Without Charade Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Those seeking to impress others,
Always seem to do it at the expense...
Of attempting to not have it recognized,
An insecurity kept they maintain...
With their own ethnic identity.

So many today refuse that attachment.
With accusations misplaced on others,
While exposing a discomfort,
Not only with themselves...
But also with others displaying their pride,
Without charade or waiting for a holiday...
To express their ethnic connection.

'I remember being called an 'Uncle Tom',
By those who were 'then' referred to as Negros.
But today do a 'Step 'n Fetchit',
Better than I ever could.
And still they seek these stereotypes,
To be accepted by 'whites'.
As they continue to disrespect,
And suppress themselves day and night...
With an ignorance expressed they call 'freedom'.'