What is the most racist thing someone has said to you?

(Note – this was a very challenging question and difficult answer to post. Before you comment, think real hard about my possible response.)

Posted 1Aug2017.

Please keep in mind that my answer applies to me and me alone. You have your experiences and perspective, I have mine…

There are a ton of things that I suppose would be considered “racist,” if that word still held any meaning for me or even bothered me.

“My parents don’t want me dating you because you aren’t white…”

Meh. If your parents held that much control over you, I didn’t want to date you.

“You have to pick one race… you can’t pick both…”

Uh, no I don’t and yes, I can. This was for a survey when I held a municipal job, and I offered to bring in a picture of my parents to clarify that I actually could check both “African-American” and “Caucasian.” Funny conversation, but a digression from my point.

“Go talk to them, they’re your people…”

Ha. He was only half-right, but still a great person.

“If you show up to school tomorrow, we will kill you…”

Ah, northwest Indiana…Yep. Still went to school. Still alive.

The most racist thing, however is something along the lines of “if you are even one percent Black, you are Black.”

Before I continue, I must make a couple things quite clear: I am mixed –neither one or the other, but both black and white. African-American and Caucasian. Mulatto. Half-breed. Oreo. Whatever-the-fuck makes people happy to classify me as, so be it – except one or the other.

None of those other ignorant statements irritates me more than that last one. I have been treated horribly by both blacks and whites, and I have been treated wonderfully by both as well. I learned a long time ago that my identity is beyond skin-deep, and for those who choose to treat me one way or another because I stood out, they did nothing but strengthen that sense of self that most people fail to realize.

The other thing that I feel is necessary to clarify is how little I care for the argument of race. Is there racism in the United States? Sure… and it will be a problem for both sides as long as they continue to look for that problem. Are there organizations which capitalize on racism? Sure… and these organizations will slowly lose the support and ability to continue their practices. In my lifetime, I have grown to realize that ignorance and classification, like conflict, is a fundamental part of society. It is my choice to move forward, not backward, though… as what we are – humans.