Organization Moms Of Black Boys Calls On Corporations To Change Racist Narratives

Because our boys are NOT monkeys.

Perception. It’s what differentiates ugly from beautiful, good from bad. For many, it relates specifically to how they view things, but for Black and brown boys and men and their moms who love them, it’s almost always connected to how our sons are viewed by society and those in authority.

For centuries, Black people have been the object of simianization — the classification with or representation of being related to apes/monkeys. From the writings of Plato to the ads of H&M, being ape-like has a negative connotation that we have worked hard at shedding for years. Porch monkey, King Kong, baboon…these words have followed some of us since we were children. Primates are considered the most violent species — quick to anger and territorial. They are known as natural born killers. Simians are the lowest on the primate totem pole. Added to the violent perception, they are also regarded as imbeciles, sneaky and in general, less than human.

It’s these stereotypes that infiltrate our existence, that determine whether or not we’re followed in the grocery store or by the neighborhood watch. They become unconscious biases that sneak into our son’s classrooms and permeate their place of work. The misconception grows with them and with people they encounter throughout life. Unrealized, this bias can be the decision maker in whether a child is placed in a Special Education class for fidgeting, whether a young man should receive harsh punishment after a misdeed, or even if he should be given a job for which he is qualified. It’s present in the gyms and on the football fields where they are both applauded and ridiculed. Some may say that we’re taking this too seriously, or as moms, we’re being too sensitive. The truth is that many studies have been published sharing the how stereotypes and implicit bias plays a part in how our Black boys are perceived and treated by their teachers. Additionally, studies have proven time and time again that racial disparity seen in law enforcement and criminal justice systems (caused by systemic issues and unconscious bias), can have life-changing implications.

Perception. It is the perpetual “monkey on his back”. It’s this ill-conceived perception that could be the difference between whether our sons and husbands make it home at night after an encounter with those meant to protect and serve.

When H&M approved the image of a young black boy wearing a hoodie with the statement “Coolest Monkey in the jungle,” they further fed into the stereotypes that we, our grandparents, our foremothers, and forefathers have been fighting against for years. To add insult to injury, the image ran alongside a young white boy whose shirt labeled him as a “Survival Expert.” What message does this send to the impressionable mind wearing the shirt? Or to the people …

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