I chose the above quote as a premise for a lengthier “reply” at Journal’s because it resonates in so many of my failed attempts to reconcile my personal disposition with the stale climate of society. Although I can relate to the plight of minorities in this country, Ive never have identified with being “black.” For whatever reason, as a child I understood that being “black” or “white” was merely a matter of donning the right accessories, shallow decorum, extracurricular activities, and “tada!” you can soundly beat racially stratified America at its own game. Its like being part a of a “scene” and in many cases the stereotypical caricatures apply. However, on an entirely different level, it was made clear that regardless of how adept I got at playing the “game” I was still perceived as “black” to “white” society so I had better keep my act together. Consequently, I remain sort of a detached spectator of American race relations, exploiting the game to incite a debate or two for sport…But its hardly a game considering my perceived identity is lost somewhere in this social quagmire that reflects a system which continues to beget so many “disturbances” here and abroad.