Brown Enough

1. Embracing Brown identity in a Black and white world

"Not in it," he coolly replied.

Identity crisis. Christopher Rivas, a Dominican-Colombian actor from Queens, grapples with his place in a society that often categorizes people as either Black or white. This realization comes after a conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates, who bluntly states that Brown people are "not in" the race conversation. This moment becomes a catalyst for Rivas to explore his Brown identity and its place in American society.

Cultural exploration. Rivas delves into his Dominican and Colombian heritage, uncovering the complexities of colorism, colonialism, and the concept of "mejorando la raza" (improving the race). He confronts the internalized racism within his own family and community, questioning the value placed on lighter skin and European features.

• Explores the concept of "Brown enough"
• Examines the impact of colonialism on Latin American identity
• Confronts internalized racism and colorism within his own community

2. The impact of colonialism on self-perception and cultural erasure

"Sammy Sosa, the homerun slugging former major league baseball player from the Dominican Republic who whitened his skin, is not an enigma."

Colonial legacy. Rivas examines the long-lasting effects of colonialism on Latin American identity, particularly focusing on the Dominican Republic. He discusses the Parsley Massacre of 1937, where thousands of Haitians were killed by the Dominican government, highlighting the deep-rooted anti-Blackness in Dominican culture.

Internalized racism. The author explores how this colonial mindset has led to internalized racism among Latin Americans, manifesting in practices like skin whitening and nose jobs. He uses the example of Sammy Sosa, a famous Dominican baseball player who notoriously whitened his skin, to illustrate how deeply ingrained these beauty standards are.

• Discusses the historical context of anti-Blackness in the Dominican Republic
• Examines the psychological impact of colonial beauty standards
• Explores the concept of "whitening" as a means of social advancement

3. Navigating Hollywood as a person of color

"I have been invited to have dinner with the gods on Olympus. Though I must continue to ask, am I just a guest, who can be uninvited as quickly as he was brought in? Or am I an equal?"

Representation matters. Rivas shares his experiences as an actor of color in Hollywood, highlighting the lack of diverse representation and the prevalence of stereotypical roles for Latin actors. He discusses the impact of discovering that Porfirio Rubirosa, a Dominican man, was the inspiration for James Bond, and how this revelation changed his perspective on representation in media.

Tokenism and typecasting. The author grapples with the challenges of being a "token" diversity hire and the pressure to conform to stereotypical expectations. He shares personal anecdotes of being asked to play stereotypical roles and the internal conflict of wanting success while also wanting to authentically represent his culture.

• Examines the lack of diverse representation in Hollywood
• Discusses the pressure to conform to stereotypes for success
• Explores the impact of discovering diverse historical figures erased from popular culture

4. The struggle with student loan debt and the American Dream

"The American Dream used to be owning a home with a white picket fence, now it's just surviving and getting out of debt."

Crushing debt. Rivas reveals his $244,000 student loan debt from attending acting school, illustrating the crushing burden of higher education costs in America. He explores how the promise of the American Dream led him and his family to believe that this investment would lead to a better life, only to find himself struggling under the weight of compounding interest.

Systemic inequalities. The author uses his personal experience to highlight broader systemic issues in American higher education and economic mobility. He discusses how the student loan system disproportionately affects middle-class and minority students, creating a cycle of debt that's difficult to escape.

• Examines the rising costs of higher education in America
• Discusses the false promise of the American Dream
• Explores the long-term impact of student loan debt on life choices and opportunities

5. Meditation and wellness: Accessibility and cultural appropriation

"Always lie when someone asks if you meditate."

Cultural appropriation in wellness. Rivas explores the world of meditation and wellness, highlighting how these practices, often rooted in non-Western cultures, have been commodified and whitewashed by the Western wellness industry. He shares his personal journey with meditation, starting from a place of pretending to know about it to impress a girl, to genuinely embracing the practice.

Accessibility issues. The author critiques the wellness industry for its lack of diversity and accessibility, pointing out how many wellness practices have become expensive luxuries that exclude the very communities from which they originated. He calls for a more inclusive and authentic approach to wellness that honors its cultural roots and makes it accessible to all.

• Examines the whitewashing of Eastern spiritual practices
• Discusses the commodification of wellness and its impact on accessibility
• Calls for a more inclusive and culturally respectful approach to wellness

6. Confronting systemic racism and police brutality

"Sacrifice my identity. I'll do it. I will do anything to survive."

Systemic oppression. Rivas shares personal experiences and observations of systemic racism, particularly focusing on police brutality against people of color. He recounts his own encounters with law enforcement and the constant fear and anxiety that comes with being a person of color in America.

Elijah McClain's story. The author delves into the tragic story of Elijah McClain, a young Black man killed by police, using it to illustrate the dehumanization and violence faced by people of color. He explores the psychological impact of constantly having to prove one's humanity and worth in the face of systemic oppression.

• Examines personal experiences with racial profiling and police harassment
• Discusses the psychological toll of systemic racism on people of color
• Explores the need for systemic change in law enforcement and society at large

7. Reconnecting with family and roots during the pandemic

"Life is magic."

Forced pause. Rivas describes how the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to slow down and reconnect with his family and roots. He moves back to Miami to stay with his parents, finding unexpected joy and peace in simple family moments and conversations with his father.

Rediscovering priorities. Through this experience, the author reevaluates his priorities and the meaning of success. He realizes that his pursuit of Hollywood success had disconnected him from what truly mattered - his family, his culture, and his authentic self.

• Explores the unexpected benefits of slowing down during the pandemic
• Discusses the importance of family connections and cultural roots
• Examines the redefinition of success and happiness

8. Environmental awareness and social responsibility

"Nature saves us."

Interconnectedness. Rivas explores the connection between social justice and environmental issues, arguing that the same systems of oppression that affect marginalized communities also contribute to environmental destruction. He shares his experience of seeing a Redwood forest for the first time and how it awakened his environmental consciousness.

Individual action. The author grapples with the question of individual responsibility in the face of global issues. He advocates for small, meaningful actions that can contribute to larger change, emphasizing the importance of caring for our communities and the environment.

• Examines the connection between social justice and environmental issues
• Discusses the impact of experiencing nature firsthand
• Explores the concept of being a "good ancestor" through responsible actions

Last updated: September 18, 2024