I have always been extremely bothered by racism-- I never exactly know how to contend with its existence.

My grandfather uses the word "nigger" more than the word "love"...

Last summer, I had a relationship with Noble, a wonderful man. Note that I didn't say a "wonderful black man."

There's a reason for that.

Noble always talked about race-- I never really felt comfortable. I've never really experienced racial discrimination. That is, until we started dating.

Anti-female, anti-Mormon-- sure! But never anti-white...

I couldn't help but notice people staring at us everywhere we went... Something tells me it was not simply because we're hot.

So-- this is what I did. I feel America may never be purged of racist sentiment... at least it can stop with me.

My new vision for America:

O beautiful for heroes shoved

through prejudice and strife.

Some more than self their color loved

No mercy and no life!

America ! America!

God shed his grace on thee

'Til Black with white is no shocking sight

Find strength in unity.