Foundations of Ethics and Diversity submissions are open to essays completed for UF 200. Students are encouraged to submit an essay exploring civic, ethical, and/or diversity on a local, regional, national or international topic. If the essay is the product of a team project, all names must be submitted and all team members will share the award. Essays should not exceed 20 pages. Marliegh Nabonne wrote the 1st place submission in the Foundations of Ethics and Diversity category for the 2025 President’s Writing Awards.
About Marliegh
Marliegh Nabonne is a 19-year-old biracial woman from Bakersfield, California, who is passionate about challenging social norms and being a changemaker. She is currently majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in American Government and Public Policy, along with a minor in Legal Studies. She’s on a mission to become a lawyer. Marliegh finds joy in taking classes that not only help her grow as a person but also prepares her for her future career in law and public service. At Boise State, she has been deeply involved with the MLK Living Legacy Committee—serving as the Social Media Delegate during her freshman year and the Financial Delegate during her sophomore year. She’s looking forward to stepping into the role of co-chair next semester as a junior. Outside of academics and advocacy, she loves going to Boise State football games and watching NFL football, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs—GO CHIEFS! She’s also a creative spirit who enjoys making meaningful art and soaking up all that Boise has to offer, especially hammocking every chance she gets.
Winning Manuscript – Changing a HABIT Lifestyle
L.R. Knost an award-winning author, feminist, and social justice activist once said, “Little eyes watch what we do far more than little ears hear what we say. It is how we live, not how we demand our children live, that has the most impact on who they will become” (Knost). I was born into the world with many different beliefs, habits, and traditions centered around my family’s social identities and power. As previously stated, these “social identities” that surround my family and I are systems of oppression that have been set in place by those who have the power to use their biases to create the norm. This is what theorist Bobbie Harro describes as the First Socialization (this is the first step in the Cycle of Socialization). Describing how people have no consciousness when it comes to bias, stereotyping, prejudice, habits, and traditions centered around our/others social identities and power (29).
So, to whom it may concern. I am a biracial woman mixed with both Black/African and White/Caucasian American, born in Bakersfield California (south-central California). This is where I witnessed firsthand the differences and similarities between my mom’s side of the family (which was Black/African American) and my dad’s side of the family (mixed just like me, with Black on his paternal side and White on his maternal side). This led me to try my hardest to not make assumptions about other people, whether that be teachers, community members, peers, co- workers, etc. based on looks rather than by conversations had on an individual level. Note that when I say “individual level” I am hinting at the fact that first impressions tell a story, one that is comprehended by most only at face value.
Throughout my education, I was both consciously and unconsciously pounded with news (through language and action) about those who have always had authority over me. This institutional power ties into ageism. Strongly illustrating that as kids we are told to “mind” our parents, elders, teachers, and principals. For instance, before my sister and I would leave for school in the morning my granny (on my mom’s side) would always say, “go to school, mind your teachers, finish your work, and come home straight after school—I love you!” Now although those words were great and I love my granny, they emphasized respect for authority, which was often based on age or experience—suggesting that children should conform to these expectations without much room for questioning or deviation. This notion of institutional power has led to discrimination throughout my life. These systems of power (biases, habits, and traditions) were centered around my family’s social identities making it difficult for me to avoid judging others based on their appearance rather than personal interactions had.
So, without further ado and to whom it may concern let me tell you a story. A story that will leave you with a challenge. One that is about me and many others like me as an attempt for you to get a deeper understanding as to who I am, what my beliefs are, and how I became me. A person shaped by systems I had no part in creating. I and others that look like me have in many ways been forced to be at the forefront of dealing with racial injustice. Although there has been progress in recent decades, there still remains a gap surrounding people of color, which is rooted in the legacy of slavery, segregation, and discrimination shaping the way that society sees them. I have always been expected to act in a way that has been crafted and perfected. For instance, as I grew up I was told to speak proper (not saying “finna” but instead saying “I am about to”), I was told that when going to formal events it was better to wear my hair straight and not curly, (this resulted in me not being comfortable enough to wear my natural curly hair down, even to this day), to “sit up straight and act like I’ve got some sense.” Although this is a short list, there is much more where that came from.
