As calls for racial equality ring out around the world, people like Tyler Seward are sharing their experiences.
Seward has spent most of his life in Cape Breton and has since recently moved to the South Shore, both communities are predominantly white and have small black populations.
Last week Seward wrote a Facebook post titled my racial experience which has since been shared 200 times.
In his post, he explains that he is bi-racial, born to a black father and white mother. If you were to look at Tyler his heritage may not be immediately apparent as he says his complexion is very light.
According to him, that has made him privy to some conversations he otherwise may not have seen.
Seward said, “I’ve been in situations where I’ve heard or seen things that aren’t right and I think if people had known my background many of them wouldn’t have happened, at least not while I was there.”
Due to his complexion, he says he’s enjoyed a life of white privilege. In his post, he says “I now realize more than ever before that I live a life of white privilege. I’ve never been pulled over and thought for a second that my life could be in danger. I’ve never been followed through a store by security because they thought I might steal something. I’ve never been thought of as “ghetto” because of darker pigmentation in my skin. These are just some of the things I take for granted being a man who appears to be white.”
Tyler Seward wrote a post outlining his experience as a bi-racial man in the predominantly white communities of Cape Breton and the South Shore. Photo: Tyler Seward
Seward’s most prominent black feature is his curly hair which he says is often a source of curiosity for people, in some cases leading to people touching his hair.
“If it happens and I confront someone it’s always Tyler doesn’t like his hair being touched or something about Tyler but the truth is it’s not just invading my personal boundaries it’s also culturally insensitive,” He said.
In recent weeks protests have been going on around Canada, the United States, and the world, and Seward is hopeful this time it will bring meaningful change.
He says “I hope this is straw that breaks the camels back, I don’t think this is just a fad and I’m hopeful that this brings the meaningful change we want.”
The responses he’s received have been 99 percent positive according to him and he has since gone on to post more important information and perspectives on racism on the South Shore.
While Tyler may enjoy white privilege many of his family who has darker complexions do not and that was one of his prime motives for making the original post.
“I have seven younger siblings four of whom are bi-racial and I want the world to love them the same way I do and I hope that’s what comes out of this.” he said.
