They don’t see me as human………
George Days Jr.,
Newark, NJ.
I think when you do, you’re see the reflection of your own image & needs…….
Why isn’t your skin darker?
Anonymous,
NV
As someone who is Mexican, I often get told that I’m not actually Mexican because of the color of my skin. I’m often told that I’m not REALLY Mexican because my skin is so pale. Why does my skin have to be Darker for you to believe me? And why do you have a set image in your mind of what “Mexican” should look like?
Child Immigrant, Grown Defender of America
Ronnie
Annapolis, MD
The image of a child immigrant, who grew up to serve in the U.S. military is a bit cliche these days, especially after more than a decade of conflict. However, there is nothing cliche about an immigrant wanting to defend his adopted nation and his fellow Americans (both fellow immigrants and native citizens). Many of us, who have been given great opportunities by this great (even if flawed) nation, choose to defend it not out of all it has given to us but more out of our love for the grand ideals it stands for.
Image portrayed, impression made. It DOES matter.
P. Contreras,
Benicia, CA.
How you choose to dress gives an impression about you. Whether that impression is accurate or not no one will know unless they get to know you. But, they won’t get to know you if your image repels them.
Example. Teenage Boy (black, Hispanic, Asian, white) in your neighborhood in jeans (that fit), t-shirt, and athletic shoes compared to a teenage boy in your neighborhood in saggy jeans (prison style), hoody obscuring most of his face, and athletic shoes.
It’s how you wear the clothes.
Tiring of race issues shows privilege.
Queenie,
Virginia Beach, VA.
I am an African American mother of a 23 year old son. We have seen lots of race issues on the news, on television shows, and on social media in the last year. The response that I see many white people say is that they are tired of hearing about these race issues being in the news. If they are tired, imagine what we are.
Like looking through a semi-opaque window.
Chicago, IL.
I chose these six words because when it comes to race, it is like we are looking at each other through a semi-opaque window that shows an image without great detail. We use our own experiences and bias to fill out the missing detail.
Black youth obligated to be intimidating
Brent Hixson
Des Moines, IA
Why is our culture so tied up in image? For a young Black or Latino to walk into a store with hood down and face fully exposed is perceived as weak. Actions must always portray power, in charge and make others around them uncomfortable and then ask the question why are you so suspicious of me, racist?
Made in the image of God
Submitted via Twitter: @MochaJuden
#theracecardproject
Image, Color, Race wont deifine us
Ehsanullah,
Ashburn, VA.
Family of four
From Afghanistan
Love Basketball
dutch indonsian – 1/2 european, 1/2 islander, forgotten by history
Jenn M.
Hayward, CA,
We aren’t given the same voice and representation as everyone else, even though we have just as interesting of a history, if not even more fascinating. This is a blessing and a curse. We don’t have role models or an image, but at the same time, that has proven to be a strength since it has also enabled many of us to blaze our own trails. We find and define our own ideals of self, rather than any preconceived notions of how others see us. we came here, We hold jobs, hold ourselves for accountable, and have proven to be productive members of US society without special help or considerations.
Some celebrities who are Dutch Indonesian (and you would never know!):
– Michelle Branch
– Carmit Bachar (pussy cat dolls)
– Mark-Paul Goselaar
Check out the Indo project for more details….
Wow, I can’t believe you’re black!
Kelsi Evans,
Williamsburg, VA.
Growing up in society I have always been questioned about my race. I come from two very, very light-skinned African-American parents, so therefore I am very light, have soft curly “white people” hair, and don’t necessarily “talk black”. Being this kind of person draws attention to myself because people always make a big deal out of how I “don’t fit the typical stereotypes of a black person”. I am constantly trying to change that image and stereotype for the better every single day.
Racists Are Not Always Bad People
Michael Havis,
Brooklyn, NY.
I think the word racism no longer defines the conversation we should be having. The image of racism in America is of the KKK or southern slave owners with whips. Being racist and being a good person are not mutually exclusive. Racism today isn’t being a part of lynch mobs or bombing black churches. Racism today is expecting me to have a criminal record when you don’t even know my middle name. Racism today is telling me that if I just pull up my pants and finish school I have nothing to worry about. Dr.King was murdered in a suit and tie.
All are created in God’s image.
Sharon Bandlow,
Haslett, MI.
I loved hearing you speak at The Wharton Center on the MSU campus. Best wishes with your project!
For God so loved the WORLD.
Kim Laforet,
Lansing, MI.
When you consider that we were all created in His image, it’s hard to hate a group of people that look different than you. Look beyond race and you will see individuals with unique cultures that should be celebrated and not denounced no matter what the race is……including the White race. Can’t we just all get along?
Young black gang kids scare America.
David Evans,
Seattle, WA.
People equate young black gang members with crime and trouble… I was watching the PBS special and when the young black guys were speaking I felt they were in gangs and up to no good. You need to change the image of the young male black gang image or you will not make any progress…
Your the whitest black guy.
Jason Smith
Long Beach, CA
I sometime catch people off-guard when I ask them what they mean by saying “your the whitest black guy I know”. What does that mean? Is there some kind of way I’m supposed to dress, talk and act. I think there is a underlying most of the time unintentional racist undertone when I hear someone say it to me or anybody else. I believe it steams from the skewed image of what the media feeds us about African-American culture.
