An Explanation From Pinky

Dear Tom,
    I’m truly sorry that things ended the way they did. When I came North what seems like so long ago, I experienced something I had never felt before- respect. Ever since that time the conductor mistook me for white, I realized the opportunity that presented itself before me. If I passed as white I could be treated in that way all of the time. The temptation was too great, and I decided to sacrifice my past life with the expectation that I would only gain from passing. Yet when you proposed to me, I realized that my racial identity was something that could never truly be forgotten. In fact, after coming back to my hometown I realized that not only should I give up passing, but I should embrace my racial identity. Being cut off from my family, community, and own identity is too painful. I understand why this may be hard to comprehend, but please try to look at it from my perspective: what is the true value of gaining social and economic privileges if they come at the cost of my identity?    
   
Sincerely yours,
                   Pinky

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