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There was a LONG discussion on CNN about Trayvon Martin and the question of hoodies came up.
About 7 years ago, I told my son who is almost 22 now, that, like it or not, all White people aren't going to be happy that there are Black people in the community. They may not express it during the day but when they have a bit of drink in them at night, you could become a target.
As a result I have strongly advised against:
- wearing dark coloured hoodies that some White people feel makes Black kids look tough
- staying out late in predominantly white neighbourhoods (most of Toronto & the GTA)
- keeping hair too long or untrimmed
<span style="font-style: italic">No one seems to have a problem with White teens and young adults wearing hoodies. </span>
Now we have shootings of unarmed Black young people in which the shooter said the young person looked "suspicious". The reasons cited usually have something to do with hoodies, baggy pant dropping down, and being out late in a White community. I just e-mailed my son that we have no control over racist people and their stupid ideas but, to avoid being a target, modifying dress styles and getting home early are important.
In Toronto we have also had a wave of Black on Black shootings of young men.
I am not a fan of hoodies for all the reasons given already. I even hid a Black hoodie that my son had been given for a gift. Every time he came home from university, he kept searching for it and asking "have you seen my black hoodie?"
So, I finally gave up and returned it when he was about 19. After 6 1/2 years of licking out 'gainst them, I figured I was fighting a losing battle to continue to lick out 'gainst them so I have even finally given in and purchased some hoodies for my son making every effort to avoid dark colours. (Though in one instance, navy was all that I could find.)
I am curious to know what teens, 20s, and other parents think about all this fuss about hoodies.
Parents, are you advising young people to avoid hoodies, baggy pants, tattoos, etc.?
Teens and young adults, in view of recent shootings, are you modifying your style of dress or coming home earlier?
About 7 years ago, I told my son who is almost 22 now, that, like it or not, all White people aren't going to be happy that there are Black people in the community. They may not express it during the day but when they have a bit of drink in them at night, you could become a target.
As a result I have strongly advised against:
- wearing dark coloured hoodies that some White people feel makes Black kids look tough
- staying out late in predominantly white neighbourhoods (most of Toronto & the GTA)
- keeping hair too long or untrimmed
<span style="font-style: italic">No one seems to have a problem with White teens and young adults wearing hoodies. </span>
Now we have shootings of unarmed Black young people in which the shooter said the young person looked "suspicious". The reasons cited usually have something to do with hoodies, baggy pant dropping down, and being out late in a White community. I just e-mailed my son that we have no control over racist people and their stupid ideas but, to avoid being a target, modifying dress styles and getting home early are important.
In Toronto we have also had a wave of Black on Black shootings of young men.
I am not a fan of hoodies for all the reasons given already. I even hid a Black hoodie that my son had been given for a gift. Every time he came home from university, he kept searching for it and asking "have you seen my black hoodie?"
So, I finally gave up and returned it when he was about 19. After 6 1/2 years of licking out 'gainst them, I figured I was fighting a losing battle to continue to lick out 'gainst them so I have even finally given in and purchased some hoodies for my son making every effort to avoid dark colours. (Though in one instance, navy was all that I could find.) I am curious to know what teens, 20s, and other parents think about all this fuss about hoodies.
Parents, are you advising young people to avoid hoodies, baggy pants, tattoos, etc.?
Teens and young adults, in view of recent shootings, are you modifying your style of dress or coming home earlier?
When he came home at Christmas he said he is wearing hoodies that are less baggy now and his grandmother did manage to coax him into having his hair shaped. Let's see how he looks next week. They do tell us as parents to pick our battles and the more fuss we make about hair and clothing, the worse it gets. Still, we don't want our kids to become targets.
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