More To Melanin
Start writing a post

Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
noun

A dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunlight.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
concept

An indicator of a threat. Ironic how every living being contains some form of it. And yet somehow, it's the very thing that separates the world.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
disgrace

I grew up with the notion that less was more. Lighter, lighter I had to be. The sun was ugly. I was ugly. This was a notion drilled into my skull.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
doubt

How is it that the very makes of my skin differentiate me from everyone and anyone in the world? How it can unify me with some, but not others? Why not all?


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
question

I find myself questioning over and over again how this could truly be a bad thing. Was I ashamed, or was I taught to be ashamed? My aunties glare at me.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
acceptance?

Perhaps this was the truth. "Mother knows best" does she not? My brown skin frowned at me as I frowned in return. This skin of mine, this body, was not right. Right?


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
denial

The minute you begin to question is the minute everything you know begins to fall apart. Let the chaos fall as the truth shall rise thereafter.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
practice

I educated myself on the principles of self-acceptance, worth, and love. I found myself unlearning everything I knew and relearning everything I needed to know.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
acceptance

I wear it as an adornment. A blessing in disguise this entire time. The richness sets me ablaze as I learn to fall in love over and over again.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
blessing

I have become deaf to those who think otherwise. I raise those who doubt their own up to the sky, the sun, and let them bask in the beauty of its beams. The fears are not so scary anymore.


Mel·a·nin
/ˈmelənən/
equality

Or so I'd like the world to believe.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

1063
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Summer Slump

Summer isn't alway just fun in the sun.

1705
Summer Slump

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, hanging out with friends, and living it up, but for some people, that's not the case. Summer is a nightmare for idle minds. Let me explain what I mean by that. For people with mental illness having the extra time to think and relax can be devastating for their mental health. Now, this isn't a problem for everyone but for some people who suffer from mental illness, this is a reality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

"The Rise of Skywalker" really got me thinking...

1770
Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Here we go...

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

NYC Classrooms struggle with marijuana and high students

The Cannabis landscape has changed, and so have what schools experience

1506
Weed
Instagram
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that about 35.7% of 12th graders in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past year, and 11.8% reported daily use. As for coming to school under the influence, specific statistics can be hard to come by, but there is concern that the increasing social acceptance of marijuana may lead to higher rates of use among teenagers.
Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Best Capital Cities in the World To Visit

It's easy to overlook some of these, even just one - don't.

1424
The Best Capital Cities in the World To Visit

Why think locally? Think big and consider traveling to the best capitals in the world.

What makes a capital "the best" – culture, sights, history & things to do, to say the least.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments