I can absolutely see how my skin color has allowed me to have an easier time in most situations. It doesn't make sense. I have long admired the closeness and community of other cultures as opposed to my own. Being a beneficiary of race means that I don’t have to walk on eggshells and think about it all the time. Although my husband is white, he comes from an Appalachian background and often code switches when he feels it necessary.
One thing that I had never thought about was the concept of how one drop of blood from a black relative results in oppression. On the other hand, one drop of anything else other than Native dilutes the identity of being Native. I had never thought about how the measurement of Native heritage (1/16th) will be diluted over time to the point where the government will no longer have to meet treaty rights and honor agreements for land and resources.
Another thing that struck me is how difference in language -- whether it be a complete different language or a variation of English based on culture -- both of these are suppressed and looked down upon. Who has the right to say that the way anyone speaks, expresses themselves, or any aspect of their culture is not acceptable? These are basic foundations of who we are. How boring would it be if we were all the same! I remember the first time I went to New York City, stepped out of the cab, and heard a symphony of languages. It was amazing!
People who have lighter brown skin have an easier time and are somehow viewed as superior to those who have darker skin. It blows my mind that this idea is not limited to one country, but seems to permeate the whole world! It could just as easily be the other way around.
One thing mentioned in one of the videos that I did not understand is that when someone asks how to say a word in the other person’s language that it can be viewed as an affront. I would have thought it was a way of connecting. I would like to hear more about that.
