It's interesting you mention this. My mother , although she was a difficult woman and our relationship was...let's call it complex...taught me to never back down if I felt I was right. Not from other kids, not from teachers, doctors, neighbours, whoever. As long as I wasn't rude, she'd back me up.

I did the same with my kids. Adults aren't infallible. They aren't always right. And to take it one step further, this type of learned behaviour (not challenging adults when they need to be challenged) can be a safety concern.

I've only addressed the child/adult dichotomy. I don't now if a Black man is ever at liberty to defend himself with fervor. I'm guessing not. My father wasn't. My older brother never really did. I was able to because I was born looking whiter than white people.