17 Struggles All Suburban Black Kids Know Too Well by Pedro Fequiere
Meeting that one friend’s parent that you didn’t know was racist
Being the prime suspect of whatever was stolen at a house party
Your parents encouraging you to make friends with the only other black kids in the neighborhood even though you have your own friends
Not understanding all black culture references because you didn’t have as many black friends to experience them with
People coming back from spring break and comparing their tan to your skin
Searching far and wide for a salon that can do your hair
And people freely touching and grabbing your hair
Being called an Oreo, because… you’re not reeaally black
People assuming you’re good at any and all sports
Everyone looking to you to explain and demonstrate new dance crazes
People dialing their slang up a couple notches when talking to you
Swimming in a neighbor’s pool and having everyone marvel at how your hair reacts to water
People assuming that you have a huge crush on the only other black person in school
That moment when you learn about slavery in class and you can feel everyone staring at you
Being way more cautious than your friends about typical suburban mischief
People saying “You sound white,” because you speak proper English
Feeling constant pressure to represent your entire race, rather than just yourself
Number 8 yes
