Unbothered
I try to listen to Kendrick Lamar and turn the TV off. I tune myself from the world & the chaos amongst it. I know it still exist, but I try not to give it too much energy. This may be new to some, but unfortunately, it’s been my whole life. We’ve always been judged by the color of our skin we’re always guilty unto proven innocent, even if we ain’t doing nothing but walking down the street Trayvon Martin or in our own home Brianna Taylor or driving to a work interview Sandra Blaine, or even running away with our backs, turned rather we comply or don’t comply the end result is almost always fatal or loss of freedom. No matter what we do where we are rather we are a criminal or law, abiding citizen. Black people in America will always be traumatized by the boys in blue because of what we’ve been through & have witnessed throughout our entire lives What you see out in the world today happening in Minnesota, LA, & Chicago that’s something we’ve been through. Been there,done that. this has been our everyday our entire lives. So pardon us if you feel like we have a lack of concern. Because in all honesty, where was the concern when it’s us?? ##unbothered
Living with the weight of systemic racial trauma is a harsh reality many Black Americans face daily. From my own experience, tuning out the media and seeking solace in music like Kendrick Lamar helps create a mental space to process and heal. The continuous exposure to stories of injustice—whether it's Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, or more recent incidents—can be overwhelming. It’s a persistent reminder of the vulnerability many feel despite efforts to live peaceful, law-abiding lives. This ongoing trauma doesn't just stem from isolated events but from a historical pattern of judgement and mistrust based on skin color. The fear of fatal outcomes during innocent activities like walking down the street or simply driving to an interview is deeply ingrained. It creates an emotional burden that affects mental health and sense of security. Resilience becomes a necessary response—choosing to live as 'unbothered' doesn't mean indifference but rather a protective form of emotional self-preservation. It’s about conserving energy to fight another day, even when the world feels hostile or uncaring. Black communities have developed unique ways to cope, often turning to cultural expression, community support, and personal reflection. While those outside these experiences might perceive a lack of concern, it can often be exhaustion or disillusionment with a system that historically neglects Black pain. Real change requires recognition of these lived realities and sustained efforts to address systemic racism and police brutality. Sharing these reflections is not just cathartic but essential to fostering understanding and empathy across diverse audiences. It’s a call to listen and support—not just in moments of outrage over headline-making events, but consistently, to heal and build a more just society together.
