The Spectrum of Racial Profiling: Personal Experiences and Emotional Impact

Many of us have experienced racial profiling at some point in our lives, whether it's mild irritation or a deeply distressing event. The feeling of being profiled can vary on a spectrum, from mildly annoying to completely devastating. In this article, we delve into the personal experiences and emotional impact of racial profiling, exploring its universality and impact across different scenarios.

The Universality of Racial Profiling

Fact is, racial profiling isn't confined to specific places or circumstances; it can happen anywhere at any time. No one can escape it, and it's a practice that we all, unfortunately, partake in to some degree.

While some encounters may be easier to accurately profile and thus less impactful, others can be far more significant. For instance, speaking a certain language can lead to assumptions that are often incorrect, but these incidents tend to be less distressing. However, for Black individuals, the impact can be much more severe, as we'll illustrate through personal anecdotes.

Personal Anecdotes of Racial Profiling

For me and my friend, racial profiling took on a comedic tone, much to our relief. Since we are Black and have dreadlocks, store workers would often follow us without giving away that they were following us, making our shopping experience less about privacy and more about surveillance.

Profiled in a Clothing Store

One day, while shopping at a clothing store, a lady we noticed frequently and unusually kept passing us to "check" us. This interaction was just one instance in a long series of similar encounters.

Harassment in School

Remember when I was around seventh grade and wearing my new North Carolina jersey? As I walked to the rec center, a cop abruptly stopped me and demanded to know which gang I was in. When I denied the accusation, he confiscated my ball and verbally harassed me, even though I wasn't part of a gang. He ultimately let me go but vowed to keep an eye on me, a decision that ultimately affected my enjoyment of basketball.

Harassment by Security Guards

In high school, the security guards would always target Black students. Even as a quiet kid, I was frequently pulled into the office and questioned. This was a continual source of frustration, leading me to try and blend in less with the "urban" image associated with Black youth.

State Trooper's Pursuit

Around 2015, as a job brought me to a small trailer park, an old woman followed me, which was just one part of a much larger series of encounters. Between 2017 and 2019, a State Trooper would follow me from a gas station, ride my bumper for 45 minutes each day, and then double back to my residential street. This behavior continued for two years until I quit my job and stopped that commute, which made me extremely anxious every time.

The Emotional Impact

Being profiled can range from a mildly irritating to a trigger for anxiety attacks. It's something that no one should have to experience, and it's frustrating that many Black people, even including children, have had to endure it.

The cumulative effect of racial profiling can lead to a pervasive lack of trust and social anxiety. It can deter individuals from participating in community events, engaging in leisure activities, and even venturing out to work or school.

Conclusion

Racial profiling is a pervasive issue that affects many people. While some encounters may seem minor, the cumulative impact can be significant. It's crucial to recognize and address this issue to create a more just and equitable society for all.