You never know what you’ll encounter when you move to a new area. You expect the best from people and to experience new and exciting things. However, as one woman says, her experience has been far from comfortable being a black woman living in Missouri. She claims that “Kansas City is one of the most racist cities I’ve ever lived in and it needs to be addressed.” In her TikTok video, she reveals all about what she’s experienced thus far.
Britt (@brittnull) says that Kansas City is one of the most “racist cities I’ve ever lived in” and other people have agreed with her. She says she thinks the “city is NOT for me.” Her major issue is the fact that a lot of people deny that the city is racist even though she’s experienced it firsthand. So, what ways does racism show itself in Britt’s life living there?
As Britt says, there are many “white-centered” areas in the city full of people who claim they’re left-leaning and diverse. Unfortunately, Britt says that these areas are filled with racist people who are way out of touch about their racism. She says that she sees racism the most at “church and work” in her area. While doing agency work, Britt says she experienced “micro-aggressions and office bullying.” She also stated that she’s sometimes the only person of color in her workplace settings. As she goes on to say, “I have literally had to quit jobs because I’ve experienced so much racism.”
Britt used to work at an agency that “just won Best Agency in Kansas City.” You would think that means they believe in diversity and treating workers fairly no matter their background. However, Britt says this only applies “if you are white.” While there, she experienced a lot of racism that caused her to quit her job. She’s been living in Kansas City for years because she expected it to be “better” than what she experienced in the past as a black woman. So far, it’s proven to be a problem.
One commenter pointed out, “But it benefits them so they don’t really want to change it.” Another stated, “I grew up here and left in my early 20s; you don’t realize how much the constant micro aggressions weigh on your mental health until you leave. And 1,000% agree about the gaslighting any time you bring it up. Kansas City is pretend progressive with a shiny veneer.” I think that’s definitely something that needs to be addressed because you want to make your city better for everybody. You can’t call yourself inclusive until you do.
