I have been told I'm exotic because I'm black, I have a French accent and I dress with style. I took this comment as an insult, it made me feel sad and I found it unacceptable. This is a kind of covert racism that is rarely talked about. Some see a black person and expect very little of us, and when they see someone who does not fit their stereotype they say it without realizing the connotations of their words. As a black woman in the fashion industry, I have come to realize that regardless of where I am I will always experience some sort of racism. Except on the African continent, the world is dominated by white people.
Recently I have discovered my writing skills and it has been a beautiful and overwhelming experience. I believe white people need to read about our reality, they need to be placed in an uncomfortable situation which will allow them to try and fully understand and start the journey towards change. Writing has given me a way for me to manage my anger in a constructive way. My intention is to make white people confront the truths they have been ignoring on purpose for so long. I’m scared of what will come from my writing but I’m ready to start having constructive conversations with them.