Actually, I was. My parents included what bits of Native American heritage have been passed down to us. Though the hair points Africa-wards. I've been hassled about this hair; most people with nappy hair get that at least sometimes. *chuckle* But it can protect itself pretty well, and people tend not to mess with it a second time.

I'm eclectic, and mostly indelible. If outside pressure was going to wear off bits of me, it would've happened long since. I spent a fair amount of time sitting in the hall outside history classes. Didn't stop me from learning the full spectrum of history, much to the chagrin of the teachers.

As one of my black friends put it, "You can pass for white ... until you open your mouth."

Of course, not everyone is made of spit and gristle. For some people, fitting in is all their heart desires, and if their body doesn't match the shape that society expects, they're miserable. Lots of variations on that. One reason I favor tolerance is to make the world livable for more people.