Are you a representative for your race?

[lil_sunshine]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
So my question is this: if you work in a majority white environment (or even if you don't), do you feel a special obligation to be a representative for your race? Are you conscious of being a role model?

I feel that I'm always conscious of being a role model, whether it's for kids or adults (yes, some adults need role models too). This is b/c I tend to think about the type of person I am when nobody's looking. That "person" is the one that others will sense before you even get the chance to make a first impression. As far as working in a majority White environment, there's always pressure to "represent your race" b/c they want to learn more about "us" and the things we do, as well as how "we" would handle work-related dilemmas (this also applies to attending a predominantly White institution).

I pledge allegiance to myself and the man upstairs. Everybody else is irrelevant as far as worrying about giving a generalized perspective about world affairs or smaller, less important matters. I can't carry the weight of 12.5% of the US population just b/c someone want to know what "we" may think about something. JMHO.....