Marianne

Personal Experience with Racial Slurs

• Author: Marianne Nacanaynay, 15, Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Filipina

Incident of a Racial Slur

• Occurred at a pizza place in Everett, WA during a crowded lunchtime.

• Author was waiting outside, engaged in a phone conversation.

• Noticed two young men (teenagers or 20-somethings) passing by; they had light skin and blond/brown hair.

• Heard them laugh and say a racial slur: "(expletive) chink."

• Initial reaction was surprised yet not entirely shocked, recognizing the prevalence of more subtle forms of racism in Washington despite its liberal reputation.

Reflections on Racism

• Washington State is known for liberal ideals, such as electing a married gay mayor and legalizing recreational marijuana.

• While Republicans may keep opinions private, racism still exists, albeit often in less overt forms.

Childhood and Cultural Identity

• Grew up in Auburn, WA, a predominantly white suburb, where the lack of representation didn’t initially affect her consciousness about race.

• Family instilled values emphasizing inner character over racial identity with phrases like "People are people" and "It’s who you are inside that counts."

• Recalled an incident where a white classmate visited her home and struggled with traditional Filipino food (adobo and ube).

Change in Perspective

• Moved to Mountlake Terrace, which has a more diverse population and a noticeable Asian community.

• Interactions with Asian peers shifted her perspective about her racial identity.

• Positive reception of her cultural dish (adobo) at a party increased her comfort in her cultural identity.

Impact of the Racial Slur Incident

• The experience served as a harsh reminder of her vulnerability and the reality of being perceived as the "other" in certain environments.

• Reflecting on the incident evokes memories of similar experiences faced by others and ongoing discussions about race and harassment.