Hey Mikey- “Northern Trees Bear Strange Fruit”

Hey Mikey,

I’m having a serious issue with my son. He got suspended from school for calling one of his classmates a monkey and then writing on his locker that “Hang all monkeys!” I am mortified by what he has been doing and I’m definitely grounding him for it. His dad wants to get him some counseling, but I feel like this is just an isolated incident. Beyond that, we have Black neighbors, friends, coworkers, and even in-laws (My sister’s fiance is biracial). We live in Connecticut and don’t really live in a traditionally racially charged area of the country. What he needs is a good grounding and something to occupy his time in my opinion. What do you think?

-Hammerhead Mom

***Hammerhead Mom, please allow me to school you. All areas of the country are racially charged! From New York to Florida to Missouri and all the way out to Cali. Historically, acts of racial violence against African-Americans has occurred nationwide, with some men and women of color being lynched in Northern states. So you see “Northern trees bear strange fruit too!” Just because you have Black cohorts and a black relative does not make you immune to racism, nor will it prevent your son from becoming a racist. Might I suggest some diversity training coupled with the therapy his father is recommending? As his mother you have the responsibility to mold him into a good and productive member of society. Being a racist is neither! Don’t take this lightly honey, because calling a Black kid a monkey and suggesting he should be hanging just ain’t a laughing matter!