Fear does exist. I agree we cannot let our fears stop us. But, the fears exist. My fears for my not-white-enough for America half-Persian son has been repeatedly realized. He hasn't let that stop him. But, the things I feared happened: he's been assaulted for being half Persian; he's been harassed by the police for not being white enough for a stupid neighbor; he's had friends and girlfriends he had to let go because he wasn't white enough for their parents.

My fear is real for him. But, I won't stop supporting him and encouraging him to make his way in the world to spite those very real things which inspire ver tangible fear.