Denise Shirley-Carter,
Hudson, WI
My father is white, Irish, Scottish, etc. My mother’s parents were from Mexico, Spain, then El Paso, TX. However, both my parents are light skinned, my mother very white, so I have a very pale complexion. I have always gotten “but you don’t look half Mexican” or “I don’t believe you” or even from my own (half) sister, “I always forget you’re half Mexican”. Although I am not in contact with my mother, I loved my grandparents and am proud to have that as part of my heritage, my race. However, when people tell you they don’t believe you, it does cut. I cannot even imagine what others have to deal with. My issue is so small in comparison. I am seen as white from people who would prefer I be white, and seen as white by everyone else, as well. I wish I could say it doesn’t matter, but it does.
