“It’s okay, we’re talking about those Black people. You’re different.”
“You can’t possibly be cousins with her (with your dark hair and brown skin); you look nothing alike.”
“I know that you think he’s cute, but Koreans don’t go for darker-skinned people.”
“You’re so beautiful and olive complected.”
“She’s an Oreo; more Black than White. She talks White.”
“What’s up with your hair?”
“Your Mama doesn’t know how to do your hair; you shoulda let me do it.”
“Do you feel like you’re more Black or White?”
“What are you?”
“You look exotic; where are you from?”
“My Dad doesn’t know that your Dad’s Black; he thinks you’re Mexican, so it’ll be okay.”
“There’s not supposed to be a Black person in this show; it’s not historically accurate! Oh, sorry. You’re half. That shouldn’t offend you, right?”
Jassy Ez, or Jasmine Ezeb, is an English Literature instructor in New Orleans, Louisiana. She enjoys teaching World Literature to her students and witnessing their light bulb moments as they make connections between old myths and modern-day society. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Holy Cross, and she was awarded Best English Student at her graduation. When not working, she likes to spend time with family and friends, explore small bookshops, and record audiobooks.
the Decolonial Passage 