I kind of know where she’s coming from (bi-racial asian/white dude)

I grew up in Middlebury, Vermont. My brother and I were remarkable for being mixed race kids. There were a couple in our area and maybe 3–4 other mixed race kids. Otherwise, it was a VERY white area. As a kid, I experienced some racism, but never anything sustained or particularly remarkable. I remember complaining to my Mom about being different, but ultimately I don’t have a particular racial affinity. It’s not that I don’t see color or different cultures, but I was never taught to care — to quote Muppets Take Manhattan: “Peoples is Peoples.” I’ve had this kind of discussion with my dad, but it often turns frustrating because, as a jew, it’s always his struggle.

In any case, thank you for writing this essay. While I’ve never had your exact experience, I’ve had my own struggles around race (and NOT having a true racial identity) and am thankful for any good dialogue on the subject.