Your "edit" is spot-on. That's exactly what I was trying to say. I'm a white woman with big lips, and I've always loved mine (but the shape of yours is better) so I think it's weird that you hated yours. They're amazing! Did you notice the people who replied to the other person who also complimented your lips? (A bunch of "me too!")

I've always lived in very mostly-white neighborhoods. I don't have much exposure to black people except very rarely passing by somewhere at a grocery store, maybe. I didn't choose it this way on purpose... it's just where I happen to live, and I know I'm missing out by not having a more diverse experience (and my kids, too).

Growing up, all my friends idolized the image of a big-boobed, blonde haired barbie doll type, and so that's what a lot of the girls made themselves look like. There were many times I thought I ought to bleach my hair because if it wasn't blonde, it wasn't pretty.

There's nothing wrong with bleaching one's hair, but well... you said it better than me.

And maybe I'm getting downvoted for focusing on this issue and I sound ignorant or racist. A black woman ought to be able to post without someone congratulating her for being a pretty black woman! But maybe the fact that I felt compelled to say it is a valid indicator that mainstream media is fucked up.

I feel betrayed that what little exposure I get to black folks is via TV, and it's basically screwing with my head based on whatever producer or director thinks people want to see. I am offended by that.

You're fucking gorgeous, and you're also incredibly tolerant to not be put out by me making your post about race.

Rock on.