1. An observation I would like to make from both the interviews with Vanessa and Helen is that past memories influence present perceptions. Helen mentioned that she remembered her father not being able to get an education and the frustrations surrounding his experience. Vanessa recalled her childhood being average aside from not being able to play with her White friends. Not to justify or dismiss the severity of the racism which Helen is a victim, but perhaps her pain is heightened because she is already sensitive to the experience of racism. Neither Vanessa nor Helen wants to be distinguished because of their race. Vanessa does not see the surprise to everyone in her wanting to further her education. Similarly, Helen does not want to be known as the “good black teacher.” Both women’s attitude brings out the desire measured by their own merit as part of the human race, not a particular skin color, even though both women strongly identify as African American women. Vanessa’s closing statement points to the power of assumption that largely contributes to prejudice and racism. The teachers at Helen’s school may have assumed that their actions were not that harmful. I think the majority of stories of prejudice and racism can be traced back to an assumption made by one person about another. Garzon, F. (n.d.). [A Black Student’s Perspective].

2. Vanessa and Helen have both had to deal with racism and racial stereotyping albeit in different ways. Vanessa’s experience, I think we all agree, was more subtle. As Dr. Garzon interviewed Vanessa, we learn that she grew up in suburbia and surrounded by friends from many different cultures. She seems to have a confidence about her, sure of who she is and where she is going. Even though she is aware of the plight of other Black Americans who have not been as fortunate as her, she does not allow that to