Going to college, you'll meet all kinds of people. You'll meet people from the same county as you and you'll meet someone from a country with no people of color (POCs). That's my experience going to college. Microaggressions are so common when you leave where you are from and realize you are a minority.
Not everyone knows some things can't be said because of where they're from, and some people do and are just ignorant.
This article is for those who want to learn and be more cautious with they say to POCs.
1. Do not use or call someone a racial slur for your own recreation.
This is probably the most common I see, being black and mixed it's easy for some people to think:
"Hey, there's not a black person in here. Let me say something funny and use the N-word at the end as a punch line."
"There's not black people in here, I can use the N-word."
Or the unicorn:
"I hear it in rap music so it's alright."
Black people only use the N-word because it's rightfully theirs.
2. "YAS, girl!" "Oh my God, girl." "Hey, girlfriend!" "Sup, sista!"
I don't think this one needs much of an explanation. Using a fake slang accent is a no-no. It's trying to assimilate to a culture that's not your own — it's very annoying and it prompts looks.
3. "Is that your real hair?" or assuming that their hair is not real.
This is just rude and ignorant. Hair is an amazing art form and it has yet to be mastered to its full potential.
4. Calling them ghetto.
At this point there is no trying at life, you're probably already dead.
5. "I'm darker than you — Look I'm blacker than you-"
I don't understand why people compare themselves to lighter-skinned POCs it doesn't change the fact that they have lesser life chances just distinguished through the ethnicity.
6. Do not wear other cultures!
No, you can't be Native American for Halloween or wear a bindi because it's pretty. These are cultures that other people cherish and try to salvage. Because of the increase in western traditions, it's harder to keep other cultures.
7. "You're so different for a ____ person."
What does that mean? Generalizations are never the answer. Not everyone is the same, yeah there are stereotypes for a reason, but that does not apply to everyone.
