9 spoken word
accomplishments doesn’t mean I don’t have any accomplishments—other than being born black. Not to be mistaken, white people are not the only ones that I have witnessed being racially offensive. I’ve been told, “You act white” or “You’re turning into one of them” by other black peers. I’ve also heard many words of hatred towards whites from black students. This hurts me just as much if not more than the words of the others. Racism can come from blacks, whites, Asians, Hispanics, and Indians. And you don’t have to be a racist to make a racist remark. By definition, racism is the idea of believing a specific race is inherently superior or inferior to another. It’s one thing to “believe in” equality, but it’s important not to have a secret assumption of superiority. I’ve done some thinking and have come to many conclusions. We come from different ethnicities, classes, and societies where impressions of a race may be offensive elsewhere. Especially after coming here, I’ve realized that people come from various backgrounds, and that sometimes ignorant People come from various backgrounds, thoughts come not from hatred but from misunderstanding or a lack of education. and that sometimes ignorant thoughts Not to say that some offensive thoughts are not out of hatred, because at times they come not from hatred but from are, but that they may be out of immaturity. We must understand that not all people are willing to change. But there’s nothing wrong with trying to help eliminate these feelings and bad impressions. I encourage you not to be offended when someone asks about your culture, nor to be afraid to ask someone about hers. We should learn to me as an “overachiever.” We are becoming better about these differences now while surrounded by so friends. One day we pass in the hall, and, full of angst much diversity rather than go out into the world and next to a friend, she shouts, “I’m never going to get continue to be as ignorant as we were before coming into college!” Being me, I try to comfort her saying to Emma Willard. It’s better to defy misconceptions how she will, has time to prepare, and is intelligent. I and have people share what they’ve learned. I no longer continue walking and she yells after me, “Well, you’re mind when people ask me about my scarf, hair, stereodefinitely getting into college because you’re a minortypes, food, or language. I’m happy to share a part of ity!” I turn the corner shocked. Is she serious? Is she me, as so many people here have done for me. I try to that insecure? Someone who I thought knows so much understand why people say offensive things and hope to about me knows so little. Of course I know affirmative help them learn. As one of my more outspoken classaction exists, but there is so much more to me than my mates once said, “We’re all the human race, right?” race and ethnicity. Just because I don’t brag about my you?” The word echoed throughout my head. I didn’t hear it often, and it was basically forbidden at home. I didn’t listen to vulgar rap but old school, jazz, and pop instead. I knew it existed but always avoided it, convinced it was a word of the past and that was where it should stay. As the echoing died out, I felt piercing stares. The class had become silent. I gulped and feeling obligated I squeaked “no.” Aah, time for high school. Finally, no one will care how I look, speak, or where I come from. I am taking my usual history notes. A familiar face from my class walks up to me and goes, “Wow, I’m surprised.” Curious, I respond, “Why?” She says, “Where I come from the black kids don’t care about school. I mean, not to say I thought you didn’t,” even though I know that is exactly what she is thinking. It’s time for junior year, all of us anxious about the work and college. I make a new friend, and we quickly learn the basics about each other, and she once refers
misunderstanding or a lack of education.
Spring/Summer 2008
To hear the complete speech go to www.emma willard.org/ audio/charis. mp3