What Are You?

One woman's monologue on race and colorism in America

Denise-Nanette Morinich

The moment you delve into What Are You?: One woman's monologue on race and colorism in America, an unseen door swings open, revealing the intense struggle that resonates across countless lives entwined in the complexities of race and identity. Denise-Nanette Morinich masterfully entwines personal anecdotes with systemic observations that challenge the very fabric of society's perceptions. This is not just a read; it's an awakening.

Morinich shatters the silence surrounding colorism-a phenomenon often overlooked yet deeply embedded in societal consciousness. In mere eight pages, she elegantly navigates the turbulent waters of her experiences, reflecting the myriad of emotions sparked by her identity. Each word pulses with the pain and joy, confusion, and clarity of a woman grappling with the paradox of being both seen and unseen. Her monologue stings, demanding you confront uncomfortable truths lurking beneath the surface of everyday interactions.

What makes Morinich's work so brutally essential is her unapologetic examination of the superficial judgments people face. "What are you?" she asks, and the ripple effect is palpable. This question transcends mere curiosity; it is a call to confront the divisions we have accepted as normal. It compels you to reflect on the labels society affixes to both others and yourself, labels that can empower or devastate. This is not merely about race; it's about the shades we stop overlooking-the hues that too often determine our worth in the eyes of the world.

You'll find it impossible to sidestep the emotional journey she encapsulates. As Morinich unpacks her narrative, you may find yourself retracing your own experiences with identity and race. Her reflections draw on the backdrop of America-a nation charged with its own severe identity crisis, grappling not only with the differences in skin tone but also with the painful histories intertwined within those differences. Color becomes a battleground, and through her eloquence, Morinich shines a blinding light on those very scars people often strive to hide.

Readers have echoed her sentiments, revealing how her words mirror their own struggles. Some praised her ability to ignite poignant discussions on colorism that many shy away from. Others criticized her for not providing concrete solutions amid the emotional turmoil she so vividly describes. It's this dichotomy that fuels the conversation-some grasp the personal context, while others seek an outstretched hand toward resolution.

The conversations that ignited from her work extend beyond individual experiences. Icons in activism, culture, and the arts have been inspired by these explorations, who echo her sentiments and push for broader dialogues on racial justice and inclusivity. Morinich's monologue becomes a catalyst, igniting movements that demand change and understanding.

If you think this monologue is just a passing whim or a fleeting commentary, think again. It is a clarion call-a scream from the heart that resonates in the stillness of our society. What Are You? invites you to confront your perceptions, compelling you to engage with the complexities of human identity in a way you might have previously shunned. Can you bear to ignore this call? The risk of remaining oblivious is a silent fall into ignorance.

As you navigate through the jagged terrain of her words, emotional catharsis inevitably strikes; you may laugh, cry, or even rage against the injustices laid bare. What Morinich offers is a mirror reflecting the world we live in and challenges us to examine the narratives we've accepted. Colorism is real. Racism is real. But the journey toward understanding and acceptance begins with stories like hers, wrapping around your soul like a tenacious vine.

You don't just read her work; you experience it. And as you close the pages, life may feel different-awash in a spectrum of understanding that only comes from grappling with the truths she so bravely lays bare. The question lingers: what are you-and what will you do with that revelation?

📖 What Are You?: One woman's monologue on race and colorism in America

✍ by Denise-Nanette Morinich

🧾 8 pages

2018

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