Geraldo: My Own Son Is 'Ashamed' Of My Hoodie Quote

[murielm99]

45. My kids are about as white as they come.

When they were going to school in our small rural community, there was a push by the school board for stricter dress standards. My children went to a school board meeting and addressed the school board members about freedom of expression. I went with them for support, but kept my mouth shut.

Over the next couple of years, my two older kids were accepted into our state's math and science academy. They left home at fourteen and fifteen to attend that school. That is scary enough for any parent, but the nearby area was very gang-infested. All the students were cautioned not to wear certain colors, not to wear their clothes or tie their shoes in certain ways when they left campus. It might be the gang-bangers, or it might be the cops who could put them in very serious danger if they were not careful how they dressed.

I am sorry there are so many stereotypes. It is sad that we can't dress as we please. I have a couple of hoodies myself.

The world is a complicated and hateful place. The best we can do is to pay attention and try to keep our children and ourselves safe. I don't care if I am going against the group think here or not. I weep for Trayvon. I have a son.