Episode 6: Character changes perception
Changing the colour of your skin does not change the perception about your culture or race. Your hard work and attitude will change the perception of you.
I am African. I grew up climbing mango trees and walking several miles to school. That does not mean there were no cars, or that monkeys lived with us on the streets. These are the fun stories of my growing up, and I tell them with pride.
I have a very good friend in his early thirties. He dresses smartly, he is single, six feet tall, handsome, well built with a flat tummy, and he earns a six-figure income. I can already imagine my single friends asking for an introduction. Sorry, I do not actually have a friend with all these attributes. My bad. But notice what just happened in your mind: a picture formed from a few details. That is how stereotypes work, for every group and every situation. Think of the pressure on African women who are judged differently for keeping their natural hair, which has made wigs a generally accepted look.
There are stereotypes and beliefs about every group of people, whatever their colour, race or tribe, and some form of discrimination will always exist. Your task is to help others see who you really are and how well you can get the job done. Focus on what you can do, not on what others might think, imagine or say. Something will always be said about you. Make it something positive.
Character is everything. Be diligent in whatever your hands find to do, and do it with joy and a spirit of service. When you leave a mark, people stop worrying about how you look, where you come from, what you wear or how you sound. They value your contribution and treat you as one of them.
Your attitude will change the perception of who you are. Stay positive, and do not let negative feelings set your direction.