These sayings were not just told to me by people closes to me, but were things that I was supposed to do, because if not I would be seen as “just another Black girl” without manners. But when does advice like this shift into racialized attacks? How do these attacks then leave me feeling caught between two worlds—too Black for White people and too White for Black people? Being “just another Black girl,” makes me feel trapped within a stereotypical norm, unable to express myself and the person I crave to be. This makes it hard for me to embrace my curly hair because at times it does not fit the “perfect” standard (not long enough to wear down). Creating thoughts that run through my head like a terrible song, constantly on repeat, making me feel as though I am not meeting the “right” quota. These thoughts were created by a system that does not always represent Black girls or women who look like me.
Nonetheless, these societal norms shaped who I am, and I did not have a choice in the matter. How could I have a choice when what I was learning and internalizing about these norms, beliefs, and behaviors of society were being taught to me by people that I love and trust? How could I have known at such a young age? Going to school was racially isolating, the schools that I went to were predominately made up of one race lacking diversity. To add a bit more context, my sister and I were two of six (at most) Black children at our elementary school.
These factors also go hand in hand with the themes that are displayed in Priya Minhas’s essay, “How Not to Be,” as both of us have been through challenges of identity, belonging, and resilience in environments that lack diversity and support (qtd. in Shukla). Priya, a Director and Creative Director, illustrates in her essay the importance of genuinely understanding what it means to create safe spaces for people of color. She acknowledges the struggles that, just like her, many face when it comes to being ‘put together’ with others who look like them—to finally understand what it feels like to be friends with people who share your identity, and with whom you can truly be yourself (Shukla 62). Now, I could say that I went through these challenges and never judged others for what I lacked or for the struggles that I was facing. But that would not be true. This was me. This is still me. I have a tendency at times to judge others, even those I do not know, but this is something I am working on and will continue to improve. MedicalNewsToday states that it takes 18 to 250 days (about 8 months) to break a habit, however I am not breaking a habit, I am trying to change a lifestyle. My lifestyle.
As I have navigated my racial identity and the perspectives that come with it, I have grown increasingly aware of the systemic issues and micro issues that perpetuate inequality. These micro issues stem from my ability to identify and articulate the forces and events that have shaped my identity. When people ask me: “Who are you?” or “Where are you from?” these questions lead me to confront challenges and contradictions within myself (Kirk and Okazawa- Rey). My experiences have highlighted not just personal challenges but also broader societal failures. As I navigate life, people often see me solely as Black, overlooking the fact that I am biracial. Those who do this fail to recognize that I am more than just my face value (which, at times, makes me feel like Eminem in his final rap battle in 8 Mile).
I have been judged by others who, upon first glance, perceive me as Black. However, once I engage in conversation and I share more about who I am and where I come from, I ultimately do not align with their initial impression. This in turn, ties into the feeling of being too White for Black people. Resulting in me “not being Black enough.” Because of this, I have learned to view my identity as a source of strength. Being biracial allows me to see things through more than one lens, appreciating the beauty of my family and community. To fully recognize the power and beauty that lies within diversity. This shift in perspective has motivated me to question norms, challenge institutional practices, and advocate for change.
So, I challenge you to see me beyond societal norms and recognize my individuality. At the same time, I challenge myself to confront and redefine those limitations, acknowledging that while I may fit some stereotypes, I am also an artist. A daughter. A friend. A peer. A co-worker. A granddaughter. But most importantly to me, a young biracial woman crafting her own story. Sharing this short story allows my individual experiences to impact you (others) and hopefully drive efforts toward a more equitable society. I will not let my fears of “what if’s” and the unknown prevent me from moving forward. There are so many ways to fight racial injustices, yet society seems to do nothing about these problems within their institutions. We have failed as a society to ask questions or look into what might be wrong within our systems. I also have allowed fear and such institutions to dictate my life at times.
I have often believed that I have not done enough to fix societal problems, but as I reflect on my time in college, I see that I have been working toward change all along. This is why I am a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Committee; I do not know what is to come when looking towards the future, but I do know that this one experience will give me a good foundation for fighting inequality throughout my future. Injustices affect so many communities including young Black Americans, children, seniors, and so many others. These issues must be fought for everyone who needs support and change.
