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White is a Color, Not a Definition MAG

November 8, 2009
By ggk92 SILVER, Sherborn, Massachusetts
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ggk92 SILVER, Sherborn, Massachusetts
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What the hell kind of question is that?
Please bubble in your race.
Am I white?
By default I suppose I am.
But that does not define me.
Is there another box, because if they want to know my race
they must also want to know that,
I have brown hair,
brown eyes,
and an attitude.

That I am naive,
All knowing,
Vain,
Humble,
Insane.

I am you,
Me,
We,
Him and her.

I am the one who gets inside your head.
The one who can tell you what you are going to do before you do it.
Your adversary,
Your internal conflict.
Your friend.
I am your passion, and your desire.
Everything and nothing.
Love and Peace.
The dreams you whisper into the darkness.
The glint of your smile.
The cascades of your tears.

I am satin and I am Gabriel.
Hope and despair,
Poverty,
Trust,
Wealth you could only imagine.
Generosity,
Power.

I am unknown,
And yet you know me.
Indefinable, and yet so obvious.

I am truth,
Screams,
Hate,
Starvation.

I am a war cry,
A protege,
a novice,
a believer,
a sinner.

I am a world.
A nation.
A female.
A single being.
I am human.
White, just doesn't seem to cut it.

© Brendan P., Carbondale, CO

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 19 comments.

bewareofbunnyrabbits SILVER said...
on May. 7 2014 at 9:07 am
bewareofbunnyrabbits SILVER, Winona, Minnesota
8 articles 0 photos 86 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Empty yourself and let the universe fill you.&quot; -Yogi Tea

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Wow. I REALLY like this. It's not typical to see this side of the issue expressed, because white people have privilege and rights, etc. and aren't a minority, but it is no less discriminatory to define someone based on being white than for being a different race. Awesome point, and awesome poem.
beautifulspirit PLATINUM said...
on Jun. 17 2013 at 4:23 pm
beautifulspirit PLATINUM, Alpharetta, Georgia
35 articles 0 photos 1398 comments

Favorite Quote:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.<br /> --Eleanor Roosevelt

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Breaktaking~ everything I wwnted to say---unsaid it all!
WinstonSmith BRONZE said...
on Jun. 4 2013 at 9:01 pm
WinstonSmith BRONZE, Columbia, Missouri
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This is a thoughtful piece.  
Zoya_Khan GOLD said...
on Dec. 23 2012 at 3:21 am
Zoya_Khan GOLD, Gujranwala, Other
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Favorite Quote:
Where LOGIC ends, FAITH begins.<br /> - Zoya Khan

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Nice :) :) :)
Halcyon said...
on Jul. 7 2011 at 9:22 am
That was amazing!!!! Please write more!!!!
CowBell SILVER said...
on Jun. 29 2011 at 11:40 am
CowBell SILVER, Missouri City, Texas
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That was an amazing piece! One of the best I've seen onTeen Ink. It was deep. I loved it *snaps for you*
to.hold.the.sun SILVER said...
on Apr. 15 2011 at 9:16 pm
to.hold.the.sun SILVER, Maryville, Tennessee
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Wow. Just... wow. This left me completely speechless. I agree that pretty isn't the word; resounding is. I can tell you right now that every time I see a bubble to fill in "white/ non hispanic", I will think of this poem. Great, great, great job.
Alice Verlinden BRONZE said...
on Mar. 11 2011 at 3:41 pm
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This is legit poetry right here.
Taylor Shea BRONZE said...
on Jan. 27 2011 at 7:13 pm
Taylor Shea BRONZE, Seattle, Washington
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I can even say how much i appreciate this article. Thank you for putting alot of peoples feelings into words in such an eloquent way. 
the_crazy_one BRONZE said...
on Aug. 23 2010 at 5:47 pm
the_crazy_one BRONZE, San Jose, California
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Really good! I shared this with all my friends and they all loved it too. I like how you use antonyms. And I love the last two lines.
bluesky0728 SILVER said...
on Jul. 27 2010 at 11:57 pm
bluesky0728 SILVER, Phoenix, Arizona
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I've seriously recited that to myself 3 times in a row! I love it!! :)
bluesky0728 SILVER said...
on Jul. 27 2010 at 11:53 pm
bluesky0728 SILVER, Phoenix, Arizona
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omg that gave me goosebumps!!! Awesome, my sentiments exactly!!!!
alaskatrailmutt said...
on Jul. 15 2010 at 6:40 pm
alaskatrailmutt, Jefferson, Maryland
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Wow that was perfect! Way to go!
kailee313 GOLD said...
on May. 25 2010 at 10:14 am
kailee313 GOLD, Havelock, Other
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This is really well writen, great job, keep it up ! :)
ReflectionsofYou GOLD said...
on May. 21 2010 at 5:45 pm
ReflectionsofYou GOLD, Mason, Tennessee
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That's what I think too, but because we're not really considered a minority, I'm reluctent to bring it up. So good job on that:]
Cancion_de_hielo_y_fuego BRONZE said...
on May. 14 2010 at 9:06 am
Cancion_de_hielo_y_fuego BRONZE, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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This is a really deep heart-felt poem that expresses what you feel you really are. I like your use of extended metaphors:  it really draws the reader in.
BlueInk94 PLATINUM said...
on May. 3 2010 at 11:42 am
BlueInk94 PLATINUM, Valley Park, Missouri
30 articles 0 photos 75 comments
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This is more than a poem..I love your wording. You take one simple thing and strecth it so everything deeper is visible. I also love your use of symbolism in describing self-characteristics of an average person.
Milo! said...
on Mar. 14 2010 at 7:28 pm
I really love this. I really like how everyone can relate to this. I hope you keep writing, because this is great. You should check out some of my stuff. I think you would like it.