Hey, {{first_name | Fam}}!

This week, I reposted one of my most popular videos about race in Colombia, and the comments were particularly aggravating this time around. Every other comment from non-Black people is “we don’t see race,” or “don’t bring that US thinking here.” Mind you, it’s always “we don’t see race” until it’s time to call the Black Vice President of Colombia a monkey.

But the comment that stands out the most to me whenever I see it is how conveniently the word “gringo/a” (foreigner) starts feeling like a slur as soon as I’m talking about race. That’s when the comments become “you gringos are always talking about race;” “Why is a gringa coming to my country to tell us about our race and culture;” “Gringa, go home.”

Something about “gringa” in those instances starts sounding real “hard R.” (I called out a troll for it, and he deleted his comment 🙄.)

I understand that originally in Spain, “gringo” allegedly just meant “foreigner who talks funny.” The word itself isn't the issue. It's the context it shows up in.

Remember, at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, people would start using the word “thug” in reference to Black men who had been shot, and we all understood the word they really wanted to use. Same high-key racist energy. Different word.

In certain contexts, I've realized “gringo” is starting to do the same job.

Reply (yes, I read replies!) and tell me if you've seen this too, and if you've got thoughts on how I should clap back next time it happens.

Thoughtfully,

Nicole