I was in middle school, sitting at the lunch table. One of my classmates asked me: "Why do you talk like that?" I replied, "Like what?" He answered: "Like a white girl."

I was extremely confused. I knew I was black and I thought everyone else knew, too. Eventually, I declared the incident as one of the stupid things boys say. However, years, and several similar incidents, later, I realized it wasn't just one of those "stupid" things. Some people genuinely wondered why I talked the way I did. It wasn't until high school did I understand what was going on.

I use proper grammar and manners because I was raised that way. Some people took that as acting "white." The craziest part of these incidents is black people asked me these questions. They all looked at me with the same expression: their heads slightly tilted to the side, forehead crinkled as they squinted their eyes at me, judging me for not talking the way they did. I was being stereotyped by people of my own race, something I didn't think was possible.

Now, I also got similar comments and questions from white people, but it hurts the most coming from those that looked like me. The look in their eyes showed a glimpse of betrayal as if they thought I didn't want to be black because I "talk like a white girl." Well, here's what I have to say to that.

Stop associating proper grammar with being white. I don't care what race you are. Stop supporting this stereotype. It's ignorant, annoying, and downright disappointing. Anyone can have proper grammar. It doesn't just appear because of your race.

And you can use it whenever and wherever you please. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't use proper grammar all of the time. I catch myself slipping here and there, especially when I am around people I feel comfortable with. However, do not expect me to not have any knowledge of proper grammar because of my skin color.

Also, there is something I cannot seem to understand:

To the black people that ask black girls that dreaded question, you do realize you're accepting this stereotype? That you are approving this stereotype to be used to define black people? Why are you accepting this insult? Stop allowing this picture to be painted. While you may not realize it, asking this question is like dipping the paint brush into the palette.

Let's kill this stereotype. Please and thank you.