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.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53419
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34338
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956871
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181625
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments