Menu

Can mixed race individuals end divisive identity politics?

Posted by James, 25 Sep

We live in the era of political correctness … an era that came with labels like Asian American, Latin American, African American. When it comes to minorities, ethnic identity seems more important to people than their national identity. This is how we categorize minorities. To me, it seems as if we want the world to know they aren’t ‘real’ Americans.

Like Los Angeles Times (quoted below) puts it, this is an era of an interracial baby boom. And interracial marriages will bring more complex mixed race individuals. Right now, there are people who have more than four racial identities. Do we plan to dub such individuals say... Asian African Italian Americans? People are now finding it hard to even guess a single race of such individuals. Which is why questions like “What are you?” are so common these days.

Find your soulmate on AfroRomance

Join Free

Clearly, race is what most us are hang up on. It’s like whenever we meet someone, the first thing on our minds is what race they could be. And this is the reason why we have Black organizations, Latin organizations … But for mixed race individuals, no choice is clear-cut. And these are the things that make them struggle with their identity. This is why most of them choose to identify with just one racial identity where society is concerned… a façade of their true identity. It’s a punishment for them. But since we are all Americans, why is it so difficult to accommodate mixed race individuals and let them live freely as who they truly are - with all their racial identities?

"We may be in the midst of an interracial baby boom. A recent Pew Research Center study reported that interracial marriages rose from 6.7% in 1980 to a record 14.6% in 2008. If these marriages produce children at the national average, one out of seven Americans could claim two or more races. In Western states where interracial marriage is more common, the ratio rises to nearly one out of four.

The day will arrive when this interracial generation reaches political consciousness and finds itself at odds with America's divisive identity politics. Of all Americans, they represent the best opportunity to end these politics and point America back to its tradition of individualism." – Los Angeles Times (opinion).

If there ever was a perfect time to ditch racial categorization, then this is it. With all the integration and diversity of mixed race individuals comes individualism. Maybe its high time we embraced them as they are and let them live free… as Americans … not [race]-Americans. Its high time we overlooked such labels and embrace individualism. And when this happens, then we can comfortably pat ourselves on the back and call America a true melting point.

Do you think mixed race individuals hold the key to ending identity politics and embracing individualism? Will we ever get there?

Related Stories

More Advice Articles

20 responses to "Can mixed race individuals end divisive identity politics?"

Leave a reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  1.   kissime says:
    Posted: 17 Nov 10

    Thank you, Soltis. I've learned too many people suffer from chronic pessimism. Reality to them will always be evil. Your out look of life is appreciated.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  2.   Soltis says:
    Posted: 26 Oct 10

    Yeah, yeah, yeah as you stated: standing pat by what I wrote previously. In the United States people have been subjected to hate but hate don't live in every household. Money from hateful organizations fuels the media which celebrates & glorifies wealth, drugs, sex and possessions. Leaving the have-nots vulnerable to the means of acquisition and not the work (ethics) or ability to sustain their lifestyle and in some cases the affluent children enter expecting something better, yeah right. Hence, crime, lack of respect for self or others, and no desire for an education once they graduate from street 101. Everyone is aware of the hate (the largest land mass for Victorian criminals fleeing prosecution), violence (the annihilation of an entire race…the American Indian), bigotry (importation of Africans for slavery) and prejudice (Hispanic, Mexican, Spaniards swept with the same brush because some cannot tell the racial difference) in the world. Did I mention gang violence; black on black crimes, drug distribution, babies having babies, Grandmothers in their thirties nothing is new, only very visible due to mass communication. Think about all the changes we have witnessed in our lifetime, it has been extraordinary and that alone should give you hope for something better. You can’t see what has not occurred; but we’re all working to make it better. There is no right or wrong opinions on this topic only action…insular observation…ridicule or blatant indifference.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  3.   AnyOneForFun says:
    Posted: 21 Oct 10

    Still standing pat by what I wrote previously. It ain't happening. Education of tolerance, consciousness of a better society..Lady that makes me laugh when I look at what is going on today in the United States. If anything this country is going backwards in race relations. Hate rules here in the states, money from hateful organizations keeps fuel in the fire that spews exhaust fumes of hate all over this country. Its just not happening.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  4.   Soltis says:
    Posted: 18 Oct 10

    As sourced from the, "Study Reveals Source of Human Evolution, African Genetics", we have always been one race, making biracial or multiracial ideology irrelevant. The study; Posted on: Thursday, 30 April 2009, 14:30 CDT, reads as follows: "Everybody's history is part of African history because everybody came out of Africa," said Muntaser Ibrahim of the department of molecular biology at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. "Now we have spectacular insight into the history of the African population ... the oldest history of mankind.The study, published in the journal Science, was supported by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education at Vanderbilt University, the L.S.B. Leakey and Wenner Gren Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard and Burroughs Wellcome foundations. Statistical data and public opinion has only acted as catalysis to the facts & information pertinent to genealogy. President Obama does not reflect a trend in leadership from bi-racial or multiracial representation, but the education of tolerance... consciousness of a better society...acceptance of Ethnic diversity...and a new criterion for statistical data.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  5.   AnyOneForFun says:
    Posted: 13 Oct 10

