Wanda Sykes - My one true crush

"That's fine, that's fine. Just don't bring home someone too dark skinned. I might not be able to handle it too well."

I remember my dad saying those words not long after I announced that I had the biggest crush on this Hispanic boy in Cegep. He was cute, kind and totally my type, but somehow, my confession soon become a conversation about race.

I know, I know. I'm ASIAN. Why the hell should I have a say about the hardships faced by black people?

Well let me tell you something: minorities need to STICK TOGETHER. The saddest outcome is for one discriminated minority to internalize the racism faced by another. And that's when the beautiful Wanda Sykes comes in. She's a GEM. Just look at her:

If this doesn't scream "boss", I don't know what will. Okay sorry, allow me to provide a higher resolution photo for you to admire her greatness from up close:

There we go.

She's GORGEOUS. And not only that: she's a strong, smart, and hilarious woman. I adore her. Let me tell you why:

1. She tackles sensitive subjects with bravery.

2. She is UNAPOLOGETIC and assertive.

3. She makes me laugh when I'm drowning in puddles of salty water.

4. She gives a voice to people that don't usually have a voice.

5. She (subtly) kicked me in the behind for internalizing racist stereotypes.

So yeah, simply put, she opened my eyes with her humor, and I'm sure she did the same for many others. And that's what makes her so special.

Going back to the (disturbing) comment my father threw at me as a teen, I now see how I was to some extent agreeing with his views back then. In fact, I used to have all these bad stereotypes in my head, to the extent that I even stopped dating that cute crush of mine simply because I thought that hispanics were unfaithful casanovas. (Oh, and also that my mom didn't want me to date any boys PERIOD, so there was also that. But that's a story for another time.)

But yes indeed, someone should have beat some sense into me. Okay sorry, drifting off topic ONCE AGAIN! (It's my ADD, I swear.)

But anyways, going back to Wanda Sykes, her stories about everyday life made me realize that we are all the same. And when I say "the same", I mean ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING's the same: The way all of us seek love and joy (unless you're a psychopath of course), the way all of us need to feel accepted by others, and the way all of us smile.

Yes: we all smile, laugh and cry with tubs of ice cream in our lap. And that's what makes us human. (If you didn't know this already: no, we are not plants). We all feel strong emotions, go through hardships, and need companionship. So why should someone be treated any different because of their skin tone? Simply unacceptable.

I'm starting to ramble now, but what I want to say is that anyone who makes an effort to break walls and change perspectives is a hero. And Wanda Sykes is exactly that. Not only is she hilarious, but she's also telling everyone that stand-up comedy is no longer a man's game. Brilliant!

Wait hold up: don't steal her from me. She's MY hero, okay? I swear I'll have a crush on her even when she'll be 95.

Anyways, that's all that I wanted to say. Love yall lots and stay safe everyone! Peace.

PS: Rest assured, my dad changed his ideologies now, so don't hate him too much alright? I tell ya, that's the beauty of growth right there. Okay bye for real now. Peace.