By
Sharon Lawson (nbcmiami.com)
Fathers say it's even more apparent now that they talk about the issue with their sons
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin,
parents are forced to have what many call a necessary discussion about
being black in America.
It’s a conversation –
called the “black man’s code” or “walking while black” – that many
parents have had with their children for decades. But it has taken on
more urgency after the shooting of Miami Gardens teen Martin, 17, in
Sanford last month, South Florida fathers Steve Higgins and Abdul Muhsin
say.
"My son is drilled every
day about how he dresses, how he speaks, how he carries himself,”
Higgins said of Jonathan, 17. "Before my son came here from Jamaica to
live with me as a citizen I told him that there are certain rules and
certain prejudices that do reside here."
Jonathan Higgins said he thought he wouldn’t encounter the ugly reality of racism here in the 21st century.
"It’s very upsetting,” he said. “And I thought it died out, but obviously it’s very relevant now."
So much so that he chooses not to wear a hoodie unless it’s raining or cold.
Muhsin says he dealt with
racism throughout his teens, and “absolutely” has been racially
profiled. Now he shares a message of survival with his son, telling him
that due to the color of his skin, some may fear him or dub him a
criminal or someone up to no good.
"It doesn't matter where
you’re from, if you're of African descent, you have that target on your
back,” Muhsin said. “It’s a shame to have to say that in this day and
time, but it’s such a reality it’s unbelievable."
The Martin case has brought
racial profiling back to the forefront, sparking nationwide
conversations about racial bias. But this time the landscape isn't just
black and white.
"Caucasians, Asians,
Indians and blacks all over this country are up in arms about what has
happened,” Steve Higgins said, “because at the end of the day it could
be anyone's child.”
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