protectbrowngirls:

If your parents belittle you, call you names, dismiss your passions and interests, prevent you from doing things that make you happy– 

If your parents don’t let you have age-appropriate independence, or if they never let you defend yourself, or if they passive-aggressively manipulate you into feeling guilty for disappointing them– 

If your parents slap you– 

If your parents say it’s just “tough love,” or that you’re too young and naive to understand right now, or that your parents are the only people who know what’s best for you– 

Your parents are wrong. This isn’t normal. This isn’t just “brown culture” or “poc culture.” This is emotional (and sometimes physical) abuse. You deserve better. Please never let your parents’ actions define your self-worth. You are so much more than just the flaws your parents are so fond of pointing out. You are bigger and better than the way they treat you. You are kindness and passion and determination and beauty. You deserve the world.

(via fymexicanfood)