The Race Card Project
By Michele Norris
Emma Steadman,
Durham, NH
The University System of New Hampshire
As someone who grew up as a white U.S. citizen, I have not personally dealt with many racial challenges. Although I have not had these experiences, I have had others believe false narratives about me being unaware or uneducated about the racial issues others experience. Just because I am white does not mean that I am insensitive or uneducated, I am just a white girl.
Candice,
Birmingham, AL
Interestingly I only know 1/2 my heritage. as life has changed I find myself wishing I had more culture or flavor, that there was a dash of something in me that made me special, unique or exotic. We all bleed the same and I hate all the lines that divide.
Richard,
Richmond, VA
This applies not only to racism and prejudice, but EVERYTHING!! That homeless person on the corner? They might have a Ph.D but struggles with addiction and mental illness. That person waiting tables and serving your food might be in grad school and working their ass off to not go into debt. We develop these preconceived ideas of people based on what we see outwardly and not based anything else other than that. We think that because a person wears a suit to work everyday and drives a fancy car that they must be very smart and important. Trust me, I’ve known MANY ignorant people that fit this description. Do not ever assume ANYTHING. That boy may like other boys. That mechanic fixing your brakes might own that shop and several others. That hispanic family didn’t jump the border, your taxi driver is not a terrorist and that white girl isn’t “basic.” WE HAVE TO STOP JUDGING EACH OTHER
PERIOD.
Addie,
Warrenton, VA
I mean, those six words sum me up in a very basic way, but they are true. Growing up majority-white smallish town in Virginia didn’t give me much of an outlook on other people, how they lived, and how their experiences differed from mine. I just lived in my middle-class bubble, full of ignorance. I’ve made many insensitive and just plain rude “jokes” or comments about other people regarding many things. I’m upset with myself for even once encouraging the idea that they were funny or okay even though deep down I knew that they weren’t. I think back and cringe. I honestly didn’t fully understand the main problems of race in America until recently. But I’m trying. I’m trying to educate myself on race, gender, class, etc., and how that affects people’s experiences growing up and living in our country. I’m trying to figure out how I can help shape our future to include and raise the people we have disadvantaged for so long. I’m trying; I hope it’s enough.
Carter Stoecker,
Warrenton, VA
It may horrify some, but sometimes I eat unseasoned chicken. I wear khaki shorts often, as well as hawaian shirts. I wear big white Reebok shoes. I do all these “white people” things, and I know people make fun of it. I don’t care if I fit the stereotype of a boring, corny white guy. I’m comfortable. I don’t care that it’s normal and funny for people to mock my race for being bland, unseasoned, and stale. If I’m not cool, I’m not cool, and that’s fine.
Betsy F,
Minneapolis, MN
p>I grew up wishing I was white. I was raised to hate my culture, my eyes, my language, and my background. In middle school, I was known for being the most “basic white girl” who wasn’t actually white. I did what every other girl did, wore, and ate. I bought bath and body works lotion and perfumes. I wore yoga pants, UGGs, converse, etc. I drank Starbucks and loved Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Any basic trend I would hop on the bandwagon. I’m aware now of the nuances of the term “basic white girl” and the intersectionality that comes along with being female, but I’m focusing on the race aspect. Being adopted into a Caucasian family I have no ties to the culture I was born into. To put it simply, I’m not white, but I don’t feel connected to my Asian ancestry. Growing up it was incredibly difficult and confusing about what my identity is and even now I’m still figuring it all out.
Rebecca Robrahn,
Holland, MI.
No matter how much I try to learn and read and participate in conversations, I’m told I can’t understand, will never understand, that my privilege blinds me. I know I can never truly feel the experience of living in America as a black, Asian or Latina woman, but I *AM* trying. I *DO* care. I may have one of the whitest white girl names around (Becky), but I’m curious about others experiences and I want to know more.
Martyna,
Manassas, VA
When I started working in the local pizza place one of the Hispanic girls said to me: “First time I met you I thought you’re only a basic white girl but then I heard you talking and I realized you’re European so that’s kinda interesting.” Every day someone asks me where I’m from or comments on my accent. For some reason, men think that just because I’m European they can approach me at any time just to talk about “how I like America” and then say that “my English is great”. Guess what? I’m European and cute (and sometimes afraid of being rude) and that doesn’t mean I want to talk to you at all.
Sydney,
OH
Assuming who I am based on what I look like will keep you from moving forward. Don’t judge me and I won’t judge you. We are all smarter than that.
Kaitlyn Gravatt,
West Long Branch, NJ.
Monmouth University
Whenever I click on Twitter I see #whitegirlproblems. How is Starbucks running out of my favorite drink a white girl problem? How is my eyeliner on one eye not matching my other eye a white girl problem? It is hurtful to be put into this stereotype that we care more about superficial things over bigger issues. The white girl problem hashtag goes more in depth with the idea that if girls are interested in something then that means they are a certain type of person. My interest in Starbucks or makeup should not make me a superficial white girl. People should not make me feel bad for my interests or make it a joke on twitter. I should not be wondering if I get on line in Starbucks or post a picture with my drink is someone going to call me a basic white girl.
Savannah B,
Bowling Green, KY.
Though I don’t lose sleep over it, I hate being called a basic white girl. Just because I wear leggings, or am a greek woman, or even get the occasional Starbucks, Im not basic. Im not ditzy or dumb I hold a 3.4 GPA in college where I’m NOT here for my MRS degree.
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