I'm A POC But I Have White Privilege Because I Look The Part
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

I'm A POC, But I Know I Have White Privilege Because I Look The Part

My lack of oppression definitely has to do with the color of my skin.

55
I'm A POC, But I Know I Have White Privilege Because I Look The Part
Cecilia Flick

I was born to a Mexican mother and an American father, but just by looking at me you would just assume that I am fully American.

My mom was the first in her family to be born in America, and my father's family has been here for years. I was raised in a primarily white and wealthy neighborhood in Missouri. I was very fortunate to go to one of the top rated public schools in my city, but even more fortunate to have the opportunity (if I had wanted) to go to a private school.

I know I have white privilege even if I'm technically a person of color.

Hell, most people don't even know I'm a POC. I've never actually identified with my Mexican culture or heritage. I don't speak Spanish, and when I try I sound American, the closest you can get me to my heritage is a quesadilla.

Here's a story from the first time I was recognized as a person of color and how wrong I felt for being there:

I was a freshman in high school, and one day, I got a pass to go to the counseling office during my study hall.

When I got there, I was told it was a class to help with getting scholarships and writing essays for college applications that would meet once a month every year of high school.

Every single person in that room was a POC, and I automatically felt like i didn't belong. As I said previously, I felt as though I was fully white because I had never been in a situation where I was oppressed. I was always your “basic white west county girl."

I was also uncomfortable because I always got what I wanted. I was always friendly with the principals, cops and teachers.

I had never been in trouble, and I knew that if I was ever in any trouble my parents would be there to bail me out and there wouldn't be any problem because to everyone else, I was white too.

I never went back. I never applied for any scholarships that had to do with being a person of color simply because I knew in my heart that there were other people out there who didn't have the safety net of having a white parent or the money to go to college, and they were definitely people who have actually been oppressed or have been bullied because of the color of their skin.

I am just a Mexican American girl with a light olive complexion that no one knows is actually Mexican.

Report this Content
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

69396
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

44255
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

970160
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments