I really should have corrected them
Anonymous,
Resident
When we were working in the hospital one night and your name was mispronounced repeatedly and eventually got brushed off, I really should have corrected them.
No one box is correct.
David Kung,
St. Mary’s City, MD.
In 2000 when I filled out my census card and was finally allowed to (correctly) check more than one box, I cried.
David’s story was featured on NPR’s Morning Edition. Listen
Difference doesn’t mean wrong, but unique
Angela Han,
Korea.
There are people who still are racist. I faced them when I was in America, the land of freedom. Because we all look different, that doesn’t mean that we are all wrong. We are just same human with unique aspects, likewise our fingerprint.
My dad was born in Kenya (and he is not black)
Jess,
Valencia, CA.
My dad was born in Kenya. People then assume he is black, and I do not blame them. However, before I can get a word out and correct them, that he is white, they assume I am part black and look for those black features. I have had people say, “oh I see it now! You have big lips for a white person.” OR “Ya! Cause you have curly-ish hair.” I have even had someone say “It makes sense, because you tan easily over summer!” It does not frustrate me, however, often people think they can determine your exact race based on obvious facial or physical features, when that it not always true. Some people look African and are African, but others may look Hispanic and instead they are white. It is best to acknowledge that it is not always about the facial/physical features.
