We all have heard the phrase, "You are what you eat." This gives the meaning a wide imagination for personal thoughts and opinions. An Oreo, also known as milk's favorite cookie, can be used to describe an African-American who does not fall into the characteristics of being stereotypically black. It's imagery people. I was branded this at a young age before I even realized. It is time to truly take this insult and embrace the positive. Here are a few characteristics that help define "The Oreo Kid."
1. You were one of the gifted kids regardless of your race.
This meant you were self-driven with your schoolwork. You watched "Between the Lions" and "Cyberchase" like it was your job. Odds are you were reading well before you started kindergarten.
2. You took your grammar vitamins.
I literally learned this term my last semester. My English 101 professor gave us grammar vitamins each week so we know how to write sentences properly. You had your regular take while growing up with elelementary school teachers correcting students when they say "ain't" or "where he be," for example.
3. You were never under the influence of sex, drugs, or profanity.
Never were you ever oblivious to the fact that these were real. You just had parents who taught you at an early age so you wouldn't hear wrong from anyone else. Even if you didn't tell your folks, they were going to find out one way or another. If you didn't do it, it's a wrap.
4. Modest is Hottest was your personal dress code.
You could not even walk out to the front porch without Mom or Dad seeing what you were wearing anyway so you might as well dress classy. That meant two inches above the knee was the limit; guys had their belt on, girls had everything to a T after growing out of your mom picking out your outfits each day.
5. You were knowledgeable of both the black and white cultures.
You knew the rural and urban interests/fashions and made your own style. Sometimes you were seen as too black for the white kids and too white for the black kids.You would teach about how sew-ins work and the different hair products, even though it's all about the conditioner for some people. Your interests for TV ranged from anything by Tyler Perry or Lee Daniels to "Lizzie McGuire."
With that being said, you were more open-minded about partners for both casual and romantic relationships because you grew up where race was not the biggest factor as much as character. For some, parents predicted based on your early behavior. So what was the point of this? Not to rant or to ridicule. It is just to focus on the positive factors that are wonder-filled from being "The Oreo Kid."
By the way, saying I'm “white” isn’t a compliment … it actually makes me a little sad because I’m proud of who I am; a beautiful and ambitious Black woman and I’m thankful. So please don’t try and make me something I’m not.
