grown desensitized. I notice this most when I hear phrases such as "Wow another one".It almost seems trivial to be sad because the news has a way of reminding us that these aren't isolated incidents.

The United States of America isn't a safe haven for black people despite the toil and time given by African Americans to the United States. I don't know if racism will ever end because ideologies are difficult to fight, but I do know that being "woke" isn't enough. Woke is a term that often refers to a shift in someone's thinking where they begin to question the common rhetorics that proclaim the United States is post racial country or racism is an ideology of the past. Awareness is important and this is in no way a means to negate the importance of questioning what the world feeds you, however "Woke" has also become a buzz word in recent years.

I think my issue with the fascination in appearing woke is that it often stops there. I have no interest in discussing how patriarchy, or racism, or able-ism exist, because these are the glue that holds many societies together. I have no interest in pretending to be shocked that Donald Trump was elected despite running on a platform of xenophobia, racism, and misogyn. Why might you ask?

Because it's exhausting. Any victim or disenfranchised individual is well aware of how problematic the world around them is. Yes, these individuals want their feelings validated, but more importantly they want solutions. Telling African Americans "you're down with the cause" or a politician sending a family their prayers but no real action following tragedy does no substantial good. I think finding balance between speaking up on tragedies and not being consumed with them is difficult. However, when the conversations never leave the surface or begin to offer alternatives or options for improvement they're a waste of time.