I thought it was 2015, but apparently everyone is still caught up in this “race” thing. Our generation prides itself on the values of tolerance and acceptance of others, but what goes unnoticed are the little things people say that show that race is still a defining factor. All skin colors are beautiful, and knowledge about our ethnic background helps us appreciate those that came before us. Yet, time after time this nationalism can lead toward looking down on the traditions and practices of other ethnic backgrounds. Growing up in a biracial household, I have been able to experience the world with an interesting perspective on race. These are a few things that people say to me with harmless intentions, but are actually very frustrating to hear.

1. “There is NO WAY you guys are related.”

When I would go out in public with my dad as a little girl, I always felt the confused eyes of suburban moms watching me, wondering whether they should dial 911 and report a child abduction because God forbid the little brown girl was actually related to the white man. For some strange reason, people can’t grasp the concept that a brown girl can have a white dad. Alicia Keys has a white mom. Rashida Jones is biracial. Heck, even Barack Obama has that black-white fusion going on; why is it so hard to believe that one of my parents is white?

2. ‘”You can only half *insert dumb activity you can do regardless of race*.”

If someone tells me one more time that I’m only half allowed to like rap music or can only half relate to Hannah Montana, I’m going to freak out. I can have both. Example: Migos’ song "Hannah Montana." These comments are a not-so-subtle way of asking if I identify with white culture or black culture. Stop hinting at this question and just ask it. And to answer your question, I feel both African-American and Caucasian, but my hobbies and interests are defined by me being a human with good taste, not because I racially gravitate towards them.

3. “So, are you into black boys or white boys?”

Since when are there only two options? Most of us don't have hundreds (or even like two) sane, attractive guys pursuing us, so we don't get to be picky. Let’s give a moment of silence to honor all of the beautiful men our good Lord has blessed this earth with.

4. “Your hair isn't naturally like that, right?”

You’re right. I wake up at the butt crack of dawn every morning and use a ¼ inch curling iron to curl my hair, then sit in a room full of steam to add frizz for effect. On the real, though, people actually assume because I am part African-American that I automatically have to be wearing a weave. There is nothing wrong with wearing a weave, but please stop tugging at my hair and insisting it is sewn in—if you continue this, I will be bald by the time I’m 24.

5. “Can I brush it?”

LOL, that’s cute.

I urge you to just think before you speak because while you may have the best intentions, this small-mindedness can be offensive and flat out annoying to others. Stop looking at the color of skin and start looking at the quality of people’s hearts. That’s more fun to judge anyways.