While I'm busy forming another post, I decided to pull something I posted to Facebook last week. This is in response to the comments on Proctor and Gamble's "Conversation" commercial.

My first memory of racism was watching my mom get pulled over because she was turned around in the "wrong neighborhood" and someone called the cops. What I took from that experience was that, as a Black person, you can't afford to get lost.

You. can't. afford. to. get. lost.
I wasn't any older than 8.

I was 15 when I had the safe driving conversation with my mother. She was stern in her correction when I suggested that she was being paranoid since I'm a girl, and a petite one at that, so police couldn't possibly be intimidated by me. She made sure that I knew that yes, they (the police) pull women from their cars and slam them on the ground just as they would a man. Oh, and since you're a woman, you may encounter sexual abuse as well.

Don't talk back. Say, "Yes sir, no sir." Please dear God keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. If it is nighttime when you are pulled over, drive to the closest well-lit and populated area before doing so...and apologize for doing it when they come to the car. Let the officer know where your license and registration are before reaching for it, and ask for permission to get it. Show remorse. Even if you're being wronged, just make a mental note of their name and badge number so you can call later.

Do what you have to make it home.

This was my reality. I am only 30. It will unfortunately be my children's realities as well. And guess what--we didn't create the problem. So we can't fix it.

The ball is in your court. You want us to stop bringing up racism, then stop being racist. It begins with you.