About the Project
A note from v rani:
Southern California Elementary Playground, 1995.
I was over the gosh darn moon when the kids playing Power Rangers during recess would say, “Victoria’s Chinese, make her be the Yellow Ranger.”
No one ever wanted to be the Yellow Ranger. Even my favorite was the Pink ranger.
These kids didn’t racially profile me. They saw me for who I was…on the inside.
So, I was ecstatic to be the Yellow one. Also, it wasn’t really racial profiling, because they already knew I was Chinese – I wouldn’t shut up about it any chance I got.
Even being half-Asian, I still feel I have more in common with many full-blooded Asian Americans than I do most White Americans. Yet, it feels like I will never truly fit in in my community.
Even though I know I count. Even though I know I matter.
And especially because I make really good curry.
Strangers/friends I haven’t met yet: Whether you think I’m a person of color or not…I would happily save anyone from having to stomach answering another, “But where are your parents from?”
Maybe…I can be your Half-White Knight. I got you.
Yet, in a culture craving authenticity and cutting diversity initiatives, what if who you are still isn’t enough?
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Illustration by Zillah Smith – @zillahsmith
Photos by Cinthya Silverstein – @thecinsilver
Production Team
