I attended a Christian private school in 10th grade and was one of two Latinos in my grade. I was the only Latina. Most of my class consisted of wealthy or upper middle class white students. There were the occasional black kids and that was it. By 10th grade you would think these kids who have been raised with Christian morals in and out of school would have decent understanding of race and equality. However, perhaps these students were not at fault because they had never really experienced much diversity and lived in a bubble. One time in Honors Chemistry the class president decided it would be amusing to start making fun of people. He called out the black kids on all being good at basketball. He thought the half Asian family in the school was ironic since "in China you can only have one kid" and this family had 7 enrolled in school. Then it was my turn. He said some incredibly rude things that I blocked from my mind but all I remember was "Magi why don't you just go make us some tortillas in the kitchen?" I don't even like tortillas than much and I am really bad at making them. I buy flower tortillas from the store like everyone else who can't make them or I'll get my tortilla fix at chipotle. It was a very hurtful comment. Was he sending me to the kitchen because I was a girl? And on top of that I could only make tortillas? He didn't know corn tortillas are typical in many Central American countries because it is the most economic food for families. I was infuriated but I didn't say anything because people at this school had already gotten me into trouble. However he then encouraged me to say work thing back because I was "killing the mood". Rolling my eyes I simply said "go play your banjo." Of course the teacher turns around and scolds me for what I said. I got sent to the back of the room while Mr. Class President stayed where he was. No one punished him for what he said to me or the other students. He had been loud and I know the teacher heard his jokes. But as soon as I say something I get in trouble? Why? I still don't know and I'm glad I left that school. I didn't feel like I belonged and it just wasn't because of the family income differences.
Magi
