Just wanna put it out there: this is not meant to be a “woe is me” thing!! I just felt like reflecting on some jokes I’ve experienced throughout the years that hit different as a biracial person in predominately white spaces.
GRADE SCHOOL:
It’s Elli’s first day at a new (predominately white) school. Elli (Black, biracial) is one of the only non-white children in the classroom.
KID: What’s on your shirt?
ELLI: My initials!
KID: Initials?
ELLI: It’s the first letters of my name - see? E for Elli and T for Thomas. E.T.!
KID: Like the alien in that one movie!
ELI: I haven’t seen that…
KID: E.T. phone home!
(other kids join in)
KIDS (ad-lib): E.T. phone home! Elli’s an alien! Elli’s an alien!
KID: Let’s play E.T.! We’ll be the kids, and you be the alien.
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
The first day back from spring break, during a passing period.
KID: Elli, where did you go for spring break?
ELLI: I was in Florida visiting my grandparents.
KID: You look different.
ELLI: My grandparents have a pool, so we spent every day outside! I look the same in the summer too…
KID: You kinda look like a burnt sugar cookie! (to others nearby) Do you see what I mean??
ELLI: Then…what did I look like before?
KID: You looked regular before - guess you just stayed in the oven too long this time!
HIGH SCHOOL:
ELLI is eating lunch with a table of friends.
KID: Do you think white people should be allowed to rap?
ELLI: I don’t listen to rap a lot, so I’m not sure that I’m the right person to ask…
KID: You’re right! Honestly, I can’t imagine you listening to rap.
ELLI: Yeah, it’s not really my style…
KID: Exactly! (noticing ELLI’s lunch) You’re so white - you’re like an Oreo!
ELLI: Wait, what?
KID: You know, like black on the outside but white on the inside!
Thanks for being here 🥰