Mad, sad, and completely frustrated.

I just came across this article, which illuminates the undercurrent of racial tension and prejudice in American society. Although the article focuses upon how these attitudes and deep-seeded racist beliefs have the potential to sway the election, I also see how they have the potential to break my children down.

In moments like this, I am very grateful to live in my insulated little bubble, where my family is accepted as is. Where we don't have to contend with hushed voices and people staring a little too long. We don't have to deal with ignorant comments or overt racism. It allows me to forget, if only for a moment, that the way things are in my community are not representative of the way things are across much of America.

I worry about how my kids will be viewed in society as they grow up. My son is probably the most sensitive, empathetic, sweet, loving and (most of the time) genuinely happy child I've ever met. At not even two and a half, he already has an innate sense of fairness, and often chooses to share the things he has in order to make someone else happy. I watch him explore this world and know how privileged I am to bear witness to this amazing child's development.

But at the same time, I am absolutely heartbroken that this world he loves so much will one day turn on him. As a black man in American society, at least some people will be fearful of him, solely on account of his skin colour. I want to protect his innocence. Already I can see the potential minefield that awaits, and I know there will be some big challenges ahead.

All of this just reaffirms in my mind that it's up to each and every one of us to lead actively anti-racist lives. People's opinions can only change with exposure to truth, and as long as we stay silent, we are complicit in the perpetuation of those hurtful and false beliefs that will impact our kids.