So this past weekend I finally watched the movie The Hate U Give and it was definitely a really good movie. It also made me as upset and sad as I thought it would especially since I had read the book. But this isn’t a post about the movie or book. This is about one particular character and that is Starr Carter

In the movie and book Starr talks about having to be 2 different people. She has how she is with her family and close friends whom are black and also how she acts at school which is predominantly white. I could completely relate to this. Since as a person of color I did this when I was in school and I even do now since being in the workforce.

This is mostly due to the stereotypes that are surrounding people of color and especially black women. I try my best to mind my attitude (not that I really have one), I make sure to use a tone of voice which I like to call my white people voice, and I try and make sure that I don’t show my blackness too much. Now what I mean by that is I try not to be what’s considered ghetto or ratchet.

This is something that I’ve had to do and deal with my entire life. I mean I remember even going with my mom to her job and making sure to dress appropriately, say my please and thank you’s, and be super polite even if the other kids weren’t.

From a very young age I was very much aware of my race and as I’ve gotten older I’m even more aware. I know how black woman are portrayed in the media so having to have what seems to be 2 different personalities is nothing new to me. As well as being viewed as not the typical black person since I don’t portray the stereotypes that so many people see on tv.

Now I know that several others may disagree with what I’m saying and that’s okay. I respect others opinions. But this is definitely my reality and this is why I related to Starr so much.

But comment down below and let me know what you think about this. Also let me know if I should make a video discussing this topic even further. I’m interested to know.

~Shay Taree