We’re crayons in a chalk box
Nelson Aponte, Bronx, NY. We can build skyscrapers, put a man on the moon, we consider ourselves so intelligent, but we can’t figure out how...
Failed to befriend first black student.
Lynn Scott Cochrane, Washington DC. I grew up in a deeply segregated Charlotte, NC in the 1950s and 60s. When my high school, North Mecklenburg,...
Passed for White; woke to shame.
Beryle Fobes, Torrance, CA Born at end of WWII to res-born Native American hetero male who later remarried a Japanese war bride. White mother remarried...
Asian and colonial pride and shame
Rena Brown, United Kingdom I’m a quarter Dutch burger born to a British father. My mother is half Scottish Highlander and half Dutch burger. The...
My ancestors? Forgotten. Wish that’d change.
Anonymous, Canada My grandmother will not speak of her heritage. She will not get her status card out of shame, despite the possibility that it...
My abuse was invisible because I’m white
Jack, Saint Paul, MN. My mom is an expert in manipulation and fake kindness, always sounding kind to hurt and control and shame. Because of...
Successful, Black, Gay, a family’s shame…
Karim Ali, Columbus, OH. I suppose I have been pondering my Race Card (TM) entry for a few months. When I read the comments of...
Disappointed in myself and my country
Miranda Nogaki, Burien, WA. I’m sad and shamed it took me so long to see the racism in myself and my country. It’s so much...
Race brings pride, but also shame.
Will Mortenson, Minneapolis, MN. I am proud of my roots and my family, but I often feel shame when I think about the wrongs that...
Time to STOP shaming WHITE PRIDE!
Rikki, Gallatin, TN. I’m SERIOUSLY really sick of every other ethnic group in the country being able to stand up and say I’m proud to...
Dr. King’s photo behind (a) folding door.
Judy Seymour Madison, WI I grew up upper class white outside New Haven, CT. ‘Bill’ and ‘JB’ cleaned my parents’ house for ‘Mrs. Seymour’, my...
I’m caught in two different worlds.
Carissa Lew, CA. Being born in America but having my heritage from China leads me to believe I should choose one or the other. Many...
I don’t meet YOUR Mexican expectations.
Veronica, Woodland, CA. Don’t look down on me because I don’t speak Spanish. I would love to learn but you shaming me makes me nervous...
Shamed for being who I am
Avery, Los Angeles, CA. All throughout my life I’ve felt many challenges that come along with my race. All throughout elementary school, when I was...
