ABSTRACT
Some years ago I was a guest speaker in a predominantly white class at a community college in California. When I introduced myself, I talked about being white and the impact that has had on my life. Most of the students were either listening or pretending to, but one young woman appeared agitated. Suddenly she burst out, “I don’t want you to see me as white!” I was puzzled; she had very white skin and red hair. I wasn’t sure I could see her as anything else. “How would you like me to see you?” I asked. “I want you to see me as Jane!”
