Yes, my brown skin matters! #WeNeedDiverseBooks

This is in response to a Facebook post by author Victoria Scott. Let me preface this by saying I love her books and she's amazing to follow on social media.

In short, yes, my brown skin matters! By saying it doesn't dismisses my culture, my upbringing and my (and my people's) struggles. Ethnicity is a core of one's identity development. I work at a Historically Black University and I've attended a Hispanic Serving Institution. We're different than White people, and that's okay.

Identity Development (model)
So coming to terms with one's race and how I fit in the world as a minority is part of who I am and it's a significant area of research in the academic world. As a result, yes my race/ethnicity influences my behavior as I work through the spectrum. This is the same with gender identity, religious identity, sexual orientation identity, etc.

My not knowing how to speak Spanish and the banning of the Spanish language in my grandfather's home is not a stereotype. It is a result of racism and ethnic oppression during the civil rights movement and living in a border state. We are people of color therefore my aunts and uncles were to pick up food from the back of the restaurant, to sit in the balcony of theaters, and in schools were treated as if they had a disability for speaking Spanish. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and respected business owner. As a result we assimilated to belong. No more Spanish was to be spoken in the home.

Fast forward to today. I am asked regularly to help lead Hispanic recruitment initiatives (because I'm a token) and as a result endure the ridicule of Hispanics and non-Hispanics because I do not fit in. Yet, I am brown and have a VERY common Latino last name.

If you look at the identity model I'm fluidly moving through the phases because I'm human and more importantly I'm Mexican-American and I'm proud of that! Please don't take away my brown skin and subsequently my culture, because I matter.

Even good people with good hearts can do some oppressive things in unintentional ways. We work towards social justice and diversity awareness through education and acknowledging privilege.

Still don't believe race influences behaviors?

The time Jose became Joe and found a job.  

From personal experience having a "white" name has given me advantages that my sister, who has an ethnic name, has not.

Next Time Someone Says 'White Privilege Isn't Real,' Show Them This

My partner is Black and we've had deep conversations about how he was raised and cautioned to navigate this world as a Black man. From dressing a certain way, to his interactions with law enforcement, etc. I've had to really own my privilege since I can leave the house and I never consciously have to think about whether I'll live to come home the same night. I also worry that one day, because he is a Black man, he may not come home. That is not a stereotype it is a reality. 

Open up the dialogue about diversity.
Here are a few ways to STOP a conversation about diversity:

• "I don't see color. We're all just human beings."
• "I think deep down we're all the same."
• "Some of my best friends are colored."
• "You speak such good English, where did you learn it from?" source

Recognize that we have varied experiences and they should be validated. By saying the statements above, among other microaggressions, you are invalidating someone's truth. 

What this means for YA Lit.

I think it means a lot of things. We need White authors to utilize their privilege to advocate for characters of color. We need characters of color to show young readers that they too can conquer the world while still appreciating their culture and navigating hurdles. 

I do think in Sci-Fi and Fantasy it's easier to say that ethnicity doesn't matter or influence behavior because you're building your own world and therefore make up the rules. In Contemporary and Realistic Fiction I think it's sooooooooo important that young readers of color get to experience a protagonist who are can make enchiladas with their dad and fall in love with a hot White boy on a motorcycle. ;) 

I invite you to leave your comments below. A difference in opinion is welcome but please be civil.