IS THAT A SIGN: WHITE SUPREMACY. Often I walk into this building that is becoming more familiar It doesn’t feel like home though I had so much hope when I was ‘accepted’ onto my course It doesn’t feel like home though Am I joining a global community of creative, liberal and forward thinkers? It doesn’t feel like home though I’m surrounded by many looks, stares and every so often a touch of my hair It doesn’t feel like home though I walk up to the barriers and panic a little, I may not have my ID pass It doesn’t feel like home though Daydreaming of being told no pass, no access and reminded that I don’t belong It doesn’t feel like home though Teachers, students no, not even the reception and security look like me It doesn’t feel like home though
I’m reminded of a peer’s photo of me standing in the lunch queue she titled ‘migration’ then shared It doesn’t feel like home though I remember the many times I caught the students on my course staring at me saying nothing It doesn’t feel like home though The course team notice I’m alone(r) and ask if I need anything, what happens if I say yes? It doesn’t feel like home though Teachers accommodate me, those two ‘ethnic sounding’ names from industry on repeat It doesn’t feel like home though I hear there’s an event to talk about ‘the sign’, the student who made the banner It doesn’t feel like home though It’s a sign of white supremacy, it’s the only time anyone had really seen ‘it’ doesn’t this feel like home though?
Hold on, I’ve been coming here for 2 years, I pay fees like everyone here? It doesn’t feel like home though I get past the ID checkpoint and I see a red, white and black banner It doesn’t feel like home though The banner is gone in a flash, too late it has been imprinted in my mind and soul It doesn’t feel like home though PEEKABOO WE SEE YOU: WHITENESS // 35
