Stephanie Archives - The Race Card Project

But you look like you’re Mexican

October 3, 2023 black enough, Charlotte, Mexican, NC, skin tone, Stephanie

Stephanie,
Charlotte, NC

I’m Black and Korean. But to many others I’m Mexican. My skin tone, my hair texture, my facial features apparently aren’t Black enough. They’re not Korean enough either. So in order for people to make sense of my appearance, they tell me I’m Mexican. This has caused so much pain and confusion with my racial identity development. Growing up, I always felt like I had to constantly prove that I am Black…that I am Korean. I had to overcompensate my words and actions to prove I belonged to my identities. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more comfortable with who I am. I correct people when they assume I am Mexican, but it no longer causes me anger or shame.

I am American, pure and simple.

July 4, 2016July 4, 2016 American, culture, pure, Stephanie, USA

Stephanie
USA

I have visited the countries of my ancestors and I may have similar features, but that is where the similarities end. Americans have a unique, rich, and varied culture that I am proud to be from this country. I am American, pure and simple.

“She mixed?” as oppossed to stirred?

May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 black hair, blue eyes and pale skin, brown eyes, brown hair, cute, husband, I'm not the nanny, irish, italian, MA, Marblehead, mixed, olive skin, Stephanie, stir

Stephanie,
Marblehead, MA.

My husband is of Italian decent and has dark features, such as brown eyes, black hair, olive skin. I am 100% Irish with light features: light brown hair, blue eyes and pale skin. Our oldest daughter shares the same dark features as my husband. Once while picking up a few thing at a Walgreens the cashier made a comment about how “cute” my daughter was. Then she asked if she was “mine.” When I confirmed I was her mother the cashier then asked “is she mixed?” I was in such shock. First off, what made this cashier feel inclined to ask such a personal question, let alone be privy to the answer (along with everybody else in the line) and second, why are multiracial people (supposed and otherwise) expected to just take comments like this with a grain of salt and politely answer?

I am white, but not privileged

March 13, 2015March 13, 2015 Baltimore, MD, privilege, Stephanie, stereotype, white, white privilege

Stephanie,
Baltimore, MD.

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