A canvas of beautiful shade my skin is, yet seen in the lies of inferiority that stains my worth and identity. The intensity of melanin continues to be mystery for I failed to see beauty in the colors I stem and the depth of its story due the images that instilled in my mind from birth. Objectified and reduced to a "single story", for I am and as portrayed as a lesser man in the books that I read and in the way I am taught. Stripped of glory and subjected to exoticism due to the rainbow colored beads, the patterned cloths, the texture of my hair and the shade of my skin.

Limiting my view and urging me to deem my light because of the indifference to the difference I spread. Planting the seeds of my lack of confidence and negative thought patterns and beliefs that hold me back from unlocking my full potential. However, in the absence of time, it became evident to me of how I was also a problem to other countries due to my lack of awareness,  understanding because of the stereotypes, ethnocentrism as well as the internalized eugenics. I defined ethnic groups by what heard or what I watched, forgetting that was also someone's idea or perspective of how they viewed that specific ethnic group- clearly showing the dangers of a single story. 

Did it not only give me a sense of realization but urged me to "change my channel" of thought by increasing my knowledge , recognizing negative thought patterns while changing my view on the world and who I am.  Surrounding myself with positivity , taking inspired action as well as practicing gratitude in order to not to improve who I am but to be part of the change I long for.