Not centered.

You are not centered in the culture in which you grew up, because of the color of your skin. Which is fucking irritating. You are from here. Who are these people who come from wherever, whenever to treat you like the other.

It's stupid. I wish you didn't go through this kind of crap. If you want a fun and useful read that deconstructs the origins of this kind of bullshit in our culture, I'd highly recommend Mark Greene's book, The Little #MeToo Book for Men. It's illuminating in a way you'd never guess from the cover.

So, as a devils advocate, how would you like to answer someone who asked you that question from a place of genuine interest? Who might NOT be othering you in their curiosity.

How can these connections be made if the world were in a better space? Better said, how would YOU like the connection to be offered? How could you receive this kind of question in a way that didn't provoke your trigger?

We all need more skills. Mostly to manage our own personal triggers, not those of other folks.

#workingonit