Terica Post 1

 I am African American but I identify myself as just American. It annoys me that everywhere else but America, I am considered to be American. Yet here, I’m an African American. All those people whose ancestor traveled from Europe are just called American. Why can’t I have the same privilege? So I guess you can say from the beginning, I was aware of issues of ethnicity and race. Growing up in New York City, there was a lot of diversity. The diversity draws people attention to differences in others, even if it isn’t to be racist. I’ve always been told, this is what white people do, this is what Spanish people do, this is what Asian people do, and this what we do.

                The events that spark my awareness were the shopping experiences. Almost every supermarket/corner store around me was owned by someone Spanish person. The stores were usually low priced but not the best quality. The owners and employees spoke English but they were almost all Spanish. They would switch their language when they didn’t want you to hear what they were saying. I learned the hair supplies and discount stores were owned by Asians. Your bags were checked as soon as you came in the door and someone was always “working” in the aisle you would be walking in. However, in the white supermarket, you were pretty much left to shop on your own. Not many people spying on you, although you might get the one or two. For the most part the supermarket is too crowded to do so. Yet, the problem with this supermarket was, the prices were too high to buy anything. For example, $28 for balsamic vinegar at food emporium (it must be the best in the world).

                I can’t count the things I’ve been told about different races, good or bad. I think the most prevalent was white people are crazy, Asians only like white people and other Asians, and Spanish people can’t be trusted. To be honest, when I was a kid, I didn’t think much of it but as I got older I realized it’s not too far from the truth. I realized white people do a lot of things that are not normal in my culture.  For example, wearing flops and shorts in the snow. I have met a lot of Asians who talk about their parents disapproving of them having friends of certain races and dating them. In fact, I heard recurring for Asian women that their family wanted them to marry a white man over anything else.  If not a white man then an Asian man. Other races, such as black men, were unacceptable. I watched one of my friends turn down a guy she liked freshmen year because he was black and her family wouldn’t approve. As for Spanish people, well I have had many of double crossing instances with them. However, I realize these things can happen with anyone, and I just might be paying more attention to one race because of the stereotype.

                I have experience many experiences of racism and even caused some of my own without knowing. The most annoying experiences are ones that involve my music. I listen to a lot of Goth and Asian music. It shocks a lot of people and usually leads to stereotypical jokes and quizzes about the artist I listen to. Sometimes I get the blunt, “your more white than black”. I get these remarks from all races and it makes me feel as though it’s impossible to be myself.