In life, unfortunately being surrounded by hate and criticism of many seems like something common -sometimes. Some will appreciate who you are and others will find ways to tear you apart in things you have no control over such as heritage and ancestry. I'm mestiza(Native/Hispanic &European) 🥀 I imagine probably a majority of everyone is a "mutt"/cultural mix as well? Tragically racism is a thing and so is colorism. I'll admit, I lightened my skin and stayed out of the sun. My skin was always complemented with remarks such as (guerra) aka Blondie... I'm not blonde but I guess I was white passing when I traveled to Mexico. Growing up, it seemed as if relatives never were proud of the native blood we all carried. Whilst growing up in the US it was surprising to be witness to the vast melting pot of cultures. Unfortunately, I was also witness to racism. Speaking Spanish wasn't a plus around non-speakers. I lived a double life in that way to avoid hate. Was I weak? Maybe, I genuinely was just tired of the nonesense and hate. It's ridiculous , how the world has so much diversity yet it finds ways to attack aspects that make it unique. Now, I'm grown and proud. I need to further know more about my heritage. Thanks to DNA testing I can appreciate it in a deeper sense. Otomi, Spanish, Portuguese, Irish and French are parts of who I am. 🍷Here is to hoping for a better word with less hate and discrimination.

Yes, as a teen. I was in a high school that was actually very diverse, where white people comprised but a slim minority. About 90 % of the students were immigrants. The ruling majorities were Hispanic, Asian, and Middle eastern, not in that order. Obviously when you put a bunch of newly immigrated kids together, they will band with their “own.” There were some rivalries. Some bad blood. I was in the middle eastern category, but my friends were mostly Hispanic and Asian. That’s just who I connected with on a deeper level. My “people” thought I was strange for having friends of other races. My peeps were kind of loud, proud, rude, obnoxious and nationalists (which came off as racist sometimes). Seriously, one of my classmates told me once “omg you’re middle eastern? But you’re so nice!” I must admit, I didn’t connect with my people because their whole identity was based on their middle eastern-ness. my “people” embarrassed me so much I did not want to be associated with them.