I May Look Like It But I Am Not White | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I May Look Like It But I Am Not White

I am a loud and proud person of color

31
I May Look Like It But I Am Not White
Jessica Pinero

Do you ever stumble upon something that sticks with you even after you’ve long finished reading it? Perhaps it’s even just the headline of an article that sticks out to you so much that you can’t even bring yourself to read further because of the way it makes you feel.

Why am I mentioning this? Well, the other day, I came across something that didn’t really surprise me so much as it made me a little upset. I’d seen a headline that said that more and more Latinos in the United States were identifying as white on the census. I couldn’t believe it. They were just identifying as something they were not?

That got me thinking. What could possibly possess someone to completely abandon their own identity? Then it hit me- they did it to escape a life of negativity and oppression.

Of course, simply checking the box next to “white” on the census wouldn’t be enough, but in doing so, it would be a step towards abandoning the culture they have so that they could become fully “Americanized.” Latinos, like many other people of color in the United States, often become the butt of unkind jokes and terrible stereotypes that could greatly affect everyday life. In light of the recent political actions and decisions taken, it could become more relevant in the reality of living as a Latino in the U.S. What do some of these people do to escape that harsh reality? Let go of everything that makes them different from their white, “more American” neighbors. Moreover, Latinos are a very diverse group of people so for some, identifying as white would be easier to get away with than for others.

But that doesn’t mean that it should be done.

I do understand the reasoning behind it to an extent. Oppression can lead anyone into an act of desperate escape and this could be in the form of withholding the teaching of Spanish, abandoning cultural traditions, and striving to move to “white” neighborhoods. However, my brain cannot wrap its head around literally changing one’s own identity for the sake of making life easier. To me, that is giving in to the oppression and letting those who scorn a diverse America win. Although I’ve been fortunate to have a good life and surround myself with people who accept me for the proud Latina I am, it doesn’t mean that I cannot sympathise with Latinos who have not been as fortunate.

I do know that things are not equal for us and that there are stigmas that are still very real about who we are. The only way to combat that is to hold on to the culture and language as best as one can and never let go of that image of a diverse America full of different groups of people.


In fact, I’ll go out and say it here: I am NOT white and I never will be. I will never simply change my race and cultural identity because people cannot accept me. People can say what they want, but I will never change who I am. Acceptance is key and always will be.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

151329
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

39823
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

35366
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments