You judge me by my name?
Chaka Babarovich,
Anacortes, WA.
I went to a job interview and the person said, “Wow, you look nothing like what I thought of from your name.”
People judge stories before now in struggles
Kaitlyn Lopez,
San Jose, CA
I chose these six words because I think people often make assumptions about others based on race or appearance before actually getting to know them.
Looking at the Race Card Project showed me how race can affect people’s experiences in different ways. It reminded me that listening and understanding others is important instead of judging quickly.
Beauty, brains, sheltered, judge and envied but loved
Nevaeh Shorter,
Irving, TX
These six words sketch the real texture of my days as a Black girl growing up. People often tell me I’m beautiful and clever, and I’m proud of both, but I move through a world that still casts shadowy judgments and expects me to prove myself at every turn. I’m sheltered in some moments protected by family and friends who want me safe but I’m also pushed to push beyond comfort, to speak up, to show up, to excel. A judge watches my every move, deciding who I am before I can show who I am, and I feel the weight of that gaze in public, on the street, at work . Some envy the doors I hope to open, the opportunities I pursue, though they don’t see the late nights, the careful choices, the fear-of-failure that rides along. Yet through it all I am loved—by family, friends, mentors—reminding me that my worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions but by the resilience I bring to each day.
Why are you here to judge?
Courtney Chandler,
Roseville, CA.
The inherent racism our society exists with is devastating. It’s been more apparent since Trump became president, but that doesn’t mean we can become complacent after he is out office.
Understanding comes through listening, not judging”
Charish,
New Orleans, LA
p>Live, Laugh, Love.
Judging ethnicity, denying individuality, perpetuates inequality
Vaibhav Dharmavaram,
Mission Viejo, CA
Judging Ethnicity: Racism involves making assumptions or forming opinions about individuals based on their ethnic background or cultural identity. This judgment often disregards personal attributes and reduces people to stereotypes. Denying Individuality: By focusing solely on ethnicity or appearance, racism strips individuals of their unique identities and personal experiences. It promotes the idea that all members of a particular ethnic group share the same characteristics, ignoring the diversity within groups. Perpetuates Inequality: Racism sustains social and economic disparities by systematically favoring certain groups over others. This inequality is embedded in institutions and policies, creating barriers to opportunities and perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. These words capture the destructive nature of racism and the importance of recognizing and addressing it to foster a more equitable society.
Judgment based on an individual’s ACCENT.
Ame Cruz,
Sacramento, CA.
It’s not just about blacks & whites. People tend to judge based on others’ accents as if they’re not good enough because they don’t know English well.
Is it because I’m a ginger?
Seven,
Summerville, GA.
I am a redhead from Visalia CA. I moved to Georgia with my family and after the move I realized things weren’t going to be the same anymore. People often poke fun at me saying that I have no soul or that I would take theirs. Just because I am a redhead does not mean that I would harm anyone. People ask me why I don’t just dye my hair? I choose not to dye my hair because it is who I am and I am not changing for anyone. Life would be much easier if true equality existed, but now I know it never can.
Just another Mexican from Los Angeles
Daniela Rubio,
Downey, CA.
Just because their are a lot of Hispanics/Latinos in southern California, specifically to Los Angeles, it doesn’t mean we are all the same. We are all not illegal immigrants, we don’t eat beans and rice everyday. It does not give anyone the right to judge us or lump us all together.
Your words do not offend me!
Anonymous,
Austin, TX.
With the onslaught of social media, people feel that that they can judge and pressure any and everyone into being afraid to say anything that might be considered different or something that someone may disagree with. Like the old saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Being emotionally mature means that people can listen to someone else’s words and opinions and not be offended. If you don’t like or agree what someone says just don’t listen but shaming someone into not sharing their view isn’t going to make the world a better place
They hate me because I’m Black?
Alexander,
Sandy Springs, GA.
I grew up in a majority neighborhood during the eighties and nineties. There were only a few other minority families in the area at the time. It wasn’t until college after high school graduation I learn I was black and highly disliked based on the color of my skin and not the content of my character.
As the months turn into years I find myself melancholy how the media, and Hollywood describes blacks. It disturbs me when Caucasians clutch their bags, lock their car doors and cower in fear in the back of elevators when they see my smile. I’m unsure if they understand the problems they cause with simple actions. I’m even less sure they comprehend that once upon a time when we were adolescence we all played together.
It’s too bad that in 2012 we still haven’t passed our underlying fear, feelings and race relations. I was convinced we overcame this point in time until the 2008 election. It was at that point when I learned the true feelings of my Caucasian co-workers concerning Barack Obama. I was unclear if the hatred was based on politics or something more sinister?
My feelings regarding race relations will always remain the same. I believe we are all children of God, creative equally and just. I believe uneducated resentment is unfortunate side bar in our wonderful countries past. I urge those who do find themselves filled with rage and anger toward different nationalities to step outside of comfort zones and explore each other’s cultures they may be surprised what we all have in common….
Wouldn’t it be great not to be judged by the color of your skin wow… Now there’s a thought….
We matter because of our SOULS
Briah Stokes,
Baltimore, MD.
My race nor sexuality should be an excuse to judge me. At the end of the day, our souls are our substance, our physical beings are just vessels that give our souls a home.
You cannot judge on race alone
Amanda Bergeron,
Coatesville, PA
Where you come from is important, but people are defined by what is on the inside. I think in the past people have assumed that just because I am a white American that I have no knowledge of my own heritages or any others for that matter. I try to learn more about my own ancestors from France and Germany as well as learn their native languages. I also spend a lot of time learning about other cultures and languages. This is why I decided to spend a summer in Spain abroad to become more open minded to other cultures and ways of life. I also was able to practice Spanish extensively and see how they live in another country. I don’t judge others based off their race and always try to learn more about other cultures. I love to help others feel included and valued and thats why I choose the six words, you cannot judge on race alone. If you were to judge someone without getting to know the inside you may miss out on an awesome person you didn’t know you needed.
10 Mile Move Flipped the Grid
Tessa D,
Chicopee, MA.
As a young child, we moved from a mostly black neighborhood to a nearly all white suburb. The background music of my life changed. There really wasn’t any background music anymore. The neighbor kids who came to visit were no longer just the neighbor kids. Judgement and difference took on meaning, and that palpable feeling of outside prejudice towards my friends arose in my throat. It hasn’t really left.
Looking at me you don’t see
Raquel Saunders,
New York, NY.
My dad is half black and my mom is white, when look at me you only really see the white. But I am a quarter black, and when I say that people look at me like I just gave them a lie. It pisses me off. Don’t judge me on how I look.
