Why Can’t I Be Dark-Skinned In Peace?
I just want constant microaggressions from light-skinned people to go away. I don’t like to talk about my experiences with colorism that much because I … Read more
The Fear of “Fitting In”: Navigating Spaces of Whiteness, Class & Gender
Chandeliers loomed, splashing light against the walls. Men and women wore suits and ties, their heels and shoes reflecting silhouettes. At the bar, some burst out … Read more
When Identity Exists Between Worlds
A couple months ago, I went on a Tinder date with someone I knew from college. Knew is maybe too strong of a word — … Read more
A Dirty Truth: Caste Prejudice Keeps Too Many Indians Defecating Outdoors
India is a great country — the world’s largest democracy, the home of Bollywood, and even the record holder for most satellites launched on a … Read more
Mixed-Remixed, Identity & Smoke that Travels
Some background information: I am mixed. Or variously: biracial, multi-ethnic, Eurasian. Less kindly by a classmate in middle school: mutt. The mechanics: my dad is from … Read more
On The Dangers & Benefits Of Saying “People Of Color”
A COMMON STRUGGLE It was the summer of 2012 and I was set to cover my first shooting as a reporter. The shooting took place in … Read more
Post-9/11: Never Forgetting & The Importance Of Allies
I became Muslim the morning of September 12, 2001. The night before, I slept poorly and not enough. I’d been unable to turn off the … Read more
Thoughts on the Everyday Racism of “Where are you from?”
Where are you from? D.C., actually. No where are you from originally? Oh, Maryland. No, no. Where are you really from? Ah. There it is. … Read more
Gene Wilder: The Comic Bond Between A Father & Son
“Kings will be crowned, and the word goes around, From father to son, to son” — Queen I met Gene Wilder in 2010 during a book … Read more
