Facing Racism and Discrimination

Hi A,

Sometimes it feels like you are more on the side of the sociopaths in the community where I used to work and of my ex-boss, the bank robber, than on my side and I wonder if it is because, they are white and rich, but the criminals of other races and poor, you are not shy to call them thugs. As I have shown you, they are plenty of thugs in the white race too, but a lot of them are just more sophisticated with more money hiding behind the law, their white privilege and money; sometimes posing as "helpers" and doing their crimes behind closed doors-- they are the most deceiving of them all -- It would have been nice to feel some outrage coming from you for what the sociopaths did to me and some sympathy.

Anyway, I'm writing now because lately I have sold a few copies of my book, and someone just sent me a private message on Facebook telling me that he likes my book and that I have done a great job.

"Hi Sylvie,  I purchased your book last week.  I have read a couple of chapters.  From what I have read, you have done a great job on your book.  I really believe in Alice Miller's work, and your book is a witness to her insights.  I strongly feel wounds from childhood abuse are the cause of much of the present-day suffering.  When I finish your book, I plan on giving it a 5-star review. All the Best, Sylvie...Dennis"

A: Still busy.

I kind of can’t believe you’re insinuating that I'm some kind of racist…I hope I’m reading this wrong!

I’ve never cared what color anyone’s skin is or how much money they have or don’t have.

Of course, I’m on your side, and I’m pretty sure that I asked you about your case, etc., on a regular basis. I'm not sure how much sympathy I can show.

Sylvie: I have been pretty busy too. I don’t think you are consciously doing it, but when the evidence is put in front of you that a white man has committed a crime that could have completely destroyed my livelihood, you have a hard time believing it and questioning me?! And you don’t call them thugs like you call the criminals of other races and from other countries. We see it all the time on TV too, when a criminal of other races or from different countries is caught committing a crime, they are called thugs and terrorists, and they want to build walls and a travel ban on whole groups of people to keep the thugs/terrorists out. Still, when a white man commits a crime, there is sometimes a big cover-up, like we witnessed in the community where I used to work, or if many people are killed. And they can't cover up the crimes, they say are a troubled or disturbed person that suffers from a mental illness, a lone wolf, but never called thugs or terrorists, that’s kind of racist and discriminatory, don't you think?!  So don’t be afraid to call the criminals in the community where I used to work, and my ex-boss, the bank robber, the terrorists, and thugs, because they were terrorists trying to instill fear in me. That’s what terrorists do! I have no doubt that if it were I who had lost my mind and committed a crime, the face and name of the little poor woman would have been splashed all over all the news stations.

A: I don’t doubt you, and I’m happy to call him a thug.

If I seemed incredulous, it’s only because it’s such a bizarre situation. That’s different from doubting you and I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear.

Sylvie: Cool! But the question now is: would you be incredulous and find it such a bizarre situation if it had happened in a poor neighborhood with people of different races instead of in an upscale gated community with a bunch of rich white people?! Because in a poor neighborhood with people of different races is expected?! 

Childhood repression is a phenomenon that affects all races and socioeconomic groups.

A: Yes, it would. Any bank robbery is bizarre because it seems like a movie, not real life.

If you like to read more about my experience with a mob of sociopaths, also read my blog post Experienced Knowledge.