Podcasts

YR via RSS

For Educators
Teach Youth Radio
Curriculum

Youth Programs
CORE
Outreach

Colorless

"I don't like my skin color being an advantage or disadvantage."

Listen to this Commentary!

By Emir Hrncic

Juvenile hall has changed my views about what it means to be white. Being Bosnian in camp is kinda hard, but I try to make it.

I'm Emir with a commentary from Youth Radio.

People at Camp Sweeney tell me I'm white, but I don't like being considered white. I like being considered Bosnian. There's only like three or four white people at camp and it makes it hard on us. People don't respect us, and if we try to get some respect, it's like everyone turns against you and you still look like a sucka. But I stand up for myself no matter what.

When I first got to camp, people started calling me Hitler cuz I was from Europe and I have a mustache. It made me laugh, cuz I bet none of them even knew who Adolph Hitler was or what he did.

In here, you have to ignore some people — just walk away. A lot of times I joke about being black on the inside and white on the outside, just to make people laugh. Being locked up, looking white makes it harder. But out in the world, my white skin is actually an advantage. Just a few months ago, I went to Macy's with one of my partners who was black. The security followed us around into the dressing room. When we came out, the guards stopped us. They searched him, but told me I was free to go.

Basically, I don't like my skin color being an advantage or disadvantage. I just wish people would respect me for being a person.

For Youth Radio, I'm Emir.