Conner Peters recently said on Twitter that he suffers from Negrophobia – apparently a disorder that causes white people to fear black people. I interviewed him via email.
Me: Don’t you think the term ‘Negrophobia’ is racist?
Connor Peters: Maybe I should call it blackphobia, but that could be seen that I’m afraid of the color black. Black is actually my favorite color. African-Americanpobia doesn’t really roll off the tongue.
Me: Maybe just say you’re afraid of black people and not use the word Negro.
Connor Peters: Sure, I guess you’re right. I’m afraid of black people, all black people.
Me: What started this fear?
Connor Peters: I grew up in North Dakota and we didn’t have one dark person. I saw blacks on TV and they were always smoking crack, drinking the… what do you call them… forty ounces of specially crafted beer and committing violent crimes like robbing Asian convenience stores.
I once listened to Niggers with Attitude rap – N.W.A. They were talking about killing and fucking the police and my dad is a police officer. Was always afraid if one showed up in my town they would kill my dad.
Me: But movies/tv shows are fiction. Music is just music.
Connor Peters: But look at them in sports and stuff. They’re huge and aggressive. Black men are big, muscled, terrifying. The women are even intimidating. I watched that movie Precious. That big black girl could kick-my-ass… she scares me to this day. Don’t even want to think about her.
Me: Most people would call this stereotyping.
Connor Peters: I don’t think so.
Me: So I know Atlanta has a large African-American population. How are you able to live there with this fear?
Connor Peters: Moved here to work for CNN and I didn’t realize it was a black haven. I bought an apartment downtown sight unseen because I had no time to look.
They have a Wednesday WindDown event in Centennial park. All dark people. First day in Atlanta I was running home, but stood outside the park for a minute and looked at them and some looked at me with an evil look in their eyes. I think they’re still upset over slavery and wanted to hurt me.
Me: I highly doubt that.
Connor Peters: I think so.
Me: What if I told you I was African-American?
Connor Peters: Are you?
Me: Yep.
Connor Peters: Whaaaatsss up?
Me: Huh?
Connor Peters: Shit, dawg. I need to bounce. But this interview has truly been the bomb.
Me: Conner, you don’t have to talk that way.
Conner Peters: Can you email me back later, player? Busy.
Me: Sure.
Conner Peters: Handle your bidness!
Conner has not responded to further emails.