Armenian, Greek, What’s in a name?
Chris Terzian, Gainesville, FL As an Armenian and Greek individual, my race and heritage are known by the last three letters of my name (ian)....
My Dad said “Jap”. Everyone blushed.
Malcolm Gin, Berkeley, CA. My Dad is Chinese and 86 years old. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II, fighting on...
That is a white Jewish name
Sonja, East Cleveland, OH My children are not biracial and their last name is Cohen. However their great great grandfather who married a black woman...
The outside doesn’t tell a story
Aidan, Lake Forest, CA We look at people and decide so many things about them before even hearing their names. Listen to people’s stories and...
I changed my name for you.
Nayoung Kim-Weaver, Germany My race card reflects my lived experiences, particularly regarding my first name, Na Young (translated from 나영 in Korean). Over time, I’ve...
Why Can’t Anyone Pronounce My Name
Tayeece, NH Since I was born, nobody could pronounce my name. In school, appointments, meeting new people, etc. Everyday I would have to explain the...
I am not your curiosity game.
Victoria, Salem, OR. As a biracial person, people often ask me, “what ethnicity are you?” – aka what race can I define you as? People...
“Shonda?” No interview. “SK?” Wow, interview!
Shonda Kay Purvis, Green Cove Springs, FL. I have had to rebrand myself and change my name because “Shonda K. Purvis” (and her “BLACK” resume)...
My name’s Jefferson but I’m Latino
Jefferson Valle, Uniondale, NY Being fully Salvadorian and having a white skin complexion, and having a nontraditional Hispanic name has not always been easy. Still,...
You’re Invited! You’re not a minority?
Rafael Rosato, Berwyn, PA. This is my college graduation picture from 1988. I received a bachelor of arts degree from an Ivy League University and...
You Must Be Mixed With Something
Melanie C. Canada But where are you really from? I am unfortunately and surprisingly all white. Ahem, according to 23 and Me: 33% Northern European,...
I look white…privileged and disrespected
Natalie Eashoo, Grand Blanc, MI At first glance, I look white. I am Middle Eastern and European. Looking white and having a “white name” has...
100% White, 50% Hispanic.
J.P, Tampa, FL Growing up in a largely latin community of Florida, I’ve always struggled to fit in. My mother is of Spanish heritage with...
The Day After The World Changes
Duryan Bhagat-Clark, Aberdeen, NJ. My father is an immigrant from Bombay, India. He moved here to go to college and graduate school. He is Muslim....
Three months more, would they ask?
Nina Martin Phoenix, AZ I am quietly proud of my multiracial background: my mother is Chinese, and my father is half German, half American. I...
“Rahsheba…that is an interesting name”
Rahsheba Major, Columbia, SC This was said to me by an unsmiling white female department store cashier, likely around the same age as I, early...
