I am an educated, professional, well spoken and a world traveler and still I deal with the “stereotypes”. I’ve been called the “N” word on numerous occassions, had interviews cancelled once I was seen, shoved out of the way, ignored, followed in stores and we won’t even get into catching cabs. I do feel disappointed when I see the “few” bad apples that enforce such stereotypes. I just want to shake them and tell them to wake up and respect yourself. This is why travel is so important. I get to show other countries and cultures that what you hear and see on tv is not all true. I love it when someone looks at me a bit nervously and I smile and open my mouth and say hello. I feel a since of pride when I see the apprehension melt away as we converse. People abroad ask me questions about my race and I don’t get insulted, I take it as an opportunity to enlighten/educate others. The odd thing is I am actually treated better abroad than in my own home country. While we have come so far we still have a ways to go. But I don’t let it change me as a person or my heart. I was raised to respect everyone as equal and will do so no matter what.

Did you ever have trouble finding a doll that looked like you? What about band aids?

Do you ever have to worry that people are judging your entire race when you do something rude? Do people ask you to explain things for “your people?”

When you go to the store, do you have to be concerned that store security is following you? Do you need to worry about being profiled by the police because of the color of your skin?

I’m working class, too. But just because I’m working class does not mean that I have to be too obstinate to understand what white privilege is.

I think it’s important to realize that laziness and complacency feed racism/unreflecting privilege.