When I was a small child I can recall one memory of an incident when I experienced bias behavior. I remember always been made fun of and being questioned whether or not I was truly an African American. I was teased and made fun of due to my light sandy hair and my light skin complexion. Other kids treated me unfair at times and I always wondered why. It was not until my mother explained to me that some view a black person as not having healthy hair and only being dark in color. I appeared different from my siblings; therefore, my being was questioned on several occasions. I can remember being asked “are you adopted?” as well as being questioned by my own race.
This specific bias diminished the state of equity because I was treated unfair and the behavior insinuated that blacks are not viewed as being privileged in their outer appearance. Some people have tunnel vision and have a fixed opinion on how a black person should appear, behave, etc.
It will take for everyone to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity. Everyone will have to change their perception on things that appear different from themselves in order to all to experience equity in the world.
Yes indeed! Color and hair has always been a controversal topic for the black community...much of which are misconceptions. Don't know why there's so much fuss about skin-complexion and "good hair" when in actuality these are the same qualities that make us unique from others. Our beauty comes in all different shades & textures. Great Post! :)
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