I Am Not A Representative
A poem on tokenization
When I share my stories of microaggressions, of racism, of inequalities, I do not speak on behalf of a larger group.
I speak as me.
You might find similarities between my story and the story of another with a similar background, but know that deep down they are not the same.
Do not take my story to invalidate someone else who is in similar shoes, but felt differently.
Do not read my story and assume that you have the full picture of what it means to be someone like me.
Do not argue my story by citing another’s differing viewpoint — hers is as valid as mine.
I am not a representative, not someone who can speak about all the aspects of what it means to be part of a group, but rather one part of the whole.
Seek out the stories of others like me to understand the nuances, the diversity within diversity.
Poetry Prompt: Reflect on what aspect of your writing you wish more people cued into, or noticed. What message do you want to shine a spotlight on? What values?
Don’t be shy to submit your poetry to The Brain is a Noodle! 🧠🍜
Tagging: Salma Alaa | Carolyn Riker | Megan Tee | Amy Marley | Imad | and anyone else who is interested in trying this out!
Lucy (The Eggcademic) has been invited to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements simply because she has spoken about her experiences with racism a few times. Know that she is not an expert in policy, sociocultural experience, but rather that she can only share her own experiences as part of a whole. She is not a representative, but rather one sharing a unique set of experiences that will have some commonalities with others. She has much of her own anti-racism and decolonization work to do.
She’s also written a few other pieces that she thinks deserves more love: a poem to challenge your assumptions, a poem to shine inward and reflect on anger, and 4 additional poetry prompts to keep you on your creativity toes!
She thinks you should read Dayon Cotton’s article: Why Men Should Embrace Sexual Education of Their Daughters.
