Exoticism or Discrimination?

Dear Helga,

You never do seem to be satisfied. From one place to the next - no where seems to suit your needs. You claim that Naxos is an awful institution, to which many would agree. But when you attempt to assimilate yourself among seemingly like-minded people in New York, you remain equally unsatisfied. Always claiming that something is wronging you, so eventually you follow your instinct and move again. This time, to Denmark, where the Danes treat those of color as exotic.

I have to ask, do you view this in as bad a light as overt discriminatory racism? In New York, as a woman of color you are denied access to many options and openly hated by much of the white population. In Denmark, you are embraced in a fascinated mindset. Truly, the Danes are much kinder. But in this more subtle form of racism, you are almost denied personhood, treated like a special child. You get painted, you get ushered around. I am sure you feel lonely, whereas at least in New York there is a community that you can turn to in the act of combatting oppression.

Which suits you more?
I wish you luck.

Regards,
Vaughan Siker

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