"You don't act your race/age/etc etc."

I used to get this a lot when I was younger. Growing up a military brat and having two college educated parents I've always been told by "black" kids that I sounded and acted white. It also didn't help that I have a love of Asian culture, listened to more than just rap music, and could out argue anyone in my class.

It used to bother me that being able to speak eloquently, write correctly (maybe not the best grammar ever but at least I can construct a paragraph with easily understood points), and being intelligent were "white" traits.

I remember middle school, my first non-DoD public school experience, being hell for that reason alone. Eventually, after growing more secure in my personailty, I started to let it roll off my back and appreciate who I was.

And I haven't been bothered again. I'm proud to be more than just another "ghetto" African-American.

Jam it back in, in the dark.