Free Speech: For Whom Is It Really Free?

I’m asking: can we honestly say we’re surprised that the First Amendment doesn’t protect Black people? The same golden constitution we often refer to was written only in the interest of white men; on August 11th and 12th, the constitution served as just that.  Are we surprised that an event that claimed to have the purpose of exercising their First Amendment was able to shut down a city and racially target black people mentally, economically, and physically? Are we surprised that the same way that we are expected to just forget about slavery and move on, is the same way that the expectation that we should be okay with just loving those who hate us and willingly use fear tactics to keep us mentally enslaved within the bondage of white supremacy? Can we honestly say that we are surprised?

I’m not. As a young, Black woman, I am always scolded when I don’t agree with people who hate me or my people. I am often told to “see the other side” or “respect others’ opinions,” yet, that same standard was not inflicted on my female, white counterparts when the current president made inflammatory statements about women. If you are confused by that, let me clear this up for you.

When it comes to conversations centered around race and white supremacy, almost all of my core teachers, are quick to “de-escalate” the conversation. However, when it comes to issues of sexism and mentioning the feminist movement, the conversation could drag on all class without a care. We are at a point where being black in America is seen as being “too political” and “too controversial,” however, I’ve been trying to do the math for months, and none of that adds up. Am I too political as I exit my mother’s womb with my melanin-enriched skin? Does my kinky-curly hair offend you when I speak up and stand out for Justice? Do I not have a reason to be angry, hence the angry black woman narrative that you constantly push on me?

The speech of black students and black people is often stifled by the need to protect white feelings and the dominance of white guilt. Yes, this generation may not necessarily be comprised of a large population of slave owners in the United states, but by ignoring trauma of black people; we remain mentally enslaved and incapacitated. As we have witnessed during the recent city council election, those who speak up and speak out are labeled as angry and uncivilized. City council has even gone as far as tightening the rules and policies for those who speak “out of turn” during council meetings can be “barred” from meetings for the remainder of the year.

Another great example of this double standard was when a student at C.H.S. decided to parade through the hallways and sport their Trump Flag, which I did not care much about, the conversation was spinned as being a matter of free speech rather than simply just wanting to get people riled up and cause a scene–the way my speech is often seen. That day, quite a few of my peers asked for my opinion on the situation as a whole and wanted to know whether or not I believe that the actions taken by the administration were appropriate. I understand the sacred RIGHT to free speech, however, I think the issue is that often, people who possess white privilege believe that freedom of speech is limited to those with a white privilege card.

Free speech is free unless you are black in America. Then, when you look for allies of those who also claim to “feel like” minorities for help and some intersection support, you are met with yet another obstacle of internalized white supremacy and masked racism. Where do we go? Where do we go when our voices are even sidelined and put on the backburner as black women when it is already hard enough being black? Where do we go to have space to vent out the anger that may not come out as being civilized or eloquent? Is our right to free speech not as important as yours?