For my youngest brother's eleventh birthday, my boyfriend and I bought him Nerf guns. He was already building his collection and we thought it would be so fun to spend the day running around the house all playing together with him, sneaking around corners and hiding behind doors. It seemed like the perfect gift. He already liked them, and he could play with them inside during the winter, which coincides with his birthday, as well as in summer when it's warm and we could run around the house instead.
On the way to my parents' house to bring my brother his gifts, my friend called. While on the phone discussing the gift my friend says, "I hope you all only plan to play with those inside, because you know even black children don't get the benefit of the doubt these days when playing with toy guns." Reality came crashing down on around me as I was reminded once again that existing in this country as a black person, even a child is sometimes more about surviving than thriving. This seemingly fun gift could also be a hazard to my brother, myself, my entire family.
A toy gun, seems innocent enough but that's what Tamir Rice was playing with in a park when police shot him within two seconds of seeing him without even considering that he could be simply playing with a toy. When you're black, even a child, you're often seen as a threat before you're seen as human, if you ever get that label.
Yet another example of how in this country, you're seen as black before you're seen as anything else, even a child. You're seen for the color of your skin and then immediately considered a threat. Which is why so many black parents are so strict. Just another reason black children don't have the privilege, the luxury of being children. Even in our youngest years, we have to be on guard and on our best behavior. Not allowed to goof off or make mistakes. Because a simple mistake or what's meant to be a goofy fun moment could cost your life.
The innocence of childhood is stolen from black children almost immediately because of hatred and fear. Due to misconceptions and prejudices about the black experience, children are not allowed their right to play freely and innocently because even the most mundane of childhood activities are a danger to black children. This is why we march, this is why we speak out, and this is why we fight for visibility and a better, more equal life.
