The Mixed-Race Controversy

When Noel presented about the topic of The Mixed-Race Controversy, it made me rethink the way I view biracial children. Firstly, she addressed which term: mixed or biracial was the best to use. The best one to use when speaking of a “mixed race” individual was "biracial". The term mixed typically means something possessing many different qualities. Biracial means a child has two parents of different races. I personally would use the terms interchangeably but now I’ve learned that the correct term is to use “biracial”.

The presentation made me reevaluate the way I would raise my possible biracial children. I remember having a conversation with my friends one day and I expressed how if I had biracial children, I would want them to identify themselves as black. Mainly, because I want my children to take pride in the fact, they’re black. I just feel weird when thinking about talking to my kids about their white side, because everybody knows white history and how they oppress people of color. Then I end up pondering on the fact that my hypothetical husband will be educated and understand his white and male privilege in this world and can explain that to our children. That honestly is my only fear when it comes to dating outside my race. I’m dating to marry, and I would want someone who understands what goes on in today’s world, it’s not easy, which also leads me to my next point.

I have met different types of biracial children who have different mindsets when it comes to their identity. I remember when two biracial kids transferred to my school and they felt comfortable in the space because they shared similar experiences with us, and my class was predominantly black. There are also mixed kids who may be opposite and share more experiences with white children because that’s who they grew up and went to school with. I truly think biracial kids identity is dependent upon how they are raised. Another thought that came to my mind when Noel was presenting was the stereotype of biracial people being very attractive.

Now, colorism is no unknown topic in the community of black and people of color. I remember growing hearing people talk about how biracial children are very gorgeous and have “good hair”. Even when I was middle school, my friends and I would talk about our “perfect boyfriend”. Majority of them would describe them as tall, light-skin, curly hair and colored eyes. It would even be that way with guy friends at times but they, of course would want a girl with well-endowed physical features, in addition to her having a lighter complexion. I just wish all complexions are held to equal standards of beauty.

Ultimately, I need to let my hypothetical biracial children be.

I just need to be confident in the fact that my husband (if he’s white) will know how to love and understand me and our biracial children. Noel’s helped me see the struggle of identity when you’re a biracial child. It helped me understand my cousin who has struggled finding her identity and her group of friends. I now know a glimpse of what biracial children go through and the identity struggle they have.