It’s not uncommon to hear stereotypical representations of people of color when you turn on the evening news, watch the latest TV show or flip through the pages of a magazine. But artist Bayeté Ross Smith and the New York Times are launching a project to counteract the monolithic and often stereotypical narrative around people of color in America.
“We’re inviting you to help build a more nuanced national portrait,” Smith says, “What do you want to show or tell the world about your America that politicians and much of the public do not fully grasp?”
As presidential nominee Donald Trump spews rhetoric that all people of color are unintelligent and poor, Smith invited other members of black communities to share their reality in opposition to this hate speech.
Readers are invited to share their stories on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HereIsMyAmerica. People of color are multifaceted groups that cannot be defined by a single narrative, and this campaign seeks to dispel any preconceived notions.
Like any hashtag, there’s always the potential for trolls to take over the feed. We hope this one stays true to the purpose. It will be interesting to see which stories are selected for the eventual gallery.
Will you participate in this campaign? Follow the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram for updates.
