LGC: Blending In

I find it's strange how our race and gender defines who we are. Before we are even born, so much is expected from us based on our backgrounds. We are brought into this world with so many expectations and we often feel obligated to fulfill them. However, some choose to go their own route. Just because you are a certain race, male or female, does not mean you have to follow in the footsteps of everyone else. For example, in reference to the article by Vershawn Ashanti Young, "Prelude: The Barbershop", he explains how he feels different because he doesn't walk or talk the way other black men do. He isn't the ideal black man that many picture. He's proper, educated and successful. Yet, he feels that it is necessary for him to hide his differences to try to blend in with other black men so that he is accepted. Why do we do this? Why should we have to hide who we truly are because it's not normal or ordinary? Being a female Latina, I have been faced with many judgments and accusations. According to others, I shouldn't attend college because I have to be at home to cook and clean. I have to do things that Mexican women typically do. Except that doesn't work for me. But like Young, too have had moments where I feel the need to blend in especially when I visit Mexico. However, this doesn't mean I want to hide who I am. I want to be different. I want to be one of the many Latina women who have changed the expectations of other women. We have to be able to accept change.