If you ask those who know me personally they would agree with me when I say that I am unapologetically proud to be Dominican. The Dominican Republic like many other countries around the world consists of population whose skin tones range from one end of the spectrum to the other. The most common blend of ethnicity's that make up a typical Dominican come from Spanish, African and the native indigenous group, Taíno decent. Though tones may vary for the most part native Dominicans display some degree of a melanin complexion with yellow or red under tones, dark curly or coarse hair, and brown eyes.

Why am I giving you this history lesson you may you ask? Well recently a particular issue that I have been exposed to many times before begin to bother my deeper than ever before. As someone who has only lived permanently in the United States for three years, I have noticed that even though many people talk about being inspired by other countries and their desire to become more culturally well-informed on counties outside of their own, when it comes to their day to day actions these desires are often thrown out the window. Situations such as hearing someone say they want to travel the world and learn about other cultures but then witness them then turn around and act rudely toward people who struggle with their ability to speak English fluently. Or from a more personal situation, knowing that I am foreigner yet I over hear you describing me to one of your friends as "the black girl who gets her words mixed up sometimes". Where's that deep desire to be more culturally accepting and educated gone to now?

So here's a piece of advice from the girl who does not like to be labeled as "the black girl", who sometimes gets the language she's speaking in mixed up, and who can read between the lines of your "unintentional" categorization. Just because you don't mind being lumped into a generic category does not mean I feel that same. Oh, and here's an extra little piece of advice, if you're curious to know someone's background don't start off with "So like what are you?", trust me it won't go well.

So how do we change? Start by asking, acknowledging, and accepting. If you know where I am from and how I like to be addressed, then address me in that way. This considerate action goes beyond just cultural and ethnic affiliation, it also includes sexuality and gender. Your generalizations even if said innocently without malicious intent can leave a lasting impact. It's 2018! Why aren't we acknowledging and celebrating our differences? There are no excuses anymore, there are too many people in the world for us to be put into little boxes. Individuals deserve individuality, don't take that away from those around you.