“Are you safe?”
Ever since I landed in Ghana, this has been one of the most frequently asked questions from friends in the US.
Every time this question is asked, I can’t help but wonder, “What about Africa does the other person not find safe?”
Is it that I may be the only Caucasian within many, many miles?
Is it the fear of catching an unknown disease?
Is it because the poverty is much higher than a lot of other countries?
But even if the poverty level is higher, does that necessarily mean it’s unsafe?
Or is it something completely different?
This question was asked when I went to other European countries.
But, not in the same order.
It was asked well into the conversation.
Sometimes, not asked at all.
Once I got to Africa, this question has been asked at the beginning of most conversations.
I asked myself the same question, “What about Africa did I perceive as unsafe prior to arriving in Ghana?” and I discovered something.
I realized the perception I carried with me about people of color for many years.
Ever since I was a kid, I remember watching movies where those of color would be perceived as criminals and drug dealers.
This impacted my view greatly.
During my teenage years, there were times when I would cross the street once I saw a person of color sharing the same sidewalk.
There have been times when I’ve been scared to walk down dark alleyways, yet I wasn’t scared to do so if it was another white person there.
I am not here to blame anyone or anything.
I am simply acknowledging my shortcomings.
I have had to rewrite many of the stories I have written about people of color.
Even where I am today, I know I still have much work to do.
What is your perception of different races? What are the narratives you’ve created about those who are different from you?
