ABSTRACT
During my junior high years, I was often the only African American male in my classes. Other African American students ridiculed me for being with the white kids all day. I felt as if I had to prove my “blackness” when around my black peers. I learned early that black people and white people interact differently. I had to change my personality depending on my company. I would even change the pitch of my voice and language I used. I was often teased because I “sounded like a white boy.” Looking back, I believe this hindered my ability to develop socially. I never was really comfortable with myself because of the constant changing of personalities.
