Anyone who says that they treat everyone the same is either lying or inconsiderate. The color of one’s skin is not simply for vanity; it is a key part of that individual. Many Americans get the words equal and identical confused. Each person is equal to the other no matter their gender, ethnicity, race, or beliefs. But, we are not the same; we have differences that shouldn’t be ignored, but acknowledged and respected. 

     Ending Affirmative Action is nothing more than the U.S. saying, “We’re colorblind and don’t care about your heritage, your history, or identity.” Chief Justice John Roberts’ reasoning for this declaration is that students should be evaluated based on their experiences “as an individual – not on the basis of race.” Still, my race doesn’t change when I’m evaluated as an individual. 

     Growing up in a black household has defined me and will continue to contribute to my values, my goals, and my character. So, to say that I should be portrayed the same as my white peers is insane. For years, I’ve walked the halls of North Harford Middle and High School knowing that we are not the same. I was the black girl from the city who had to earn the same respect that other students were born with.

     This may not apply to someone who is in the majority, because ascribed status doesn’t reflect hard work on a resume. Being a white male may not put you at an advantage for a scholarship. But, why should it? For American ethnic minorities, our identity cannot be defined by the group because we don’t blend. We stick out, and that ought to be recognized.

     If you don’t believe that black and brown people have been systematically discriminated against since slavery, pick up a newspaper. Look at history. We’ve only had one black president, and 45 white ones. In almost every book read in high school, there has been at least one mention of the n-word. Whenever Americans think of poverty, they immediately imagine African kids staring through the lens of a foreign reporter’s camera.

     This stereotype that we have stems all the way from the beginning of the slave trade in the 1500’s. A couple hundred years ago, we weren’t even considered to be fully human. 

     The ones before me wore shackles and chains on their wrists and ankles. Now, I’m trying to remove them from my soul and self-worth. But, the justice system is tightening the locks. Let me know when the scale finally balances, because I’m tired of waiting.