Running While Black In America

Tiffany Johnson, 37, who lives in Woodside, was attacked back in August while out for a jog, her only crime was she was running while black in America.  Running while black is not a crime in America, but you couldn't tell by frequency with which we are pulled over and harassed by the police for engaging in a simple physical activity-apparently we fit the description.  Tiffany said her instinct was to avoid further confrontation. “I just wanted to get away from her as quickly as possible. My safety was my first concern. Her mentality is her problem,” she said. “I don’t really like to take on other people’s issues. That she thinks that way is her problem, not my problem.”  Noting Black women often have to deal with casual and overt acts of racism, Johnson had this advice: “Don’t let anyone steal your joy.”

Why are we constantly having to take the high road?  There are two school of thoughts some people feel Tiffany was a punk, for letting that old white woman treat her like that, then they go on to say:  "I woulda beat her ass."  I don't know how I would've responded in that moment.  It would not be a a good look for me as a black man beating up an old white woman.  Let's play this out the cops arrive on the seen they see me a black man beating up this old white woman they're not going to be asking too many questions-I'm going to get arrested.  

Why are we constantly having to take the high road?  There are two school of thoughts some people feel Tiffany was a punk, for letting that old white woman treat her like that, then they go on to say:  "I woulda beat her ass."  I don't know how I would've responded in that moment.  It would not be a a good look for me as a black man beating up an old white woman.  Let's play this out the cops arrive on the seen they see me a black man beating up this old white woman they're not going to be asking too many questions-I'm going to get arrested.  This whole incident helped to realize I need to memorize at least one persons phone number.  It takes a great deal of restraint to think before acting on impluse.

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