In my personal experience I have had many comedic and eye-opening experiences at my PWI that range from people making watermelon jokes to the sense of entitlement to touch my hair without asking my permission. They have not all been funny but the few that I mention I will never forget, in that they have shown me how closed minded people can sometimes be, even if they mean no harm.
Disclaimer: Just as the people who made these comments and assumptions about me and my life, I have done the same but only difference is I kept them to myself.
1.OMG!!! Can I touch your hair?”
Even though you already touched it before you asked.
2. Her: “So which part of Philly are you from?”
Me: “I’m from North Philly.”
Her: “Oh, so you’re ghetto?”
3. “OMG!!! Your skin is so nice, can I touch it?”
Even though you already touched it before you asked.
4. “Have you ever seen a person get shot before?”
5. “Do you like white guys?”
6. “I think you and Daniel should date.”
Only black guy they can think of on campus.
7. “HOW have you NEVER went skiing before?!”
8. “What sport do you play? I mean, that’s why you’re here right?”
9. “Do you even pay tuition?”
10. “I’m blacker than you are.”
11. “You sound so white.”
Do I sound white, or do I sound educated? The two do not always equate.
12. “You’re so sassy today!”
The conclusion of this article is that these micro-aggressions, slurs, and assumptions are offensive, misguided, and not acceptable. Please be weary of what you say, and who you say it to. If you are confused about anything that I said or why any of the statements are offensive, please comment and let me know and I am more than willing to educate you.
#2 & #8
Sad to say I’ve encountered those same comments. I guess the crazy thing is how people just feel so comfortable saying those statements as if it was nothing wrong with it.
Exactly. There are so many rude comments and the issue is that people are totally ignorant of the offense. It then gets even more annoying when minority students are left to teach and educate students on what is acceptable or not. When will it end?
I know you had a lot more to say but this article was a great foundation for future conversations.
Check back in soon for a Part 2!
#2 & #8
Sad to say I’ve encountered those same comments. I guess the crazy thing is how people just feel so comfortable saying those statements as if it was nothing wrong with it.
Exactly. There are so many rude comments and the issue is that people are totally ignorant of the offense. It then gets even more annoying when minority students are left to teach and educate students on what is acceptable or not. When will it end?