I am not black, but sometimes people mistake me for being African-American because of my very dark skin. I got to thinking of anybody who might get a tan, yet are black. It’s possible they do it for the tanning rays exfoliating skin or something. I also wondered if there was ever such a thing as an all-black tanning salon. There are other race-exclusive organizations and to be missing out on race-oriented tanning booths is an interesting predicament. It’s one of the only situations where tone of skin really does matter in a practical use to darken skin shade. And the fact that it is a business could potentially be seen as targeting white or light-skinned people. Would it be racist if their business was called White Tanning Paradise or Caucasian Skin Bronzing or even a broader Pale Skin Toning Salon?

Another thing that comes to mind is whether or not a naturally black person has an opportunity and/or desire to work with a tanning company. It makes me wonder if companies like Hispanic Magazine hire non-hispanic white people? If not, that could qualify as unequal opportunity. And if so, isn’t the hispanicity in vane? Or is it just for Hispanic people to read. I’m part Hispanic (Brazilian; the rest Filipino, Native American, and other traces), and don’t think there should be so much stress on exclusion, but I don’t necessarily feel threatened if there is isolation. I’m adopted and lost my history.

It’s strange that in the name of equality there is promotion of isolation rather than a natural integration. The Women’s National Book Association might be an example of how the advancement of women is brought on by separating from the men. But if there is to be a change in gender outlook so that women maintain equal status, it shouldn’t come across as “we need our own organization to prove our worth.” It goes without saying that there aren’t any credible male-exclusive associations with “Male” or “Men” as part of the title, so what good does the women side do. I am not trying to downplay important establishments that are legitimately to help anyone from the little girl to the grown lady like I. But why not include everybody in things? It is really going to destroy culture? I don’t think so. We can learn from different upbringings and still keep traditions or adopt new ones. To force or urge the stripping of heritage is wrong just as it is wrong to enforce segregation of your own kind (whether it be a women joining a women-based organization or a Latino going to a Latino College). It seems like the latter comes across as reversal of Brown v. Board of Education.

And do microphone manufacturers ever get complaints from mute people who want jobs there?