Imagine midway conversation you receive the most awkward compliment “I don’t really see your race” from your non-black friend. Yes, I said it, a compliment or at least they think it is.
Your best response: What is it that you don’t see?
Being black has its negative social implications. While our culture may be desirable to many, we still have negative stereotypes . So when you receive comments such as, “You don’t act black” or “I don’t see your race” really equates to “I don’t see the negative assumptions associated with your race”. You are “different’ or “special” because by default black is bad.
We need to change negative assumptions associated with being black. Black people don’t have to ” do better” or “be perfect” to remove this stigma. This burden is not their responsibility. This burden belongs to your neighbors, police officers, judges, lawmakers, teachers, and the list goes on.
Race carries stereotypes whether we like it or not. So when they say you don’t act black they really mean I have looked past your blackness and your good behavior compensates for it. The thing is , it is ok to acknowledge blackness because black is good and it is to be celebrated. Perception is key. Unfortunately, Ahmaud Arbery succumbed to negative perceptions because three white men decided not to deal with their inner devils and killed him .So the next time you hear “I don’t see your race” it really means I do see your race, but you are different than the rest of them.
Source: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/serena-williams-birth-complications