There is an unfortunate epidemic claiming the lives of many these days-- race shaming.
Why we cling to race as a status of power is completely beyond me, but I have quickly learned that if we do not conform to the stigma of what our ethnicity defines- we become ostracized.
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I come from a first generation Cuban-American family. My father was born In Cuba and moved to the states when he was seven years old. My mother was raised by my grandparents who lived in Cuba until their twenties. Forced to move because of political refuge, being Cuban has always and will always be something engraved into my life.
I therefore classify myself as Hispanic, as a strong Latina woman. Growing up in Miami this was not an issue, everyone basically has some kind of Hispanic in their blood stream. Our culture is one defined by pastelitos and chancletas, of lottery tickets and Calle Ocho, of vivaciousness and warmth. And yet, I do not let my race define who I am going to be. And then I came to college, where many people just didn't seem to get it.
So yes I am Hispanic, and yes I do go to college. And YES, I am capable of being an unfortunate shade of pale.
Yes, I can speak English proficiently and eloquently. No, I didn't come from a boat and no I don't have any chip on my shoulder.
I am more than allowed to wear cowboy boots and sundresses, despite how "southern" that is. I am allowed to drink iced coffee and enjoy fried chicken, despite how "white" that is. Apparently the way I choose to live my life does not coincide with my ethnicity. Too many times before I have gotten the "Oh..but you act so white." I'm sorry, but what does being white or not, have anything to do with the way I act? At the end of the day I am a human being in college, and so I am going to act like a human being in college. We are shaped, molded, created by circumstance- mine was that of joy and wonderful memories. As a result I do not walk around with resentment, waving my Hispanic card as a means of justification. I have nothing but pride and awe for where I come from, but it should not dictate our success.
In the wake of recent racially charged events, I would like to say to all those minorities in the Greek system that it is easy to feel like just that, a minority. But why? Why should we classify each other by our backgrounds? Instead, how about you judge me based on my track record, based on what I have to offer as a contributing citizen of this diverse planet? Forget about minorities, focus on being the best version of yourself. Be proud of where you come from, and humble for where you are going.
I do not want the headline of my life to read:
"Latina Woman does something Great"
I want it to read,
"Andrea Newport-Jones does something Great"
