I personally don’t want the problems of race to “fade” away. Mexicans being lynched in Texas shouldn’t fade away, blacks being lynched in the South shouldn’t fade away. As a person of color I don’t want race to fade away I want it to be acknowledged and embraced as a benefit. Being race conscious does not need to be seen as being separatist. It’s extremely insulting to hear good liberals talk about race in a Can’t We All Just Forget About It and Get Along vein because I know I can’t forget about it. I know when someone sees my name on an application they won’t forget about it. I know when I am told I’m not like those ‘other’ Mexicans/Puerto Ricans/whatever Latino group they’ve designated me to–that race is not forgotten. You can’t have an honest dialogue about race and what it means in this society with an attitude of forgive and forget.

-nona

I understand that some people are at peace adhering to traditional gender roles but many of us are not. I am much happier embracing some androgyny than being confined to a traditional gender norm. I can’t help but say I am disappointed to hear that she has accepted her religion wholeheartedly without asking, “Why does my religion say this?” (No, I’m not attacking her because she’s muslim as most religions are male dominated). For the past few centuries religions dominated by men have done a lot of harm to women. I respect everyone’s religious freedom but I’m also afraid religious beliefs will infringe on my rights (i.e. abortion rights, marriage rights, etc.)

I appreciate hearing your thoughts, Siman.

-Shannon