This is an opinion piece written by guest writer Rheagen King. Images and write up contain words that may be offensive. 

I only speak about my own experiences. Don’t @ me.

It’s clear to me that white people still don’t give a damn about people of color. Rather than angrily vocalize why this realization is true, I’m merely jaded and tired. I’m tired of explaining to white people why and how racism continues to heavily affect the lives of black people. I’m tired of pouring endless energy into social media platforms to write responses to white people who willingly fail to interpret racism. I’m tired of witnessing countless white people defend the actions of other racist white people because they have never been taught to think that they are accountable for their actions.

I’m simply, tired.

My fatigue settled wholly after stumbling across screenshots of a conversation exchange between Derby, KS teens. Blayten Tullis, a rising senior at Derby High School threatened to lynch a black peer. While there are those abashed by the statements Tullis made, some are unsurprisingly rising to defend his comment, including Tullis himself.

This shows me that the hatred for people of color is deeply rooted in the subconscious mind of Tullis and many people around him. (And let’s not pretend like they actually give a fuck about women.) Unnerving, but not surprising.

As a writer, every time I turn to my keyboard to type about these issues, I always struggle to come up with what to say. That is because I feel like I’ve already said it. We have made our point clearly, and that is all we can do. Which is why I’m tired.

So, no, Blayten. You don’t get a free pass. You’re a white male. You’ve been handed the majority of free passes society has to offer. This type of commentary is an explicit and unwavering example of racism at its core. Perhaps, you said sorry, but don’t expect people who experience racism daily to embrace your “apology” with open arms, however well-intended you may think yourself to be.

Rheagen King is a biracial, black femme focusing on empowering women through her style and empowerment blog. She is also a sexually liberated writer and glorified list maker. Check out her blog, Buns & Blazers, here.