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Racism, Colorism & Classism Exist at Home and Abroad
Managing the Three Isms Abroad Because of Your Skin Tone
The matter of racism is everywhere: in culture and country. I have lived outside the US as a third culture kid and as an expat for a total of 20 years. My childhood days existed in a country where my skin-tone was all around me. My teenage years and half of my post-college years in a country where my skin-tone was a challenge.
I have been reading and responding to various posts on social media by persons expressing an interest in leaving the US. This increase in interest is mainly because of the current events of both black men and women being inhumanely killed. The plight of blacks, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) because of systemic racism and institutional prejudice has passed its tipping point. Preventative measures to correct the numerous injustices inflicted is long overdue.
As a black, female, solo expat, I welcome everyone to join the growing numbers of us abroad. However, let me caution you. Leaving the US will not prevent you from experiencing racism that is systemic and institutional. Sometimes racism abroad will be directed at you while other times, it will be directed at people in your circle depending on your location. Furthermore, based on my experiences living and traveling, I would say…
