I would love for your words to move those folks. But, I cut myself off from them when their attitudes hurt my half-Persian son (their own grandson and nephew and cousin and neighbor, etc). The truth is, they'd never read your words.

They only ever read mine to condemn my perspective and claim my experience isn't real, or that my son's experience could be avoided if he just didn't tell anyone he is Persian – because, "he can look white." I.E., if he shaves, cuts his hair, stays out of the sun, etc., he can look white… right up until he looks you in the eyes with his smoldering black eyes. Also, his beard and long hair are cultural identifiers for him – he sees them in the mirror and sees his Persianess, of which he is rightfully proud.

Anyone in my life now already understands from a perspective similar to mine. In fact, several of my fellow white folks who love my son came to a better understanding after what he endured with bigoted bullying.

But, I do recommend you to like minded friends. Maybe they know someone who may be moved by your writing and will share that with them.