Why am I brown?

Kahini's latest question to me threw me off kilter. Not the first time she has asked me this but this time it was in earnest. I took a few seconds to think about it and answered nonchalantly that it was because we were from the subcontinent of India and most Indians were brown or "mocha" as I like to call my flavouring..

She stayed mum for a minute and asked me again if we were sweet inside. "Are Indians yummy inside, Mummy?" was the actual phrase. I did not understand and so I said "Why?". My innocent 5 year old replied that Indians were like chocolate. Brown on the outside but yummy and creamy on the inside.

I was so touched that I gave her a big squeeze. My 5 year just put my personal insecureness of racism to peace. I do not have to explain why she is brown and Becca is pink. She understands it quite well and will make her peace one day..

Thanks Kahini for growing up Indian in America..