“What are you?” – not a compliment.
Ruby Russoniello Tagaban, Ruston, WA I’ve spent much of my life greeted with “What are you?” It is neither a form of greeting nor an...
You’re Too Pretty To Be Black
Akira Lee, Virginia Beach, VA I once had a woman approach me in a restaurant and tell me that I was really pretty. It was...
But you are not really Black!
Submitted via Twitter: @marianleedavis. …often spoken as though it were a compliment by non-Black acquaintances.
You’re not Mexican, You’re Mexican-American
Vanessa Ayala, Fountain Valley, CA. I was 17 when I first realized how important it was for others for me to be politically correct about...
Well How Black Am I Really?
Carnesia, Aurora, CO. As far back as I can remember I’ve always been told by past educators that I am very “well mannered” unlike the...
What beautiful children! Are they yours?
Kate Lechtenberg, Des Moines, IA. The statement is spoken as a compliment, and the question is asked with genuine curiosity and is often followed with...
You may not know you’re racist.
Taylor Hirano, Irvine, CA. Growing up in a mostly Caucasian community, many of my fellow peers didn’t know they were racist against me. It could...
My Black IS Beautiful
Rae Winfrey, Chicago, IL. It is so satisfying that black beauty is now viewed as a compliment and not an insult. Where we embrace our...
Calling me white is not compliment
Chappell Watkins, Indianapolis, IN. I’m a 47 year old black male I’ve grown up in all white neighborhoods, and over the years I’ve had multiple...
“You’re pretty for a black girl”
Autumn Rainey, Indianapolis, IN. I remember growing up in a mostly Caucasian area, and I was told this often. What was likely meant as a...
You’re pretty…for a dark-skinned girl!
Vernae Williams, Sacramento, CA. I grew up in a family full of light skinned people. I always felt like an outsider because within the Black...
You’re pretty for a Black girl.
Maya Segirah, Los Angeles, CA. As if the qualifier, somehow, makes me different from the rest, which are by implication inferior, and therefore I’m better?...
You’re pretty for a DARK SKIN GIRL
Alexandria James-Hayes, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. I have lived in the suburbs my whole life and I grew up around mostly white people. My parents are...
You are very articulate…gee thanks..
Lyonel LaGrone Jr, Urbana, IL. Over the last 17 years I have held a number of positions that have required me to give presentations on...
She’s so pretty, is she mixed?
Carla Los Angeles, CA This comment is what I often heard from many people, including my own regarding my daughter from birth until about 8...
You’re Pretty, for a Black Girl.
Kem Huntsville, AL I was so shocked when a white co-worker said this to me. He actually thought he was giving me a compliment!
What does a Jew look like?
Ashley Roth Elon, NC People always tell me I don’t look Jewish. Is that supposed to be a compliment or something?
