Comments on: Dear Black Mom: – a response #IAmListening

By: When It's Time to Shut a Post Down - BonBon Break

When It's Time to Shut a Post Down - BonBon Break — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 12:53:41 +0000

[…] Dear Black Mom: by Sarah Anthofer […]

By: Alexandra Rosas

Alexandra Rosas — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 05:59:22 +0000

Ivy is correct. I saw the full video, not just the end that was released. The full video shows Michael Brown putting money on the counter to pay for the cigars. And there is no substantiation for alleged assault on a woman, and no hospital records confirming assault to Wilson.

By: Dear White Mom: - BonBon Break

Dear White Mom: - BonBon Break — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 04:58:48 +0000

[…] Dear Black Mom: – a response #IAmListening […]

By: Ivy Whisper

Ivy Whisper — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 04:55:42 +0000

This is a wonderful and thoughtful letter. I do want to clarify that video was released showing that Michael Brown did pay for the cigars. There was no robbery. To print this would be to encourage an idea which is not true. There is also no evidence that he assaulted a woman or officer. Editors please look into these issues. Otherwise the letter is a wonderful way to encourage conversation. Thank you. Ivy

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:01:09 +0000

It’s not the responsibility of the oppressed party to educate the privileged. An ally should do their homework. There are plenty of articles and resources out their, including several really poignant and informational blogs. I’m not saying there shouldn’t ever be discourse on the subject, but assuming the oppressed party should be a kind and patient teacher at every situation is an insult. We have a right to be angry that this keeps happening, please don’t ask me to be patient and understanding when my very existence is seen as threatening in everyday situations. You have no idea what it feels like to traverse the world being seen by many as lazy, less intelligent, ugly, and threatening and having to fight that stereotype constantly with every fiber of your being, and then being told to calm down.

Finally, the victim shaming in the last paragraphs is indicative of the entire problem. The police officer that murdered the unarmed teenager was unaware of the fact that he was a suspect in a robbery. Did Michael Brown make some bad decisions? Most likely, but I’m pretty sure that the punishment for shoplifting and assault is not death. He should have been arrested and judged by a jury of his peers, but he was denied that right because was seen as a threat that needed to be taken down.

Here are some of the resources I was talking about: http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2014/08/things-stop-distracted-black-person-gets-murdered-police/

http://colorlines.com/archives/2014/08/michael_brown_and_the_danger_of_the_perfect_victim_frame.html

http://jezebel.com/this-is-why-were-mad-about-the-shooting-of-mike-brown-1619522935

By: Lisa Gradess-Weinstein

Lisa Gradess-Weinstein — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:36:51 +0000

Thank you Sarah for sharing your perpsective! I so agree, an open dialogue is an important step!

By: Bonbon Break

Bonbon Break — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:41:46 +0000

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to construct this letter. We are very hopeful about opening the door for people to start talking and, better yet, to start listening.