You mistake tolerance for acceptance, acceptance for apology, common sense for liberalism, civil duty as charity—all under the guise of some profound form of enlightenment. Yet my name, language, ethnicity, religion, and “culture” all become subject to your western fetishization. Somehow, for some reason, it’s still acceptable to portray the non-white individual as the “other,” as something to be fascinated by. As if fundamentally altering the course of our history, and ultimately our existence, wasn’t enough for you.

Contrary to popular belief, we aren’t here for handouts, or charity, or for our plight to be acknowledged. We are more than our food and our clothes, more than the languages we speak. We are more than our skin.

We are the sum of our experiences, the richness of our heritage, the depth of our stories. We carry within us the resilience of our ancestors, the strength of our communities, and the beauty of our diverse identities. Our existence is not a spectacle for your consumption, nor a narrative for your convenience.

We demand to be seen for who we truly are—complex, multifaceted individuals with dreams, aspirations, and a rightful place in this world. We seek respect, not pity; equality, not tokenism. Our worth is intrinsic, not defined by your perceptions or prejudices.

In recognizing our humanity, you must confront your own biases and dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality. Only then can we move towards a future where every individual is valued for their true self, beyond the superficial markers of identity. We are here to reclaim our narratives, to assert our dignity, and to remind the world that we are more than the sum of its misconceptions. 🌍❤️

©️Beatriz Esmer