I am not white. If you take a look at me you can definitely tell I am black. My skin is brown, my hair is curly, and my face has all the features of an African American. If this is true, why is it that so many people call me white?
   It’s either, “you sound white”, or “you wear Sperry's". Sperry's are boat shoes which, people from every race, age, and size wear, just like Jordan's. I feel like I shouldn't have to explain how shoes don't show your race and I've even been told “you hang out with white people”. Social conditioning tells us that people of color act a certain way.  Since I am black, I guess I'm expected to talk with slang, behave inferior and aggressively while using improper English; I do none of the above. The first time my race was ever questioned was 7th grade.    
Someone in my 7th and 8th period came up to me and said “Hey, what are you?”

and of course, I reply with, “Black……” I was very irritated and confused, I couldn’t understand why she was asking me this. I am clearly black and my heritage had never been challenged.
She looked unconvinced and said “Black…and what else?”

“Just black…” I say slowly. “Does my skin look white? I don’t think I have any features of anyone white.” I think to myself. What I heard next completely took over the rest of my day. I didn’t think 5 words could make me so mad, so infuriated.

“Oh, well you act white.” And she walked away, leaving me there to think, what did I do that made her think I was white? Did speaking properly make me white? Were they saying I didn’t fit the black stereotype so I MUST be white? These questions are still in my head today. Why is it that successful people of color often get associated with being Caucasian? The term black should not be synonymous with lack of academic achievement or improper English. Like Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, I am highly successful and also black simultaneously. Why wouldn't I be? Don’t you want you race to be praised as much as white people, If so, why tear it down?            

   After this event, I went home, typed a long message to anyone who thought of me like this, and posted it on Instagram. I actually received supportive feedback. The majority of the people agreed and said I have valid point but, it had not carried over to school.  I still heard the same phrase over and over repeatedly. I ignored it, smiled along and nodded, as if I agreed. But I really didn't. Inside, I was extremely upset. Then in English class, we were talking about clichés, and one was "a wolf in sheep's clothing" which meant someone or something that seemed nice but is actually not good at all. We had to guess what it meant, and our class came up with someone or something that doesn't act how they're supposed to. 

Someone in the class yelled "Autumn!" meaning I was a black person who acted like a white person. I rolled my eyes and continued class. This was one of the many, many things that have happened to me.

   Another episode was in 7th grade reading. We were outside the class waiting for our teacher to let us in. I heard the boys behind my friends and I talking about us.

"Kaitlyn is blacker than Autumn." I turned my head quickly and gave him a puzzled look. "I'm not white.." I said.
"Yeah but Kaitlyn acts more black than you."

How does a race act? How does a color act? I am sick and tired of people making excuses for me to be "considered" white. I am not "considered" anything. I am black, it is on my birth certificate and I shouldn't have to prove myself because it's just something that’s a fact. Just because I do not act how the media presents us and how some African Americans behave doesn't make me any less of my heritage. Just as Caucasian wearing Jordan's, or Eminem rapping, it doesn't make them any less white. I feel that, the real reason so many people call me white is not because they actually think I'm white, but  because I defy the stereotype. I shouldn't have to prove myself. 
If someone of a certain race acts how the rest of their race does, do not call them someone else, do not deny them of their race. I grew up in a more suburban area, rather than in the ghetto. I was around all races, not just black. I chose to speak properly and enunciate my words. I am definitely African American, just not the typical. I am not white, I'm educated and that has no color.