Austa H.,
Sandy, UT.
I got my dark hair, skin and eyes from my father’s Italian side of the family. However, I’m a gigantic mix of nearly every European nationality, making me much more Caucasian than Italian.
Because of my overall brown-ness, I’ve been fortunate enough to personally see both sides of the “white privilege” coin. I’ve been called Asian, Mexican, Indian and even Filipino. I’ve had colleagues suggest that it should be easier for me to get into college, than for them, because of “that affirmative action business.”
People have suggested to my mother that I apply for certain scholarships, “because she’s Mexican, so I’m sure there’s something she could qualify for, for that.”
It’s all been very interesting, but it’s never offended me. I just think it’s completely silly to assume that you know someone’s “race” just by looking at the color of their skin.
Don’t make any assumptions regarding someone’s heritage. It’s likely that you’re wrong, and not only does it make for some awkward situations, it makes you look stupid.
