The Cold Truth About Racism From The Mouth Of A Black Man
"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?"
A Facebook post about a white woman and a Black appliance repairman has struck a nerve online, and it is easy to see why. What started as a routine service call turned into a raw conversation about racism, fear, and the daily pressure many Black people still carry.
Forty-five-year-old Caroline Crockett Brock shared what she learned after talking with Ernest Skelton in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their exchange touched on everything from being judged at the door to the stress of random police stops, and it quickly resonated with thousands of readers.
By the time Caroline posted their conversation, the reaction was massive. Now the story is drawing fresh attention for the honesty at its center and the uncomfortable questions it leaves behind.
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 FacebookErnest was happy to answer her questions when she inquired about his experience with racism
Caroline Crockett Brock / Via FacebookErnest 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
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.
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.
Similar to the family recipe fight, a sister’s new partner demanded the secret dinner recipe, and tensions exploded.
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.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"
Facebook
This is a brilliant way of seeing things
Facebook
Every black parent has this fear
Facebook
A very likable human
Facebook
Do you agree with this?
Facebook
It's definitely sad to know that a lot of people fear going out at night due to the color of their skin
Facebook
Even with his cheerful smile and appearance, some folks might still see him as a threat because he is black
Facebook
"Both sides really need to listen to each other"
Facebook
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.
After Ernest’s daily racism fears, see why a roommate demanded secret recipes for her cooking blog, AITAH?
