"The Whitest Black Kid I have Ever Met"

Since probably middle school, I have constantly been told that I was the whitest black kid ever. Also known as an Oreo cookie, white on the inside and black on the outside. Not only have I been told this by white people, but black people have said this to me multiple times as well. I am not exactly sure what people are trying to say when they tell me this, but I do know that it is blatant racism. I used to just laugh it off and bite my tongue, but recently I was told it and I just couldn't keep quiet. I asked, "so if I didn't do well in school, didn't dress nicely, and was not well spoken, then would I be black enough for you?" The person thought I was kidding at first, but eventually I do believe I changed their way of thinking, and they realized how bad it sounds when you put it in my perspective.

This seems to be a common theme I have dealt with a large portion of my life. Not fitting in with the black kids because I am to "white" for them, and then not fitting in with the white kids because I am black. In a way, by standing up for myself I feel like I kind of broke down that barrier. Does this mean everyone is my best friend now? Of course not. But for myself, I feel like I have asserted the fact that I am just a person, and that my behavior does not align me with a certain skin color. Just remember, if you are uncomfortable by what people are saying, especially in regards to race, always speak up for yourself. You do not have to just take it to keep the situation from being awkward. People need to learn somehow.