Is That Even Your Issue?? ... a rant.
So there's this thing that people say to me that REALLY aggravates me. And I feel like I shouldn't even have to talk about it, but I do... when I talk about racism and equal rights, please don't feel like you have to look me in my face and say, "Well, you're white too." Trust me when I say that I understand MY cultural background better than you do. It's something that many biracial children struggle with, especially when it comes to feeling like they don't fit in or hearing this gem "because, your parents aren't of the same race, you're an abomination." I am black TOO. I'm pretty sure anyone coming into contact with me sees that. And because people meeting me for the first time notice my blackness or my ethnic side before they notice my whiteness, my experience is going to be that of a woman of color, 99% of the time when meeting a new person, which makes black issues my issues. (I do also get uncomfortable/hateful/disgusted looks at the same rate that I get looks of admiration for my big hair and can point out who had a problem with it in a crowded room) What also makes them my issue, is wanting everyone to be treated fairly and not being an overall hot, stinking, wet, trash heap of a person, who turns a blind eye because it's uncomfortable to talk about sometimes. If it's uncomfortable for you, imagine how much worse it is, when someone says something hateful about a race you were born into and can never change. THAT is far more uncomfortable. By saying, "well, you're white too," you aren't saying, I hear your issues, I want to know how I can understand better and educate myself on the struggles you face and possibly correct my bad behaviors. You are immediately putting up a barrier that says I don't want to hear this, because you're putting your blackness and issues in my face and I'm uncomfortable. Your opinion doesn't matter. You're white too/you don't look THAT black, so there can't be any problems for you. The fact that I'm both makes things much more complicated, especially for people who have certain ideals on which races can be around one another, date one another or exist in general. Just remember these are MY issues and if you're going to be involved in my life, you will hear about them or you will walk this earth not understanding a part of me, because although I'm white too... I'm still black and everyone is gonna have to get over it, because I love both parts of myself and I'm not putting one or the other aside to make someone more comfortable. If you're being offensive out of sheer ignorance, I will let you know and I will educate you. If you're being racist out of hatefulness, I will cut you out of my life. And NO, there is no favoritism (which is stupid for anyone to even say) for one race, because I love myself as a whole person, which means I embrace all of myself, so you DO NOT have my permission to love just one part of me. NO you are not "losing me to blackness (I was born part black... so... that's impossible and ridiculous in general) I have just within the last few years allowed myself to be bold enough to say what I feel after YEARS of being quiet, repressing my feelings and going inward, when hateful comments hurt me. And, NO, I'm 100% NOT sorry for bringing this to anyone's attention. DO. NOT. SAY. THIS. TO. ME if racial issues come up, because you're neither being helpful nor hearing what is being said (and may be a valid point). I did not forget who I am. You just don't like that I'm saying it out loud.
