In today's society, nobody really wants to talk about race. It's taboo and sensitive, it's a soft spot for some and a hot spot for others. However, as a communication studies major, I've been lucky enough to take not one but two interracial communication classes that have made it where I can openly talk about racial issues comfortably.

No, I don't believe that I know what it's like coming from the other side. Yes, I'm aware I'm a member of the majority. However, I do believe that anyone willing to talk about race and racial identities is already able to make some sort of a change or even make just a step in the direction of change. With that being said, I think something that needs to be discussed more is why society allows races and racial stereotypes define humans.

At what point do we see a person and automatically have the right to form their identity based on what we see? Who I look like on the outside says nothing about who I am on the inside. My race doesn't define my personality traits, or my likes and dislikes, or even my daily habits. Just as my race doesn't define who I am, someone else's race doesn't define them either. So why are we so worried about placing an identity on someone else based on what we see?

Now, on a more personal level. To others, I come off as an average European Caucasian, but I am also part Native American, enough to where I could technically claim Native American to the government if we had all the paperwork. Do I look it? Other than during the summer when I tan extremely easy, I don't look Native American at all. I've had to explain and defend my bloodlines, and it shouldn't have to be that way.

When others question the validity of my identity, or form a false identity for me based on my looks, I can't help but be angry. Just because I don't look like what others believe a Native American looks like, my identity is questioned or false to others. No, I might not identify myself as a Native American, but I do consider it a part of my identity.

If other's placing a racial identity on me based on my appearance makes me mad, it's safe to assume that if I was to place an identity on someone else solely based on their skin color, they'd be mad too. So why do we continue to do it? Why, as a society, are we so quick to get mad about racism when we're also the ones adding to it? It might not seem like it to others, but giving an identity to an individual solely based on their race is a form of prejudice. It's a form of judgment before actually learning anything.

I honestly feel that what we look like on the outside has nothing to do with who we are as humans. We shouldn't be comfortable with the idea of placing identities on others, especially when it comes to race. Race is a sensitive subject, but so are politics and we're all quick to jump in those conversations. It's a subject that needs to be discussed in order to see any sort of change.

"When people rely on surface appearances and false racial stereotypes, rather than in-depth knowledge of others at the level of the heart, mind and spirit, their ability to assess and understand people accurately is compromised." -- James A. Forbes