I didn’t sleep well Saturday night. I saw episode 1 of “Them” , an Amazon Prime series. My heart was in my throat during the whole hour.
I wanted to change the channel. It was too stressful to watch. But I didn’t. That would have been the easy way out. I made myself sit and watch it.
Did You Know…
Between 1916-1970, millions of black Americans migrated from the South to the northeast, Midwest and west to put the legacy of Jim Crow behind them. This series follows a black family and their entry into Compton, California, which at the time, was all white.
I don’t want to give away the episode, but there were some critical lines that will tell you where this is going. Look at it through the lens of fear.
From the black family:
“I’m tired of running.”
“We have to stay and defend our home.”
From the white neighbors:
“How could a black family afford to pay $11,000 for a house?
“They always come from something worse, so we have to make this worse so they leave.”
“We need to do something. Let’s start with the dog.”
Fear is Real
Both the black family and the white neighbors were afraid, but there is a difference. One is afraid of seeing their way of life changing and they believe they have the right to take action to preserve it. The other is afraid for their physical safety because of the actions of their white neighborhoods. Their fear is real, but the balance of power is not.
In addition to the tension on the home front, there’s also challenges on the work front. The black man was starting a new job. When he arrived at his new place of work, the receptionist dismissed him twice, telling him the kitchen was on the second floor- assuming he was hired to work in the kitchen. He was patient and polite, but persistent. He wasn’t hired to work in the kitchen. He was hired as an engineer and surprise! He was the only black engineer.
Experience It or Change the Channel?
This is just the beginning of the series. It’s hard to watch, but you should if you want to learn how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Whether it’s 1950 or 2021, people often reject what they don’t understand. Add power to the equation and the fear of losing it, and you have the making of ignorant fear, better known as hate.
I challenge you not to rationalize what you see. You may not be able to relate to it, but far too many people can. Choose to learn about experiences other than your own.
Thank You for Your Sacrifice
This was the experience of my parents and their grandparents. They didn’t read about in a book or watch a TV show. They couldn’t change the channel. They lived it. In their pursuit of a better life for their families, they endured being the first, being the token, being the last, being disrespected and being discounted.
But they prevailed! I am the evidence.
What Will You Choose to Do?
Yes, my heart was in my chest as I watched this first episode of “Them”. Yes, I wanted to change the channel, but I didn’t. I made myself sit and learn. I need to allow myself to be uncomfortable because that’s how real change happens – when you get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to have different experiences.
No, I didn’t sleep well Saturday night. I’d be concerned if I could.