Embracing "You Act White" My Uniqueness: A Journey of Empowerment and Truth - 63

Embracing “You Act White” My Uniqueness: A Journey of Empowerment and Truth – 63

Casey Muze Casey Muze October 13, 2024 | 0

“You Act White”. How does one act “WHITE”. White is a color. Intact “WHITE” it is the lease colorful color ever produced.

White is often associated with qualities such as privilege, conformity, and assimilation within Western societies. However, it is important to recognize that these stereotypes are not accurate representations of an entire racial or ethnic group. Acting white is a harmful generalization that perpetuates stereotypes and ignores the diverse experiences within the white community. It is crucial to promote understanding and challenge such stereotypes to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

This is a story of empowerment, richly woven with truth and personal testimony. It reflects my thoughts just 24 hours after publishing a meaningful blog post, which is anchored in an image that resonates deeply with my experience. The image is divided into two sections: the top reads, “You act white,” while the bottom states, “When Black people display their intelligence, they are not imitating whiteness because intelligence is not an inherently white trait. Black excellence is real and has nothing to do with white proximity.”

However, it is important to recognize that these stereotypes are not accurate representations of an entire racial or ethnic group. Acting white is a harmful generalization that perpetuates stereotypes and ignores the diverse experiences within the white community. It is crucial to promote understanding and challenge such stereotypes to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

I want to shed light on what this means for me and how it has shaped my life. From a young age, my mother recognized that I was a more artistic child—my learning style was simply different. Growing up on the Southside of Longview, Texas, my mom enrolled me in a daycare called School for Little Children, which was predominantly white. In fact, I was the only Black kid in my grade. This intentional choice by my mother placed me in a social setting that cultivated my interests and language adaptation.

Growing up in the School for Little Children, surrounded by predominantly white peers, allowed me to explore and embrace my artistic abilities without feeling out of place. The diverse environment fostered my language adaptation skills, helping me navigate between different social settings effortlessly.

Being the only Black student in my grade, I became acutely aware of the misconceptions surrounding intelligence and race. It became clear to me that intelligence is not confined to any specific race, and Black excellence should not be measured in proximity to whiteness. This understanding has greatly influenced my perspective on personal achievements and the notion of success.

As I grew older, I continued to participate in extracurricular activities with low participation rates from African-Americans. I joined Cub Scouts in second grade and transitioned into Boy Scouts, eventually earning my Eagle Scout rank—a significant accomplishment that mirrors my overall narrative.

However, it became clear early on that I was often teased and marginalized for not fitting the status quo of what a “Black person” should be. I frequently heard comments like, “You don’t act Black,” which were delivered even by close friends. Looking back, I realize how disrespectful these statements were, and I often wonder why they stung so much.

As I progressed through elementary and junior high school, I discovered my passion for music and band, which became my primary focus instead of athletics, despite my aptitude in sports. Throughout my experiences at schools like Sabine in Liberty City and Pine Tree in Longview, I heard harsh critiques from both Black and white peers, though the most cutting words came from other Black students. Navigating my interests while being categorized as “different” became increasingly challenging, especially among my peers who shared my skin tone.

I faced particular discomfort from Black girls during my time at Pine Tree, who often expressed disdain through backhanded comments, while the Black boys were indifferent. This dynamic created a sense of separation and forced me to form friendships primarily with white kids. This further complicated my relationship with my identity, leading me to experience a profound sense of segregation from my own community.

Now, as an entrepreneur living and working in East Texas—including places like Tyler, Longview, Lufkin, and Nacogdoches—I continue to encounter similar conversations and attitudes. What I have learned is invaluable: I have come to champion my differences and forge my own path. I embrace being the self-proclaimed “nerd,” the “music geek,” and I choose my words carefully because they reflect my uniqueness.

To every Black child who feels like they don’t fit in, I want to remind you that embracing your individuality is not just okay; it’s essential. Success is born from standing out and being bold, not conforming to the mold that others expect you to fit into. You are destined to embrace the distinctiveness that God has called you to be. So, be unapologetically you.

My journey of self-discovery has been challenging, but it has allowed me to appreciate the value of my differences. As an entrepreneur in East Texas, I have encountered similar conversations and attitudes that have only strengthened my resolve. Embracing my individuality has become a personal mission, as I proudly own the titles of nerd and music geek. To every Black child feeling like an outsider, remember that embracing your uniqueness is not only acceptable but necessary. Success comes from standing out and defying societal expectations. Be unapologetically yourself and embrace the distinctiveness that is your calling.

Have a wonderful day!