Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation 
RACE. Definition – Each of the major groupings into which humankind is considered (in various theories or contexts) to be divided on the basis of physical characteristics or shared ancestry.
By definition this word seems simple enough to understand. Human beings make sense of their world, by grouping, and naming things, places, animals, plants, people etc. But why does this particular 4 letter word carry so much weight and stir up so much emotion universally? And what does it all mean to Gen Y?
In 2020/2021 racial tensions peaked. People were ‘fed up’ once more of being categorised and treated differently based on how they looked or the colour of their skin. Fed up of being attacked based on racial stereotypes, which triggered huge movements globally, in the quest for freedom and change.
Now ‘What exactly does race have to do with me?’ This is the question that most age groups of generation Y think on; Most hardly think about race at all – We naturally ‘see no race, hear no race, think no race,’ outside of what’s imposed on us from birth and published in the media.
In the Caribbean there are diverse people. While our populations are predominantly from African ancestry, there are also thousands of Kalinago, Chinese, Indian, French, Spanish, and Caucasian Variants just to name a few. Based on experience and observation growing up in Dominica, it is fair to say that race does not have a huge impact on how our generation chooses to interact with each other. Previous generations certainly, but ours, not so much. We do not choose friends and associates purely based on skin color, but personality, ability and valued qualities.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying that there is never any racial tension. After all, the trickling post colonial mindset and habits have been so deeply woven it’s not like they don’t carry on in some ways and stereotypes. But for Gen Y, it’s just not as important and for the most part we all get along.
‘We, the Millennials’, born in the years ranging from 1980 to 1994 have been spearheading change in just about everything under the sun, spreading our open minded and inclusive nature.
We also understand that prior to this generation, race mattered due to the fact that so many countries and Caribbean countries experienced significant trauma from colonialism and were coming into their own as regards to political independence from these colonial powers. However, so many decades later following the break away from the colonial system, Gen Y does not seem to be as consumed with race so much as previous generations. We accept the fact that there are different cultures, traditions and practices and try to incorporate this into the national landscape. What we see is that, ‘Racism is very real, not race.’
Our parents too must be commended for discoursing racist practices and beliefs among their children. Parents play an integral role in ensuring children see everyone as equal despite their racial background. This could be because a majority of Generation Y today, is the product of interacial love and marriages, and as some countries report, ‘The most diverse generation in history.’
To be honest, aside from all this, practically speaking, it just doesn’t add up. How does skin color even determine hierarchy in a modern world? Melanin, Haemoglobin and Dietary carotenoid (the biological composition of skin color) determines my opportunities in life? Huh? It just doesn’t make sense and seems so silly to Gen Y.
That’s why millions are taking to the streets as part of the recent protests brewed in light of Americans bringing to the spotlight, not just violent acts against Black Americans but also against people of colour, those in the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community who are also unfortunately seeing a record high increase in racially motivated acts of violence. It is this violence that we protest, as we seek to play our part in eliminating decades of undeniable senselessness.
Overall, it is safe to say that race does not entirely matter to Generation Y. Which is a great thing because thanks to technology, our world is becoming smaller, the global village is becoming more integrated, and it is amazing the things you learn when you meet people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Our generation must be applauded for being open minded and accepting of people of all races.
Happy Emancipation Day Dominica (August 1).
Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien
(A piece based widely on observation, with supporting evidence.)
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 