decent Archives - The Race Card Project

When people ask… What are you?

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 American, decent, Gary, Grand Rapids, IN, label, Mexican, MI, Naomi, proud, speak Spanish, TX, what are you

Naomi,
Grand Rapids, MI.

I am an American, of Mexican decent… No, I don’t speak Spanish, no I don’t know where my family is from in Mexico… My Grandparents and Great-Grandparents were born in Texas… I grew up in Gary, IN around mostly Black people… people don’t know what box to put me in. How about other? People tell me that I’m not “Mexican-enough” whatever that means…. Looking back on all of my accomplishments – the thing I am most proud of is that… I made it out of the hood. I’m just a girl from Gary, who did something with her life. Don’t label me.

Yes, I am Filipino, not Chinese.

September 9, 2016 Asian, assume, Caroline Galvez, Chineese, decent, Filipinos, ignorant, karate, slanted eyes, stereotype, USA

Caroline Galvez,
USA.

Growing up, I always knew that I was of Asian descent because I am Filipino. For some reason, everyone I met who was non-Asian assumed that I was Chinese just because I had the slanted-like eyes as how many Asians do. I noticed that many people who see an Asian person immediately assume they’re Chinese and I guess it’s because it’s the most “well-known” Asian descent out there. It was pretty difficult to explain every single time to someone who thought I was Chinese that I was actually Filipino, a different type of Asian. People would also ask me ignorant things like if I knew karate or if I ate dogs. It just got pretty annoying but all you have to know is that there are different types of Asians and I am the Filipino-Asian.

Never Enough Of A Particular Race

May 12, 2016 but you don't look like, but you don't sound, decent, I thought you spoke Spanish, I'm black, MD, mixed, mvto, not enough, particular, Race, racial ignorance, scottish, Spanish, thank you, Yema Pizzuto

Yema Pizzuto,
MD.

Have you ever been told, “Really? But you don’t look…” Or “Oh yeah, I see how you’re…because you look…” Or the ‘Ol time favorite, “I’m sorry, I thought you spoke Spanish.” Yeah, not every mixed person is of Spanish decent. About the word “mixed”, it doesn’t imply that I’m just black and no that statement does not imply that I’m ashamed of being black. What? I “speak very white?” And by that you mean properly because black people shouldn’t speak with proper use of grammar. If I don’t say I’m fully black, then I’m “claiming the white side,” but did you ever consider I “look this way” for a reason? (Even though my father is half Scottish). If you asked me instead of assuming I would have told you I’m also Native American – no I don’t know my blood percentage, I just know where my family comes from. I’m even learning the language! So mvto! The reason for my rant is more built up frustration than anything else so thanks to this site that I have an outlet. Still I wish the racial ignorance would end.

Latina. Raised White. Unaccepted by all.

March 15, 2016March 15, 2016 both, culture, decent, Desiree Carlson, Elmhurst, Hispanic, IL, latina, unaccepted, white

Desiree Carlson,
Elmhurst, IL.

Both my mother and I grew up in white culture even though we are both from ‘Hispanic’ descent. But because we do not look white, we weren’t accepted into that culture even though we were raised in it. The same vice versa. We were born Latina, but we weren’t raised in that culture, so we weren’t seen as true Latinas, and therefore, also unaccepted.

You Can’t be of Mexican Descent!

September 16, 2015September 16, 2015 CA, Damian Solorzano, decent, grandparents, Mexican, Mexico, Sacramento, you don't look

Damian Solorzano,
Sacramento, CA.

Don’t let my skin tone, size and acculturation fool you. Like the Author of the above piece, I check “Hispanic” on the appropriate boxes. Mom was born in Dinamita, Durango, Mexico, Dad in Earlimart, California. Grandparents? Well, my Maternal Grandmother was born in Corcoran, California, Paternal Grandmother in Brownsville, Texas. Grandfathers were born in Mexico, I forget the cities, currently.
Growing up, the house was filled with Javier Solis, Vicente Fernandez, Leonard Bernstein, Chicago, Brubeck.
Books were everywhere. We were raised as Californians, I identify as a Californian, which seems fitting, because I live in one of the most Racially and Culturally diverse areas in the U.S. .

My mother is of Mexican decent

January 13, 2014 CA, decent, John Matlock, Long Beach, Mexican, mother

John Matlock
Long Beach, CA

This is the answer when I’m asked what my background is. I used to just say “Mexican” but the question and subsequent answer has become increasingly complicated in today’s multicultural landscape.

Join the Newsletter

Info

Join our community