Black & White: The Idea of Racial Purity

Black & White: The Idea of Racial Purity
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Discussions with my high school “guidance” counselor, part 1.

There have been times in my life when people, who have known me for awhile, start treating me differently after they find out that I am black.  Shocking, I know. This occurred most frequently when I lived in Ohio, especially when I was in high school.  Ugh…Excuse me for a moment while I mentally prepare [...]

In Three Acts: That time someone asked politely. That time someone someone asked rudely. That time I totally misunderstood…

FADE IN: 
INT. STARBUCKS- DAY
LAUREN and FRIEND sit in the corner drinking coffee and, of course, using their Macbook Pro’s.  Friend scrolls through his iPhotos and points to a particular picture of a young woman.  
FRIEND: You know, you sort of remind me of my cousin Lindsey.  We’re Greek…Just out of curiosity, what’s your ethnic background?
LAUREN: [...]

I am not your pet negro.

“Can I touch your hair?”
I get asked this question a lot.  It’s usually the follow up question to, “so…what are you?” 
“I’m black.  Just very light.”
“Really? Can I touch your hair?”
“Uhhh,” then the petting begins, “sure, why not?”
“Wow, it feels like white people hair.  When does it turn into an afro?”
“After midnight.”
Okay, I lied.  It never [...]

It’s the differences

I like to say I put the Asian in Caucasian – being half Chinese and half anglo. Born and raised in the U.S., everyone here sees my Asian half. That is, when they’re not mistaking me for Native American or Latina. So when I went visited Taiwan and met some relatives who [...]

Beginnings; also known as that time I thought I was white.

I seem to get called out on the bus a lot.
I remember it like it was yesterday, when in fact, it was 19 years ago.  I was 6, on the way to my suburban elementary school named after a famous astronaut.  The kid sitting in front of me kept standing up on his seat so [...]