My great grandparents arrived at Ellis Island between 1912 and 1922, fleeing war and poverty. They all settled in a small immigrant mill town in upstate New York. I grew up hearing racist jabs not about the black community, but about how my Polish dad married my Italian mom. (They each agreed on only one thing: that the other side could not cook.) So it's frustrating to read an article that appears to suggest I am inherently racist or should be contrite on behalf of complete and utter strangers who only generally share my complexion. The history of slavery and racial oppression, coupled with recent headlines in the United States today is appalling. But please don't lump everyone to the left side of the Cover Girl concealer pallet together. The true privilege I enjoy is being your fellow American and Charlottean. Our differences are a strength, not a weakness.