racial profiling

My Trayvon

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 3 Comments

I look into these dark brown eyes and wonder "when does this sweet face turn into a dangerous face?"  At what point does  my sweet baby boy turn into someone who is feared?  At what point will those who comment on his manners or his personality start to view him with suspicion?  At what point … Continue reading My Trayvon

Race Still Matters

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / Leave a comment

What if the teens had been white? There is a pervasive and toxic stereotype in our country--Black Males are DANGEROUS. I will admit that as young white girl raised during a difficult racial period in my own city (desegregation of schools), I was taught/socialized to be more "aware" of black males.  That is painful for … Continue reading Race Still Matters

My Worst Nightmare

/ Dawn Kasal-Finley / 2 Comments

Trayvon Martin's story could one day be my son's story.  Like Trayvon, my son is black.  Right now it doesn't affect his life much--but one day (in 11 years) he'll be a 17-year-old black man walking the streets in a predominately white neighborhood.  By virtue of his skin color, he will be suspicious.  I thought … Continue reading My Worst Nightmare