African American Experiences

“My Mother Spent Her Life Passing As White.”

The author’s discovery of her mother’s black lineage changed her perspective on what someone can do to remain in a marriage with a racist husband. That is, before seeing her mother’s birth certificate, which listed her as of color, the author did not realize how much of a shade someone from a black lineage could be. The author writes, “My mother’s fearful plea for secrecy only added to my confusion about my racial identity” (Lukasik, 2017, par.7), which is an indication of what African Americans tend to go through, especially if they are of mixed race. In essence, it is understandable for the mother to continue passing as a white person, because it helped her get away with stereotypical issues in the society, which includes discrimination from her racist husband. More importantly, the story shows us (readers) the possibility of some whites being people of color, yet they do not even know it.

“A Black Man Went Undercover Online As a White Supremacist”

After experiencing racial trolls, Mr. Wilson decided to seek where these racists got their views and beliefs. After eight months impersonating as a white supremacist, Mr. Wilson, despite being African American, had a change in heart, and became compassionate towards the white racists, some of who had “fair” points. For instance, despite misinformation on slavery and racial history, Mr. Wilson honestly believes that white supremacists are redeemable and that we cannot place absolutism and claim white supremacists are “bad” people (Holley, 2017, par.27). The story is a clear indication of difference in people’s opinions and a shocking truth of how racism still underlies on historical notions, and that the brainwashing is particularly possible with technological advancements. Thus, it would be better if the same white supremacists would embrace and understand the perspective of an African American.

References

Holley, P. (2017). A black man went undercover online as a white supremacist. This is what he learned. Retrieved from https://wapo.st/2QAtff5

Lukasik, G. (2018). My mother spent her life passing as white. Discovering her secret changed my view of race — and myself. Retrieved from https://wapo.st/2RDfaL8