Multiracial Americans
While growing up in the 70’s & 80″, multiracial Americans were not common. In fact, multiracial marriages were banned in 16 states until 1967. But I’m a Mexican/American. Both my parents were born in Mexico and I was born in the United States. Mexicans did not really accept me nor did Americans. I was confused growing up, speaking Spanish at home, and learning English at school. But I moved forward and eventually received my BS degree. I continued being a citizen of this great country and I eventually married a multiracial American. Her Mother was Irish and her Father Black. We had two kids, who are now also multiracial Americans as well. So now that we have a multiracial President candidate in Barack Obama, does that mean this is the start of a post-race era? I mean this country was built with many races involved (Irish, Italians, Spaniards, etc), so I really hope so. I recently read an article about a Mixed Heritage Center, which is a web-based resource center for mixed-race people and families. If I was confused growing up, I know mixed-race kids will also be confused, which includes my children. My ex-wife and I encourage our kids to learn history and cultures of all their races. When they come visit my family, they are exposed to their Mexican culture, which includes speaking Spanish, food and music. This Center will also help other children learn their mixed-races’ history and culture. What a great idea!
Well, I can agree and disagree.
A number of people who were multicultural at an unpopular time in our country hid their heritage and switched. Italians, Jews, Blacks, people of Hispanic origins changed their names, many don’t even speak their native tongue by a generation or two.
There were far fewer check boxes to fill out one’s race 20-30 years ago on an application or census tally. Caucasian is now separated into “of European”, “of Latin American” or Middle Eastern origin, Asian or Oriental is now inclusive of most of the Asian countries, Black or African American and etc…
The funny thing, America has ALWAYS been multicultural it is just now being recognized and people are coming out of the closet with their heritage.
The sooner we accept each other as people and recognize our cultural differences the sooner we can get on with harmonious living..
I also grew up in the 70’s/80’s era, and it did seem to be a difficult time for multiracial children. Later in life, I married a Filipino and we had three beautiful children together. I remember him telling me stories of how difficult it was for him and how confused he was as a child.
I am Caucasian but I always viewed people on an individual level - not by skin color. Today, my children are beautiful, bright, and VERY comfortable in their own skin. I have always instilled in them the importance of feeling good about their heritage, and I too encourage them to learn as much as they can from their father’s side of the family.
I learned how to cook Filipino dishes and they are served in our house on a regular basis. Even though their father and I have been divorced for many years, we are dearest friends even today.
I hope America continues to become a better place for all of its citizens regardless of race or religion.