When thinking about my own “social location,” there have been markers that have changed over the course of my life. One marker that I believe has changed is, “my ability to be in a target group” (Kirk and Okazawa-Rey). Meaning that I am automatically put under the umbrella of being “racially oppressed.” I have had to be resourceful and creative in order to survive this oppressive system. A part of my survival is seeing my racial identity as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. I say this because I have the ability to tell myself when I am at a disadvantage because of the color of my skin and figure out what I might do to make that disadvantage an advantage. It may also be true that at times I will be limited because of my racial identity. If that is so, then I have the ability to take those limitations and run with them because, at the end of the day, the only thing that is limiting me is myself and my need to feed into norms. This has given me new skills and fortified my resilience. The more I build this, the more I am able to disrupt this constant cycle of obliviousness and fear I feel to challenge myself and speak up when I need to. I want to be seen beyond the societal stereotypes and recognized for my individuality. At the same time, I push to challenge myself to confront and redefine those limitations, acknowledging that while I may fit some stereotypes and/or groups, those are outweighed by how many unique and different identities I possess. By reflecting on how I was raised, I strive to navigate meaningful conversations and relationships across difference. And through this story I am challenging you to do the same.
The Common Good Lens emphasizes collective well-being and prioritizes the needs of the vulnerable (Velasquez et al.). Helping to benefit entire communities rather than just for an individual’s personal gain. The Six Ethical Lenses (Rights, Justice, Utilitarian, Common Good, Virtue, and Care Ethics) provide a clear framework for making thoughtful decisions. Regular practice has made this process more hereditary, allowing me to make ethical choices with confidence (Velasquez et al.). This aligns well with who I crave to become. Challenging both you and me to embrace this approach. By doing so we can foster a much-needed mutual understanding in the communities that we share (higher education, schooling institutions, and public systems just to name a few). I can now pat myself on the back. Even though I pat myself on the back for challenging myself to confront and go beyond such limitations and change the way in which I live my life, there is so much work to be done. Work that starts with us. One of my favorite mottos is: slow and steady wins the race. We (you and me) must understand that it is okay to take our time because, it is almost always worth it in the end. How we get there matters, but if we do/be the best then we have already prevailed in taking those steps towards change.
So, here is one final story. Known for his roles in Fast and the Furious and Baby Boy, as well as his music career, Tyrese Gibson draws on his challenging life experiences to inspire and motivate others. He stays rooted in where he came from while looking ahead to what he can achieve (Ocampo). Tyrese Gibson said it best: “I’m doing the best that I can with every 24 hours that I get” (Fofana). Like Tyrese, I strive to make the most out of each day. Knowing that it starts with me. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend law school and become a lawyer, using my passion to fight against unjust institutions. To make a meaningful difference in the world. I end with a thank you, for staying and listening to my story— but I leave you with one last challenge. Take Tyrese’s quote to heart, stay curious, and strive to see beyond societal stereotypes. Recognize others for their individuality, do not just break a habit, but to change your lifestyle. Do not worry. I will do the same.
Works Cited
Fofana, Oumou. “Tyrese Gibson Breaks Down As He Opens Up About Grief: ‘Black Men Cry’.” BET, 21 Aug. 2024, www.bet.com/article/nmj0rl/tyrese-gibson-breakdown-as-he-opens-up-about-grief-black-men-cry. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Harro, Bobbie. The Cycle of Socialization. National Education Association, 2000. pp. 27-33.
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Identities and Social Locations “Who Am I?” “Who Are My People?“. Blackwell Publishing, 2004. pp. 10-15.
Knost, L.R. “A Quote by L.R. Knost.” Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/quotes/9106593-little- eyes-watch-what-we-do-far-more-than-little. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Ocampo, Josh. “Tyrese Gibson Doesn’t Want to Spend Money on Name Brands.” Men’s Health, 13 May 2020, www.menshealth.com/style/a32434257/tyrese-style-music-movies-
interview/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
“Perspectives.” Constructive Dialogue Institute, programs.constructivedialogue.org/sign-in. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Shukla, Nikesh. The Good Immigrant. 1st ed., Unbound, 2016. pp. 52-66.
Velasquez, Manuel, et al. “A Framework for Ethnical Decision Making.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 5 Nov. 2021, www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-
ethical decision-making/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.