Chapter 1: A Personal Awakening

In a previous article, I shared my fascination with true crime narratives. I frequently listen to various YouTube creators discuss real-life cases, often while engaged in work or household tasks. One day, while washing dishes with my phone charging in another room, I tuned into a story that featured recordings of the perpetrator's interrogations. As I listened, I unconsciously formed a mental image of the criminal.

To my surprise, I envisioned the person as Black, only to discover later that the actual perpetrator was a white woman. This revelation sparked a moment of introspection and anxiety. Why had I automatically imagined her as Black? Was it because I unconsciously associate Black women with criminality? Did I misinterpret her voice, leading me to that conclusion? What does it even mean to "sound Black"? Had there been cues in the narrative that influenced my mental image? Most importantly, I found myself questioning whether I harbored racist tendencies.

Interestingly, I’ve had the opposite experience, where I pictured a criminal as white, only to learn they were Black. I believe the explanation often lies in familiarity; the voice may remind me of someone I know, regardless of their race. Yet, recognizing this thought process troubled me. How many automatic biases do I carry throughout the day that affect how I perceive and interact with others? It's likely a considerable number.

Each day, we navigate the world carrying the weight of our biases. So, how do we address this issue? Can we truly amend our perspectives? While I’m uncertain if complete transformation is possible, acknowledging our biases is a crucial first step.

Section 1.1: The Power of Speaking Up

To further our journey of self-improvement, it is essential to use our voices when we witness inappropriate behavior or remarks. I must admit, for much of my life, I viewed racism as a distant issue. While I understood it existed, I had never encountered it firsthand. My upbringing in a predominantly white community contributed to my ignorance on the matter.

You might question my definition of "diverse." Yes, my school had a mix of ethnicities, but I was somewhat sheltered regarding real-world experiences of racism. Fortunately, a high school yearbook from my sophomore year provided some enlightening statistics.

For reasons unknown, the yearbook included a demographic breakdown of the student body, revealing that white students were not the majority. Instead, the largest group was African American, followed closely by Caucasian and Hispanic students, with a notable Asian presence.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Reality of Racism

It wasn’t until I left this environment and moved to Florida that I confronted the harsh realities of racism. My perspective shifted dramatically. In my office, there were only two Black employees, both women, one of whom I had become close friends with. For the sake of anonymity, let’s call her Jane.

One day, Jane had a disheartening experience with a white coworker named Nancy. During a casual conversation, Nancy referred to her husband using a deeply offensive racial slur. Jane was understandably taken aback but chose not to confront Nancy directly. However, when she confided in another Black colleague, the situation escalated, leading to Nancy's termination. This incident left a profound impact on me.

I was shocked by Nancy's actions; she had seemed so ordinary. I also felt helpless for Jane, who had to endure this experience. Jane later shared her encounters with racism, and I could only listen, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration.

Chapter 2: Commitment to Change