Attraction

One of the most fulfilling pastimes is sitting amongst friends, swapping stories and exchanging thoughts about the opposite sex. It is within our natural instincts to recognize and comment on the attractiveness of others. We notice charming smiles, confident strides and openly declare this man or that woman appealing to our beholding eye. However, sometimes, this comfort of expression takes a slight turn. Imagine a twenty something man noticing a beautiful young woman walking in his direction. They exchange a quick glance and he expresses to his friends, “She’s pretty … for an Asian girl.”

I hold a great deal of curiosity as to why we tend to describe the attractiveness of other races by tagging on the corrective phrase to the end. What good does it do, other than dangle like a highlighted insecurity? Is it a way of saving face? Or a method of voicing that although we are acknowledging the attractive quality, in no way ,shape or form are we willing to admit that we can’t completely let go of the division between our races? Much like an uncomfortable silence that lingers in the air, there seems to be room for error.

What constitutes beauty goes far beyond the color of one’s skin. It is a make up of physical characteristics; a nose, a mouth, a curvy frame that draw us in. No fault should lie in recognizing these distinctions in any one person. It would seem absurd to enjoy barbeque and say it is good … for American food. You seldom hear movie critics raving over the craft and dedication of a role as being brilliant … for a white actor. And it is highly doubtful that jazz lovers around the world put on their favorite Coltrane album and say he plays a mean sax … for a black guy.

It is an unspoken truth that we are a country made up of many colorful layers. We put forth the best of ourselves and pay no mind to the details that might otherwise separate us. When we are given the pleasure of noticing beauty, it should have no stipulations … for a change.