Double Identity: A Conversation About Being Biracial in 2012

According to new data released by the Pew Research Center 15 percent of all new marriages in the United States in 2010 were of mixed race or ethnicity. That is double the amount in 1980. Among all newlyweds in 2010, the study found that 9 percent of Whites, 17 percent of Blacks, 26 percent of Latinos, and 28 percent of Asians living in the United States married outside their race. It also found that Asian and White newlyweds between the years of 2008 to 2010 have significantly higher annual incomes than any other pairing. In addition, White male newlyweds who had an Asian, Hispanic, or Black spouse had higher combined earnings than White newlyweds whose spouse was White. Finally, the study  found that interracial marriages appeared to be more prevalent in the west with one in five newlyweds living in western states marrying someone of a different race between 2008 to 2010. With interracial marriages, the U.S. population has seen a significant growth in it's Biracial community. Who are they? What do they believe? How do they self-identify? How do they fit into the racial fabric of America? These are only a few questions among the many that I posed to a Biracial colleague. She was gracious enough to offer her take on the Biracial perspective in America. The transcript of that conversation are as follows:
  
How would you define your childhood experience as a Biracial American? 

 For the most part, I didn't have many bad experiences. Mostly, growing up people were curious about my background. I remember being at the second grade science fair and my dad was helping me set up. Courtney Ferrari asked me who he was and I told her he was my dad. She looked shocked. I guess she didn't realize I was half black, half white. I also remember kids asking me, "What are you?" I think most of this was just curiosity, but it can still come off a bit rude. I remember Crystal Jenkins saying that it was gross that my mother and father were together, and you remember that whole fallout afterward. So, I had some uncomfortable situations. However, my brother had worse things happen to him. He never told anyone until long after the fact but when he was in middle school, and would get off the bus to go home, this older white boy would call him the N-word. Another boy would try to get the bully to stop but the kid harassed my brother everyday 

  

What has been most difficult about being a Biracial American? 

For me, I sometimes have felt disconnected  from both white and black communities. But this may have more to do with my own feelings of being on the outside of things, which has been a theme of my life since I was very small. Maybe the racial aspect has something to with it, but I felt that way even when I was home with family. Being the youngest of three children, especially seven and eights years younger, I was often left alone.

When did you begin to self identify as Biracial?  

See, this is tricky. I am bi-racial but I am seen as black. I embrace both sides, but I think because I am viewed through a certain lens by the world, I identify myself as black, first and foremost. The only times when people may see me differently is when I wear my hair in a scarf, and then they wonder if I'm from the Middle East. My lighter complexion gives people many racial ideas about who I am. Some people think I'm Hispanic depending on what my hair looks like.

  

Have you had any particular experiences with racism?   

Well, the most recent was when I was at a restaurant with my cousin and we heard a group of white guys using the N-word quite loudly. Seeing as we were the only other people in the place it was obvious that they were trying to get a reaction from us.

  

Would you engage in an interracial relationship? Why or Why not? 

I would because it doesn't matter to me. I have always been attracted to both black and white guys.

  

If you could give young Biracial children who are struggling with their identity any advice, what would it be and why? 

I'd say that identity is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and it's okay if you feel weird about labeling yourself. Really, when you add in gender, age cohort, and socioeconomic level, identity is tied up to so many things. However, it is important to understand that the permanence of who you really are, that which is pure, exists within. The soul is ageless, without gender or race. The soul is pure love and the conduit to experiencing the beauty of the human experience. 

 If you could give a new interracial couple any advice, what would it be and why? 

 I'd say be prepared for some stares and for some people to think things that aren't always nice. But also realize that for the most part, nowadays most taboos about these kinds of relationships have diminished. However, it does matter where one may live. The South still seems to be stuck in the past, and I'd say the Midwest doesn't fall far behind. Even some areas of Maryland (Cockeyesville, Elkridge,) can be backwards about race. 

The media would have us believe that we are living in a post-racial society, do you agree with that statement? Why or Why not? 

I disagree because of the constant  Birther debate about the president's citizenship, the diminishing representation of diversity in television (Remember when Cosby, Living Single, A Different World, Martin etc. were on in the 90's), and the refusal to admit that a 17 year-old teen carrying Skittles was killed because of his skin pigmentation. It's clear that believing that racism no longer exists is in itself a form of racism. It once again marginalizes the great power divide between the races. It also serves as a way to make the victims of this power struggle look as though they are overreacting or not being 'grateful' for all the changes that have occurred; in turn, the victim feels as though they have no right to voice dissatisfaction. It  is comparable to the slut shaming practices used against a woman who is raped. A majority power uses the system against the minority group, in such a way, that they feel shamed for even questioning the situation. 

Barack Obama is the U.S.'s first Biracial president. Do you believe that he is a good role model for Biracial people? Why or why not?  

My views on him more stem on his politics than his racial background. I think it's great to live in a time with the first Bi-racial/Black president. However, I don't think he has been as revolutionary as I had hoped four years ago. I don't know why he still upholds The Patriot Act which basically granted the government the power to hold citizens of suspected terrorism for any reason without any counsel or proper search warrants. I also don't understand why he had a Reverend, who openly says gay people should burn in hell, give the prayer at his swearing in ceremony. Also this new Health Care Reform bill still gives a ton of power to the corporations and insurance companies. What happened to him fighting for Universal Health Care? So, I think he has made some strides in the last four years but he needs to get out of the center, stop trying to get the Republicans to accept him, and just 'Be The Change' he said he wanted to be.

Please watch this news clip of an interracial couple who discuss their struggle to fight for their love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VGQRD6VJdsQ#! 

Please share your thoughts or ideas about the growth of interracial marriage and the struggle to forge and recognize Biracial identity in America.