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Politics and Activism

Dear White People

I need to let you all know that it's not ok.

Tanquanae Blacknall
Jan 30, 2017
Austin Peay State University
43
Dear White People
pixabay

Dear white people,

There are a few things that as a black female in today’s society, I need to get off of my chest. First things first, my hair. Unless I give you permission, please keep your hands off it. And if you do have permission to touch it, expect it to be greasy and FULL of conditioner. Do not make some comparison between my hair and something that is not hair. Yes, I am aware that my hair is wildly different from yours. I am reminded of that every time I go to to purchase hair care products and I my small jar of $10 shampoo is in the “ethnic” section. Also, I am a person who chooses not to relax her and embrace the never ending struggling and rewards of being natural. Stop calling my hair unkempt and assuming that I’m making some type of statement.

Also, our names! OH MY GLOB, do not get me started on stereotypical black names. Yes, my name is Tanquanae Sharie Blacknall, my brother’s name is Lewilden and our mother’s name is Latanja. And as I type those names, the Microsoft Word adds the red squiggles, once again letting me know that my name is not usual. This despite the fact that I have typed my name God knows how many times in this program. I will not let someone’s prejudices about my name skew who I know I am. I am educated, I am smart, and I am beautiful. And no, I’m not pretty for a black girl nor do I talk/act white. I am me and I am unapologetic about it. And sometimes it is not just white people with these seriously corrupt train of thought. Black people have hit me with the “you think you’re better” or “you act like a white girl”. Stop! Just stop! Can a person properly use contractions and have subject verb agreement and be black and not be accused of the aforementioned?

With that being said, I will not let your slanted view of me change how I see myself. I am not sorry for my blackness, but I am sorry for your ignorance. I am sorry for misconception that I should act a certain way. I am sorry that some of you will continue to judge me because it shows me that as a society we have yet to let go of all of our prejudices.

Sincerely,

The Black Girl

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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