I know there’s racial inequity. It’s still unfair for people to make blanket assumptions about me because someone who “looks like me” (by that I mean they share my complexion alone; I’ve found it very discouraging when others say any other bespectacled, round-faced woman with light brown hair looks like me) or someone in my position (assisting a state government) has wronged them or aided and abetted wrongdoers. If you don’t know that I’ve done this, give me the benefit of the doubt. People are so quick to excuse any wariness from minorities or the marginalized but don’t talk about how keeping these prejudices is only furthering the cycle.
I’m tired of clapping for minorities when they say they don’t trust lawyers, law enforcement, or health departments. I’m tired of standing back in awe. That’s awful, of course. But I’m tired of people trying to wow me. I know, it sucks. Still, have some respect. We are all individuals. And it’s not like you’re the only demographic who distrusts the establishment. I have distrust too. Still, I try to give people a chance. I won’t always be duped, misled, or betrayed. Please stop giving excuses for people to continue being scared of helpful services, neighbors, and our siblings in spirit. Just because you have a fear of some systemic entity does not mean your fear isn’t prejudicial and shouldn’t be counselled.
Sheila DeBonis: Marketer, Essayist, and Journalist 
I think distrust in either local or state governments is because many feel their needs are not being met or addressed. I’m not exactly sure of the context you yourself are in, but for instance, I think the BLM movement was mainly about protests because the community felt their needs and basic fundamental rights were not being met by governments. They were not being protected by police, in fact, the opposite. Not everyone working in government positions should be judged because it’s often hard to tell if people have good intentions are not and assuming someone has bad intentions is not how I would like to see the world or meet new people.
I think you raise interesting points which aren’t often talked about. Perceptions in the media are often skewed and sometimes government or state actions do not reflect the desires or will of the people working within those institutions striving for change or betterment.
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