As we know, Oreo's have dark chocolate cookies on the outside, and a white, creamy center in between. Apply that to how people "think" black and white people behavior and mannerisms, and that is me. I'm black who is "white" on the inside.

At least that is what some people think of me. This is something that has been pointed out to me since middle school, by both sides. They always wondered why I never do this, or that, which was kind of Even though I was able to mingle with just about everyone at school, I could feel my differences sticking out like a huge neon sign; I was insecure about it for a while.

I believe the most distinctive part that makes me different is my voice. It is rather high pitch, and to some black people, I speak "proper," or just plain English. To this effect, many people have asked me if I am from the North, or anywhere that is not associated with the South. This did not bother me as much, but still made me feel like I stuck out oddly to people.

My insecurities could be seen in my music. I listened to a lot of rock and roll music, anime and Japanese songs, miscellaneous songs here and there, but not R&B or rap songs. Those are songs I would only enjoy at parties and gatherings, but not have on my personal playlists. It's just a personal preference. However, every time I share it with some people, they always question it like I have to have Lil Wayne or Kanye West. Some of my friends did not even believe I listened to rock and roll. Every time people would ask about the songs I listen to, I would shy away, or keep them away from my phone; I was that embarrassed. It wasn't until my senior year in high school that I actually started being more open about my music preferences.

Even though I do not perform a lot of "black" mannerisms, that does not matter. As I went into high school, this fact stuck with me, but slowly faded. In the grand scheme of things, I am still myself. People know me better by personality and appeal rather than my race or features. Of course, some people still ask about my hometown, and if I really am a South Carolinian, but I hope they just ask about me in the future instead of my accent or behavior.

Moral of the story: if you feel like you are an Oreo, don't worry about it! People will still appreciate you for who you are and what you like. In fact, just make the best out that situation, in accentuate yourself and your traits. It's all about embracing who you are and overcoming those labels.