The other day a girl looked at me with admiration in her eyes and called me an Oreo. “But it’s OK, you’re an Oreo, you don’t act black,” she said. I watched as her face warped from amusement to confusion as she began to notice how much her comment had offended me. Sadly, she couldn’t quite comprehend how insinuating that I am “black on the outside and white on the inside” could ever strike a nerve. In her eyes, she was giving me a compliment—assuring me that I was different than the rest of the people who share my same skin color. I wish I could say that this was the first time I’ve ever been told that I don’t “act black," but sadly, it's not. I also wish I could say that there weren’t millions of other educated black people in the world who have been subject to the same sort of conversation. That too would be a lie. There are a few things I'd like to say to the girl who called me Oreo--and the one's who are thinking it.
To the girl who called me Oreo,
I’m sure that by now you have forgotten our short conversation about my identity. After quickly mumbling a guilty “I’m sorry” and assuring me that you didn’t mean to cause any offense, you probably went on with your day and never looked back. I don’t mean to dwell on things too long; I don’t mean to make you feel guilty, or to get back at you in any way. I simply wanted to say that the next time you are getting ready to call someone an Oreo, take some time to think about what it really means.
Insinuating that I am "black on the outside and white on the inside" not only validates the stereotypes that are normally associated with my race, but it also suggests that my education, accomplishments, talents, and accolades are only white attributes. This is definitely not the case. Speaking eloquently does not make me an Oreo. Being educated does not make me an Oreo. Dressing properly and being conscious about my image does not make me an Oreo--it makes me, well, me.
I once heard a quote that said, "Acceptance means more than looking for a mirror inside everyone else." I'm sure you called me an Oreo because you see a little bit of yourself in me, and that's okay. But the best thing I can ever be, is surely not a reflection of you. My brilliance has nothing to do with my skin color, just like your greatness has nothing to do with yours. Brilliance has no color
So no, I am not an Oreo. I am educated, articulate, talented, and beautifully black, and you can feel free to compliment me about it whenever you'd like. But one thing is for sure, I will never be flattered to be your favorite cookie
With Love,
An Educated Black Girl
