This experiment was so interesting to see. I love how a combination of diverse individuals were holding hands in the beginning as a form to show that they are united, but as everyone starts taking steps whether it was backwards or forward to accept where they stand on certain points, they realize that out of their own control, they are separated. Unfortunately, that is what society has made this out to be.

Growing up, my mom had a favorite line she would repeat to my siblings and I when we were picky about eating food: “There are starving children in other countries, you don’t know how lucky you are” . Of course as a bratty child, I would more than likely roll my eyes and continue my picky habits, not fully aware that what she meant is true. That word “lucky”- Lucky to have food options, lucky to have my mom at home making warm home cooked meals. That was my privilege. I started to understand my mom as I grew older, that she did not have the same food options when she was a little girl. Having been raised in a poor town in Guatemala… My mom always ensured to remind me of all the ways I was lucky. The opportunity to go to school, which to me was normal because everyone my age was in school. Having multiple pairs of shoes and clothing options, etc.

Though I had my ways of being privileged, Growing up I had moments where I didn’t feel so “lucky”. Having classmates that teased me for not having name brand clothing, not realizing that my family just couldn’t afford it. Or seeing how others would talk about summer travels, and I was unable because my family was immigrants and could not travel. Both children or adults treating me or my parents differently for not knowing proper english at a point. The list could go on with both “lucky” and “unlucky” experiences. I guess it’s all a matter of whos point of view is looking at my life to decide.

One way I feel oppressed is walking the streets hand in hand with my partner. Luckily, (it’s a privilege to live in NYC), we live in a city where not too many people give a crap but we still face judgement. Depending on where we are in the world or who we are talking to, sometimes we have to mask that by pretending that we are just friends or roommates.

Physically: Hispanic female, tattoos, piercings, colored hair. Not the immediate ideal candidate for pretty much anything.