White people don’t always know I’m Black. That’s when their racism is revealed.
The Lily
2021-12-10
Sarah Doneghy
(María Alconada Brooks/The Washington Post)
The jokes, comments and stereotypes always flow so freely. I speak up every time.
When I see mostly White people in a social gathering, whether it’s a class, party or presentation, I do a scan. It’s thorough but quick. Are there any Black people? Are there any people of color at all? When the answer is no, I prepare. How am I going to let them know that I’m Black? Am I going to wait until someone says something and then “surprise” them? Or will I be confrontational? Will I say, “Hey, guess what?” as if I’m kidding — but not really?
Most of the time, White people think I’m one of them. My skin is light, often as light as theirs. My lips are plump and my nose is broad, but my features aren’t a tip-off. My hair is black, big and curly. If anything, that’s the tell. But even then, it’s usually: “I thought you were Italian, Greek or Middle Eastern.” In other words, not quite White, but definitely not Black.
That’s when the racism rears. Someone says something because they feel safe. They can speak freely. And they have support…
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