How It Feels To Be Colored Me: A Personal Account
Hello readers, and welcome to my personal account of what it feels like to be a person of color. As a person of mixed race, I’ve experienced both the privileges and the struggles of navigating life in a world that is not always welcoming to those who look like me. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and experiences, as well as offer some tips for others who may be struggling to find their place in a world that can sometimes feel so unwelcoming.
My Background
I was born to a white mother and a black father, which means that I have always existed in a liminal space. I am not quite white, but I am not quite black either. Growing up, I sometimes felt like I didn’t quite belong anywhere. I was too light-skinned to fit in with the black kids, but I was also too “other” to be fully accepted by the white kids.
As I got older, I learned to embrace my unique background and to appreciate the richness that comes with being a person of mixed heritage. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t still struggle with issues of identity and belonging from time to time.
The Struggles
One of the biggest struggles that I face as a person of color is dealing with microaggressions. These are the everyday slights and insults that people of color experience on a regular basis. They can be as subtle as a stranger clutching their purse a little tighter when I walk by, or as overt as someone using a racial slur.
Microaggressions can be exhausting to deal with, and they can make it feel like the world is constantly telling you that you don’t belong. It can be tempting to just brush them off and pretend like they don’t hurt, but I’ve found that it’s important to speak up and call them out whenever possible.
The Privileges
While being a person of color certainly comes with its struggles, it’s also important to acknowledge the privileges that come with being part of a marginalized group. For example, I’ve had experiences where I’ve been hired for a job or accepted into a program simply because of my race. While this is certainly not fair, it is a reality of the world that we live in.
It’s also worth noting that being a person of color has allowed me to connect with others who have had similar experiences. There is a sense of solidarity that comes with being part of a marginalized group, and I’ve found that this can be incredibly empowering.
Here are a few tips that have helped me to navigate the world as a person of color:
- Find a community: Whether it’s an online group or a local organization, finding a community of like-minded individuals can be incredibly helpful.
- Speak up: Don’t be afraid to call out microaggressions when you see them. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s important.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important, especially when dealing with the stresses of navigating the world as a person of color.
- Educate yourself: It’s important to educate yourself about issues of race and racism so that you can be an effective advocate for change.
The Importance Of Representation
One of the most important things that we can do to make the world a more welcoming place for people of color is to increase representation. This means making sure that people of color are represented in media, in politics, and in positions of power.
When I was growing up, I rarely saw people who looked like me represented in the media. This made me feel like I didn’t belong and like my experiences weren’t important. But as representation has increased, I’ve felt more seen and heard.
Conclusion
Being a person of color is not always easy, but it’s also not something that I would change. My experiences have helped to shape who I am, and they have given me a unique perspective on the world. If you are also a person of color, I hope that this article has helped you to feel seen and heard. And if you are not a person of color, I hope that this article has given you some insight into what it’s like to navigate the world with a different perspective.
