Jose Hernandez Diaz
ODE TO BROWN SKIN
People assume I want to be lighter. Never crossed my mind. I know I’m indigenous and strong. Like my ancestors, proud and wise. Do not assume I will rob or murder you when I walk behind you, in a parking lot, late at night. Do not assume I’m a high school dropout, or in gangs. Even though the Spanish channel prefers light-skinned actors, I’m not fooled by the shaky lens. Typically, Mexican families have instructed their children to marry lighter skinned folks. But I can see above the noise. Above the hate. The hate we can’t live without. The hate we love. Brown skin, like pan dulce. Brown skin, like la tierra. Brown skin, like a tortilla. Brown skin, ancient armor.