This week, I wanted to understand the initial reaction and thought process that happens when people see or think of the color black; whether it's skin, paint, or the cover of a book. What do we think of black? And how might that affect how we treat people who "look black?"
I asked people to tell me the first word that came to mind when I said "Black" or "African-American" in hopes to understand their connection with the color and then bring it to light. Perhaps this can show how our idea and understanding of color leads to our opinions and behavior.
I asked everyone from Facebook friends to coworkers to children. These are the responses I got.
Culture
Freedom
Scared
Strength
"ME"
Nigga
Fighters
Black Panthers
Misunderstood
Thug
Excellence
Silenced
Slavery
House Slave
Riots
Strong celebrities...like Oprah or Obama
Rosa Parks
Don't Shoot
Activist
BEAUTIFUL
Disadvantage
Scary
BAD
Extraordinary
Standing up for what is right
Soul
Ghetto
SURVIVORS
Friend
Puffy Hair
PRETTY
Minority
PRISON
Courageous
Strong
OPPRESSED
Creating change
BLESSINGS
Diversity
Criminals
RESILIENT
Police shootings
UNITED
And lastly, my word- BRAVE
Some of these shocked me. Some broke my heart at the misunderstanding, the judgement, and the complete ignorance. But, some of these words gave me faith in humanity and the right to equality. Thank you,