Coloring It Very Controversial

The article was well-researched and well-written and to the point. I am light-skinned, called in the darker blacks’ eyes “wannabee,” and I won’t try to change anyone’s mind that it’s not the case. If the truth were ever to be known, most “wannabees” wish they were darker in complexion like the relations they share their ancestry with.

I’ve never experienced prejudice with the whites, Hispanics, etc., but have (from) my own people. “High yella,” “stinky yella” are names I’m sure many of the “wannabees” have heard. It was my first racial slur from my own.

Is the future brighter? No, the prejudice continues even though my two daughters are darker (unfortunately they have “good hair”). There is a simple solution: If parents teach children pride in their physical features and their background and respect for all, we’d have no need for the label “wannabee.”

To sum it up by a wise “wannabee” woman, my mother: “There’s no store that you can go into and say I have light skin and eyes and long hair; give me a couple of porterhouse steaks.” The economic opportunities are no better.

GAELL KEATON

Los Angeles