Boughetto

An Ant nimbly running about in the sunshine in search of food came across a Caterpillar that was very near its time of change. The Caterpillar wiggled around, and thus attracted the attention of the Ant, who then saw for the first time that it was alive. "Poor, pitiable animal!" cried the Ant disdainfully. "What a sad fate is yours!
While I can run hither and thither, at my pleasure, and, if I wish, ascend the tallest tree, you lie imprisoned here in your shell, with power only to move a joint or two of your ugly body." The Caterpillar heard all this, but did not try to make any reply. A few days after, when the Ant passed that way again, nothing but the shell remained.Wondering what had become of its contents, he felt himself suddenly shaded and fanned by the gorgeous wings of a beautiful Butterfly. "Behold in me," said the Butterfly, "your much-pitied friend! Boast
now of your powers to run and climb as long as you can get me to listen." So saying, the Butterfly rose in the air, and, borne along and aloft on the summer breeze, was soon lost to the sight of the Ant forever.



Appearances may be deceptive

I grew up in an upper middle class neighborhood. I went to a grammar school in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. I attended one of the most accredited high schools in the nation. I hold a bachelors degree in business with a concentration in accounting of which I received with honors. I received 6 full time job offers prior to graduation, all with starting salary over $50K/ year. I received my graduate degree in taxation, and paid not a dime for it. My husband is just as accomplished as I am. We live in an upper class neighborhood, own a house, and he drives a luxury vehicle. My children have no wants. I deserve the best, so I demand the best. And if I dont get it, I will go the fuck off, and curse you the fuck out.

So I'm often the victim of a stereotype. My family is well off. Well my extended family is. My aunt and uncle are both doctors. Another aunt has an advanced degree in sociology and her own business. My grandmother her Masters in Childhood Education. Her husband had an advanced degree in chemical engineering... the list goes on and on... My mother and father however are merely high school graduates. I say "merely" because up against the rest of the family, thats not nearly as accomplished. My apologies if I offend anyone. Needless to say, we still grew up in an upper middle class neighborhood, we attended upper middle class schools, and we were taught "good" english.

Aside from all that we were going through behind closed doors, it often appeared that we were living the good life growing up. Oh, and we also have the "look". Light skin and long curly hair; which in black Chicago language means that you're privelaged.  

All in all... I'm considered Bourgeois by some women and men. Mainly by those that dont know me. They see designer labels, hear clear language, walk into our home, and immediately ASSUME that I think I'm better than the next person. I hear snide whispered remarks made about me when I turn my back. I get questioned about the authenticity of the labels that I wear. And then scrutinized on the prices I pay. People question my priorities, and would love to take a peak into my bank account. Of course this is all just so crazy. I like quality items, and would prefer to spend $100 on a nice bag that will last me for years as opposed to purchasing a $45 cheap knockoff that will break within weeks. My husband and I do as much as we can to make sure that our children get the best of things, and it's important to ME that they experience and appreciate parts of life that I was unable to. Growing up, I was in the hood. But instead of hanging on street corners "kickin it", I was making sure my sisters and brother ate every day, and that their homework was done. So unfortunately, I was unable to acquire the hood accent in my voice or in my writings. This light skin and curly hair... It was a huge cause for alot of the fighting I had to do throughout my life. I had to fight off jealous girls aimed to scratch up my face and cut off my hair. I also had to run from and fight men who'd do ANYTHING to catch me alone walking home late from the grocery store. Sadly, those who judge me, dont care to know much about where I'm from. They'd rather draw conclusions on where I am, and put a label on it. I guess in the end, it's just their way of justifying why they dont have the same lifestyle. I worked damn hard to get where I am. I REFUSED to be a product of my environment... their bad for succumbing to it.

On the other side, I have members of my family that have NO respect for anything that I've been through. Instead of looking at where I am today, they'd rather focus on my past. They remember the days of me coming home with a bruised upper lip, escorted in hand cuffs. They dont care to know that I was only defending myself. They remember the day I decided to go on with my pregnancy at 19 and become a young unwed mother, but give me no credit for how I stayed a full time student, and asked for not a dime from anyone. Yep, to them I'm ghetto. They have not acknowledged my advanced degree, my high income, my nice home, or the fact that I gave up my childhood to be a mom to my siblings. Nope... I'm just ghetto.

Its so funny how I'm perceived so differently. Two completely different angles. Even funnier is that those who know me. My friends. My husband. Those I hold the closest and dearest to my heart know me as nothing more than ME. No labels attached. I'll give my last for anyone. I like nice things, I hold myself and those around me to high standards-- but I'll crack a bitches neck if necessary. Its hard to define ME, as I try to be nothing more than that. I dont like to be judged. I dont like to be stereotyped. I dont like to be frowned down upon, and I dont treat others that way either. I can find the beauty in anyone unless they give me reason not to. I smile when I'm happy, and I cry when I'm sad. I'm JUST ME!

But since folks insist on labeling me as something... I'll do it for you and take the "in between". Just call me BOUGHETTO! *jukes*