Incident today that was ODD

Today, I had an incident that made me question why some people think it is appropriate to tell me or ask me certain things. I was standing with my parents outside of a hotel here in Evanston, IL and randomly an older white woman walked up to me and said, " you have a beautiful suntan." She caught me off guard and I politely said thank you but in the back of my mind I said, "why did she say this to me?"

I do not have a suntan. This is my color. So, I found it odd but also flattered how she felt comfortable to tell me that I have a nice color but that she saw it as a suntan. I appreciate her appreciating my color but I want to know whether or not she knew I am African American?!?!?!

I love my pretty brown skin that God blessed me with. Thank you, God, for blessing me with SPF 5000 as Oprah said! I did not see it as an offensive remark but one of a compliment but I should have said to her that I was born with my color! I was caught off guard though. I never had anyone tell me that. My Mom gets those suntan remarks more than me. This woman probably would have been shocked to know one of my relatives who is my color was born with red hair but as she got older her hair turned dark brown.

Genetics are fascinating..

Recently I was reminded of this case of the Lee Thomas, the Fox News Anchor, who is losing his color to vitiligo. His courage in sharing his story is tremendous because no one can understand what it feels like to drastically go from one extreme to the next. My heart goes out to him and many others I know who are going through this change. Just know you are still beautiful in my eyes and don't let the ignorant people get to you. [[big hugz]]

 Turning White a Video Documentary