African-American

 

Being African-American I’m suppose to talk and walk a certain way,

What it means to be “black”.

Im suppose to speak with improper grammer and shorten words. I’m suppose to say “Turn up” and  “Yass” after every sentence.

What it means to be “black”.

I’m suppose to eat watermelon and chicken or “Soul Food”. I'm suppose to know how to sing and dance.

What it means to be “black”

Im suppose to be really athletic and love or play basketball. I’m suppose to be from a broken home and have a “story”.

What it means to be “black”

I’m supposed to be from the “Hood” where violence occurs , boy’s sag their pants and girls wearing tight jeans that look as if they are painted on.

What it means to be “black”

I'm suppose to separate my race into two categories Light skin and Dark skin and dehumanize those that don't fit the profile of being light skin with long hair and a coke bottle shape.

What it means to be “black”

I’m suppose to tell a dark skin girl that she isn't beautiful because of the color of skin.

What it means to be “black”

I’m suppose to post pictures on instagram posing in a certain way to show off my body and hashtag  “team light skin” or “dark  skin” or “everything on fleek”.

What it means to be “black”

I’m suppose to know every word to every rap or hip hop song. I’m suppose to be a huge fan of Drake,

future or Young Thug.

What it means to be “black”

I'm suppose to wear Jordans,True Religion or Polo.

What it means to be “black”

I’m suppose to be this loud, violent, uncivilized or even “Ghetto” person.

I'm suppose to wear weave down my back because wearing my natural hair is not “acceptable” or “attractive”.

What it means to be “black”.

I refuse to BE the picture that society paints!

 

 

-Alexia D.