Racial profiling and stereotyping are as real as ever
There's a generic description for males of my generation
Black is the description, there's no height specifics
We seem to all be the same
If he did it then I also get the blame
His actions tarnish my name
So it's no wonder they treat you and I the same way
The media emphasise how black boys use guns or wave knives
They don't talk about the amount of drug lords and shooters that are white
But it's not a race thing right now I'm onto something else
I'm more concerned about the way we're seen in this world
The negative aspect of young black males overshadows the good that we do
Well it seems that way from what's shown in the news
Our issues are deep rooted
But no-one wants to get dirty trying to uproot them
Our feet are planted in quicksand and we are allowed to grow with the wrong foundations
Forever sinking so we try to survive without thinking
We are society's lost children
Abandoned by the government and left to raise ourselves
School doesn't teach us much about how to survive
It only teaches us how to be literate in life
We aren't taught how to manage money
We weren't even told not to sell d**!
My teachers never told me that getting a criminal record would hold you back for life
I don't even remember hearing anything relating to crime
Instead, cla** was spent reading Shakespeare or learning about triangles
When is the last time you used a f*cking triangle in real life?!
We are blamed for our actions but a child learns from society and those around it
So I ask the question "what have you taught us?"
You taught us that we are no more than hoody wearing troublemakers
Our identity is formed by what you think you see
But I am me. One person. I am free.
Do not tie me down with stereotypes and preconceptions
You need to see past my complexion.
He is not I so please don't look upon me with hateful eyes
I do not fit your racial profile.