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I’m Half Black, so My Opinion Doesn’t Matter
When I wrote I’m Half Black and Offended a Lot of People I thought it was only going to get a few views, but to my surprise, it’s been read thousands of times. For the most part, it’s been received pretty well by people of all colors, and it gives me hope. Any time I see people are open to having the tough discussions, it reminds me that humanity may not be doomed.
Unfortunately, being half-black does get me a lot of criticism from the black community. My entire life, I’ve felt in this sort of no man’s land while identifying with both races, and when the black community comes after me, I’m reminded of it all over again. When I read Trevor Noah’s book Born a Crime, it was the first time I’ve truly felt like someone understood what I’ve dealt with my whole life.
I think it’s important to note that I’m not stupid (at least I don’t think so), and I’m aware of the privilege I have looking white. Even those like Trevor Noah who you can tell are mixed are aware of that privilege, yet we’re constantly being told by the black community that we don’t have the right to speak on these issues.
I’m as liberal as they come, and us liberals fight for equality of all kinds. In the current political climate, it feels like people fighting for equality are simultaneously promoting inequality. I find it difficult to see how we’re going…