Why doesn’t my ethnicity have value?
Harry Bulkeley
Galesburg, IL
We don’t pick our race or our ancestors. Mine began coming to this country in 1635. They founded Concord, MA and one was the master mason on Old North Church. Some left the colonies because they were persecuted for being loyal to the king. Some were canal boat captains. One sold wood to a U.S. prison. Many farmed small farms to feed their families. Some fought for slavery. A few owned slaves. But in all the discussions of the race card, no one seems to be interested in the story of plain old, vanilla WASPS. I didn’t choose my ethnicity but I am just as proud of it and shaped by it as anyone who has participated in the project.
Chocolate, Vanilla, French Vanilla, Mocha: Family
Jeff Lewis
Vienna, VA
A few years ago my oldest daughter, now eight years old, described the skin color of my wife, me, herself and her younger sister in terms of ice cream flavors.
Norwegian Danish Grandma to all “flavors”
Joann Hansen
Gilbert, AZ
I think we need to learn from the past but rise above and move on…. I let my actions speak for themselves not the hue of my skin. I am Caucasian & I know that I am not racist & that I also judge people by their character and actions. I am a proud Mother of a Hispanic/Caucasian daughter and ADORE my two grandchildren who are of Caucasian/Hispanic/Japanese/African American heritage. THEY are our future.. They are the melding of many wonderful cultures… I LOVE how they classify us – Chocolate, Caramel and Vanilla :0)
I am white but not vanilla.
Lucy Hoffman
Ann Arbor, MI
Understanding Race Project- University of Michigan
