When the Haters Talk in Code

Dear sweet girls, please be aware of “code” words that may be used to denigrate you.

I recall a situation at work, when an older White male used the phrase “at-risk” as code for Black people. In fact, he said to me, “Well, Linnie, you could have gone either way.” I asked him what he meant by that. He had the audacity to say that I had grown up at-risk, because I am Black.

Take in mind that I had never discussed my personal life with this man. He simply ASSumed. I then told him this: “I am an African-American woman with a Ph.D. I have never been pregnant. I have never used drugs. I do not drink alcohol. I always knew I was going to college. I grew up with both of my parents.”

He stared at me with a dumb look on his face. I ended it with this: “You were more at-risk than I am, since you do not have a college degree.” His response? Crickets…  

Call out the bigots, racists, fools and chauvinists – and do it with pride.