Altering Tre: My Response to #MikeBrown and Other Recent Events

Altering Tre: My Response to #MikeBrown and Other Recent Events

"In too many communities around this country, young men of color are left behind and seen as objects of fear." -President Obama ‪#‎Ferguson‬‪#‎MikeBrown‬ ‪#‎YourLifeMatters‬




Why does the attire of a man decide whether or not you feel  threatened or not? Or at least, this is one of the main excuses that's commonly being used when shooting down young African American males. Instead of using other obvious signs, such as words, attitudes, and actions, Black men are being judged by their size, complexion, and choice of clothing...supposedly.

With the most recent and fatal attacks of young black men, I've been looking towards my own household. My husband is 6'1 and has the complexion of chocolate (tasty). He is regularly cool headed in tense situations. Often times, he can be seen as a voice of reason. He understands not only the law, but military protocol.  Really, he admires the boys in blue, and would probably be in an academy right now if he didn't have nerve damage. Although my husband could be seen as a model citizen, his wardrobe apparently makes him a target, according to recent events.

Shifting over to my son, who's barely capable of answering most "wh" questions, is over the median line in both his height and weight, and is constantly mistaken for a 7 or 8 year old. What would happen if he were to run into an officer on an off day? What if said officer is unwilling to understand his disability? Is he at risk?

Well, as of August 2014, Tenisha will not make her family and easy target. I refuse to help make them victims in some sad tragedy, simply because they have on the wrong uniform. I understand that my guys shouldn't have to conform to some sort of dress code just to make someone else feel comfortable, but if this seems to be one of the regularly used excuses, I'm going to remove this factor from the equation. I cannot do anything about Tre's size or race, but I can dress him "appropriately"

My guys will be made over. Slacks and ties for everyone!! (Not everyday, of course) At first, I see my son resisting, simply because he hates shirts buttoned up to his neck. Ties are absolutely out of the question when he thinks of comfort, but if he learns to accept this now, it won't be as difficult when he's 7 or 8. I understand that Oxfords and shined shoes are not the answer, but if it eliminates a reason to be shot, so be it. I probably won't make this everyday wear, but their style will surely be conservative.

My husband agrees that a shift in style wouldn't hurt. Maybe this will catch on everywhere. Let's start picking up our pants, fastening our belts, and tucking EVERYTHING in. If not for yourselves, but for the little people who are attempting to follow in your footsteps.

With that said let the altering commence.

Oxford Shirt Gap Kids

Lived-in Khakis Gap Kids

Diagonal stripe tie Gap Kids

Khaki and Orange reversible Belt BROTHERS

Ribbed Digital watch Gap

Square Sunglasses Crazy 8

woven slip-on sneakers gap kids

What do you think about a wardrobe change? How do you think this may alter people's view? How not? Tell me how you would you would make your child's chances better.

Until Next time.