Thank you, Annelise for all of your comments.

So much to dissect.

Growing up in NYC, I used to think I was 'fortunate,' but I learned about racism as a young child.

I remember one of my class mates, if I remember correctly his name was Darren. One day he pulled my ponytails really hard, when I turned around he said "this is payback."

I didn't understand it then, but years later, it hit me: he thought because my skin was lighter that I was white and made the association, it was time to make me hurt for what was done to enslaved persons.

Fear is at the root of racism.