Many times I have witnessed people practicing behaviors that I can only describe as White aspirational. After using the unlikely phrase in a conversation, for lack of better term, I quickly ran to my tablet to see if the phrase has been used before. After much research I realized: Firstly, I coined a phrase, yay! Secondly, It should be a phrase with its prevalence in American culture.

When I say white, yes, I do mean the race. In a country like America that glorifies and benefits White skin, it is understandable why others may be attracted to its power and privilege. But is it acceptable? What does it mean when a person of color chooses to be “White aspirational?”

Jim Boggess, owner of Jimbo’s Deli in Flemington, New Jersey, put up a sign that said “Celebrate your White Heritage in March White History Month.” The letter “t” in white was written to emulate the Klan’s cross sign. The reaction to the sign was divided between agreeance and disdain. The only thing Jim Boggess and his supporters forgot to mention was that in America it is White history month every day of the year. Every government institution unfairly benefits White people. The media consistently upholds white privilege while negatively portraying people of color. Our education system is completely Euro-centric with a slight mention of slavery during the month of February. Although we promote diversity, students of color do not get to learn about their own history. World history is white-washed and anything not pertaining directly to white people is omitted. For example, when have we learned about the Moors in school? White is synonymous with positive things like purity, cleanliness, angels, and heaven while Black is associated with things like evilness, darkness, negativity, and death. With the ongoing campaign “white is right” can we blame the unfortunate people of color who begin to believe that rest is not.

White aspiration is very dangerous because it is not based on truth, but rather power and supremacy. It also could lead to self-hate and self-denial. Here are 10 ways to see if you are subconsciously or even purposefully “white aspirational”.

1. Skin Bleaching

Skin bleaching is a huge international market. It is not only damaging to your skin, but it is also a strong form of self-hate that can be equally damaging to your soul. Using dangerous chemicals to change your natural and healthy skin shows the desperation for white assimilation that will never be achieved.

2. Hair weaves and chemicals

Weaves were not created for people of color. That is why most often you will not find hair texture that serves all consumers. The hair is limited to a few textures and women of color damage their own hair to assimilate to the European standard of beauty. Chemicals that straighten your hair are also very damaging and harmful to the natural hair growing process. Also, let us not forget how amazing an afro is!

3. Interracial dating

I am not denying the fact that it is very possible for a white man to fall for a black woman and vice versa, but in most cases it is because the White person is fetishizing the black person and the black person is trying to further assimilate to White society. We see right through the second one.

4. Divide and conquer

If you use words like “light skinned”, “dark skinned”, “nigga”, “baby mama” or any other words that are designed to degrade, divide and conquer. Congratulations, you have been divided and you have been conquered and you still cannot be White. You can, however, continue to aspire.

5. Denying your heritage

Many black people can only recount their history back to slavery. Just because you were taught Euro-centric education doesn’t mean you can’t learn about your history. Stop posting photos. Stop reposting ridiculous quotes and learn your divine history. Don’t be Raven Symone, be smart.

6. Change your name

If you change the pronunciation of your name to accommodate the white population, or even worse, completely change your name, then you are certainly white aspirational.

7. Move to a White neighborhood

I know some people have no choice after all, we are the minority. But if you get an education, a good job or simply money and move out of a black neighborhood and into a white neighborhood thinking you have arrived. You did, you arrived to white aspiration land. Deuces!

8. Dislike African features

Contrary to popular belief, not all black people share similar features. We do however acknowledge that European standard of beauty only rewards a few features while completely degrading others. If you do not love a Jackson five nose, juicy lips, or an afro, then you are most certainly deeply White aspirational and possibly hard of seeing.

9. Violent towards other people of color

If you catch yourself being reasonable with Betsy and ready to attack Ebony, or ignoring Cody and calling the police on Darnell, you watch too much television and you are white aspirational.

10. White Reliance

Common sense dictates that a system that once abused and enslaved you is not going to turn around and save you. Many black people suffering from White aspirations spend most of their time and money benefiting other racial and ethnic groups that turn around and discriminate towards black people. Learn to rely on and love yourself!