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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThat Time I Almost Stabbed A Couple Of Rednecks Who SAw My Headwrap And Assumed I Was Muslim
It came as a surprise to everyone when I graduated from one of the top private schools in the country and, instead of attending college like most of my classmates did, joined the military.
I was an immigrant my family came to America from Jamaica when I was 10 and female children of immigrants are often taught by their parents that your life path is limited to three options:
1. Have a business that makes a lot of money
2. Go to college for a job that makes a lot of money
3. Marry someone who makes a lot of money
Simple right? The army fit none of those criteria. But I disliked everything about schools. I hated the pretentious kids at my school, I hated the cardboard cutout curriculum, and I especially hated the canned food they reheated and sold for five to ten dollars per day.
My decision was especially was off putting to my family because of the type of people and situations they thought I would be around. I wasnt the most sheltered person, but I was a bit more privileged than the typical 18-year-old who chooses to join the army. Going from nuns and affluent stay at home moms to drill sergeants not-all-that-much-different than the drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket was a bit of a culture shock. But I handled it
I am now going on my 6th year in the military. When I left my first duty station in Alaska, I changed from active duty to reserves. After my active duty discharge, I started wearing headwraps. Whether it was the bright and beautiful colors of the different cloths, or the fact that my ears were never again cold, I loved them. I wear them everywhere. (Also, I have to say that the headwrap changes the way men approach me on the street. Instead of hey redbone or hey bitch its hey beautiful nubian sista. Which I know is super, duper problematic, but thats another topic for another day.)
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Much more:
http://verysmartbrothas.com/that-time-i-almost-stabbed-a-couple-rednecks-who-saw-my-headwrap-and-assumed-i-was-muslim/
Outreach I can relate to with too many people I deal with. Relatives included.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)Best is the ending but she should not have gone through that horrible experience. She talks about her trembling hands paying the bill. I know where from that comes unfortunately
BITCH I AM THE TROOPS
malaise
(268,967 posts)Unbelievable
trof
(54,256 posts)sorry