The Cold Truth About Racism From The Mouth Of A Black Man

A post on Facebook describing an interesting exchange between a white woman and a middle-aged black man is currently gaining traction on the internet. This wasn't just any type of conversation, but one that provides insight into the battles that every black person has to fight each day and whether there is any real hope for the black race in a "white man's world."

Forty-five-year-old Caroline Crockett Brock went online on May 30th to share what she had just learned about racism through chatting with Ernest Skelton, her appliance repairman.

Ernest opened up about his day-to-day struggles in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. From disparaging comments to random police stops, he exposed just how much prejudice, intolerance, and ignorance he has to cope with every single day of his life.

After the discussion, Caroline remarked that it was the first time she had a sincere conversation regarding racism, describing it as "illuminating." As a result, she decided to post a rough version of the conversation she had with Ernest on her Facebook page, hoping that more people might benefit from understanding these complex social dynamics.

Well, she was absolutely correct. She received over 220,000 reactions and over 182,000 shares on her post, many of them praising her for the brutal honesty and lesson in empathy she provided to readers.

Caroline explained that this was the first time she spoke frankly about racism with a black man. And she couldn't help sharing the story

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Ernest was happy to answer her questions when she inquired about his experience with racism

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Ernest shares the awful experiences he faces each day due to the color of his skin

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Ernest doesn't work past dinnertime, not because he doesn't need the extra money, but because he is scared for his safety at night

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Even with a bachelor's in electronics and an associate's in HVAC, Ernest was still treated as inferior in his former workplace

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Caroline explained that Ernest started a company of his own and praised him for being excellent at what he does

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Sadly, Ernest doesn't have hope that racism will ever end

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

We can see that even though Ernest isn't optimistic about racism ending soon, he is passionate about lending his voice in the fight

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

Both Caroline and Ernest seem to be bonding over the post. What an experience it has been for both of them!

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

"We're going to be sitting down together to read your comments. They mean so much"

Caroline Crockett Brock / Via Facebook

It was clear from the start that their relationship was going to be exceptional. In an interview with WMBF News, Ernest explained that;

People judge me before I even come in the door, so that’s the reason why I ask, ‘Is it OK for me to come in?

Caroline was taken aback by the question.

She said, ‘Why wouldn’t I let you in? You’re coming to check my appliance.’ Then, I explained to her that’s what we go through because people look at us differently.

On his second appliance repair visit, Caroline asked a question that was a little more personal. According to her;

I just decided to ask him straight out, ‘How are you doing right now given the current climate?'

Ernest initially believed she was referring to the coronavirus, but Caroline wanted to gain a better sense of his daily life. At this point, Ernest began to open up to her about his awful experiences with racism.

Ernest, posing for a picture

Caroline Crockett Brock

They agreed that it would be an excellent idea if Caroline could share their conversation on Facebook. Is it any surprise that a few days later, they went viral?

In the comments, many people, a lot of whom are white, say, ‘I’d love to have these conversations, but I’m scared. I’m scared I’m going to say the wrong things. I’m scared I’m going to approach it wrong. I’m scared I’m going to offend someone,’ Caroline said

It's worth noting, though, that Ernest himself claimed not to be offended by Caroline's questions. Having built up trust with her, he felt she was sincere when she inquired about such sensitive subjects.

If we want to change the world and make our country stronger, we have to be willing to step into the uncomfortableness and pain in this country, she added.

According to Ernest;

When are the lines going to be drawn so I can say it and tell them back in the day it was a white man’s world, but now we are united.

They both hope that their chat will inspire others to engage in similar discussions. For the time being, Ernest plans to keep asking his customers whether it's OK for him to come in.

Meanwhile, here are the most interesting comments we gathered from the viral post.

Sad situation

Facebook

"It gives me a perspective that I would have never thought of"

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This is a brilliant way of seeing things

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Every black parent has this fear

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A very likable human

Facebook

Do you agree with this?

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It's definitely sad to know that a lot of people fear going out at night due to the color of their skin

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Even with his cheerful smile and appearance, some folks might still see him as a threat because he is black

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"Both sides really need to listen to each other"

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Racism has plagued the world for so long, and even in this 21st century, many black people still live in fear. From Ernest's story, we can all view things from a new perspective; one that helps us understand the struggles that black people go through each day.

In all, we must join hands to make the world a better place for people to live in, regardless of skin color. Conversations like this can go a long way in helping us understand how to do things better, and we're glad that Ernest was happy to share his experience with the world.