The challenges of being a person of color come in many different realities. In this collection of poetry we see the perspective and experience of an African American person (male of female) who is not the stereotype and it bothers them that the assumptions that people make about them are wrong. But how do you fix an idea that someone comes to the table with before you’ve even introduced yourself? In I’m Not That Person we are reminded that what you knew isn’t always what you actually know. Don’t put what you think to be fact on anyone else. In Check we dive into the list of things that people are true, a check list of what is supposed to be, and what is believed to be. As long as all of the boxes are checked things are in order. In A Little Secret we make light of some of the most popular stereotypes then bring back the focus that these things could be any one of us and if we’re being honest it is. And finally, in Where I Belong, we hear an anthem or originality and come to the realization that we belong where we decide we belong, this isn’t a place anyone can put us because it is not their decision.
*This program may be performed by an African American male or female author gives permission for this change.
Not Being the POC Stereotype
I want to exist in a world where I am my own man
My presence revolves around who I am
With my skin peeled away
Standing next to my white counterpart feeling like
Everyone sees us as the same.I know we are different in the way we look
But does it always have to be apples to oranges?
Can we be more intentional in how we handle color?
Teaching our children at a young age that staring at things different isn’t okay
Having conversations about color so that we stop seeing itThe oppressor never sees it
They understand but can’t relate
Without realizing that they encourage and continue the cycle.Our words mean something
Our eyes see life the way we have been taught to
And then we become adults, and parents, and what will we do?
How will we change the lens that our children view the world through?
Be intentional.
Be different.