    My comment is strictly pertaining to the question asked, "Can mixed race individuals end divisive identity politics?" You know........I used to really think that was the answer here. I always had went to interracial schools. From the late 60's and early 70's, I thought..this is the way it is supposed to work! Watching civil rights movements as a kid, and not EVEN understanding what was going on at the time, my education was the only thing that caused me to question racial divisiness all around me. For years, it seems the black vote did not even COUNT. Now that it does, kind of confused here.. How many representatives of the black race are there in the United States Senate? 1.. How many representatives in the House are of black nationality? 42 out of 435 My point? You can ask your question all you want, seeing as we may have a mixed race "black president", but looking at the other statistics, meaning representation, the caucasian race is STILL, by far, overly represented. My question is, now that the black vote is BEING COUNTED on, why are we still apparently being not being represented by more numbers in the Senate and House? Mixed race are considered BLACK by nationality, correct? Where are they at to give credit to this blog's title? Representation would end the divisivness, its not happening yet. The hatred being spewed in this country leads me to think that it won't happen for awhile. The answer to the question in my opinion is while its nice to think about, I would have to see some statistics that are showing that we are indeed being lead down a political arena of leadership based on mixed-race leaders. I have to say NO. Mixed race individuals are not showing up in the full Congress, minorities are not being represented equally, I need something positive other than the president to concur with the title of this blog. All based on personal opinion.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
    • Soltis says:
      Posted: 13 Oct 10

      Your opinion definitely reflects the US historic political arena…unfortunately, the statically data we would all like to see will only be revealed in time. Now we educate and bring awareness to all ethnicities (we are all biracial or multiracial) and foster then support individual goals and ambitions. There are no right or wrong opinions on this topic only action...observation...or indifference.

      Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
      Reply to this comment
      • AnyOneForFun says:
        Posted: 15 Oct 10

        If we are ALL already biracial or multiracial, the statistical data should have showed up years ago that the country is indeed leaning towards a more inclusive population based upon leadersip from bi-racial or multiracial representation. A multi-racial or biracial president does not mean a trend in my opinion. It would have showed years ago. I don't see it happening at this point, and I used the statistics merely as a guideline of some sort to show how far away we are from inclusiveness based upon bi-racial or mutli-racial representation. If we have not educated thus far, and according to your own statement, "WE ARE ALL BIRACIAL OR MUTIRACIAL', we have a long way towards educating and bringing awarenesss toward this agenda....a long way.

        Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
        Reply to this comment
  6.   Soltis says:
    Posted: 12 Oct 10

    Mixed race is the culmination of the great melting pot and individuality. There is not one ethnic group that is not biracial or multiracial, regardless of their beliefs. Somewhere in every family line was a relationship that horrified that family or a free spirit that went their own way, thus creating a paradox of ethnicity? This article, "Do you think mixed race individuals hold the key to ending identity politics and embracing individualism", suggests an improbable outcome as many people of mixed heritage are coping with the stigma and exclusion from their own heritage(s), ignorance & bigotry of others. These factors alone contribute to the idealism of am I me or my parents; the answer is you are you. If people of mixed heritage do not accept and embrace their unique heritage how can their voices be clear and concise on any platform? The new question is: I am somebody, how can I make a significant contribution? My sisters and I have unique features and are often asked, “What are you?” My response is cute, my sister response is, you tell me. Our focus is not on our differences but on our principals. Here are some questions we dealt with years ago. Why should I breakdown my heritage? Why do you need to know? How does it make a difference? Have I won a lottery? In the end our commitment racially is too ourselves and requires no justification or clarification for that matter. Once we move past our own physical and mental barriers and focus on our own content and self-worth, any and all answers can become clear to end identity politics. Individualism is a state of mind. FYI: It is a disservice to ourselves, our nation, the man to not admire & respect President Obama for the rise from his background; an Ivy League education; success in the political arena; personal & professional sacrifices; honor as an accomplished minority role model; his importance to family; loyalty to his friends; the unmitigated programs instilled to guarantee success for those that strive for it & will change the face of our nation. His heritage was secondary to his success, as President of the United States, white people voted on the strength of his beliefs.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  7.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 12 Oct 10

    I think mixed raced individuals can end divisive identiy politics and Obama is a good start since he is a mixed race. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general. And also join Jon Stewart’s March to restore sanity that is taking place on October 30th and see if some sanity can come back to politics. I am going to watch him right now and be inspired by his brilliance.:-)

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  8.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 11 Oct 10

    I think mixed raced individuals can end divisive identiy politics and Obama is a good start since he is a mixed race. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general. And also join Jon Stewart’s March to restore sanity that is taking place on October 30th and see if some sanity can come back to politics.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  9.   Kyna1 says:
    Posted: 10 Oct 10

    What is even considered mixed-race? My father is black/white biracial and my mother's grandfather was white. Does that make me biracial or does it only depend upon the person's parents? Your thoughts?

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  10.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 09 Oct 10

    I think mixed raced individuals can end divisive identiy politics and Obama is a good start since he is a mixed race. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general. And also join Jon Stewart's March to restore sanity that is taking place on October 30th and see if some sanity can come back to politics.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  11.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 07 Oct 10

    I think mixed raced individuals can end divisive identiy politics and Obama is a good start since he is a mixed race. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  12.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 04 Oct 10

    Well, Obama is a good start. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  13.   kissime says:
    Posted: 28 Sep 10

    The author Joyce Maynard once said .It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't make my child reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  14.   serenity33 says:
    Posted: 26 Sep 10

    Well Obama is a good start. People get on him because they expected him to perform miracles in a short period of time but he did fantastic considering all the political obstacles he had in front of him, mainly the white male Republicans. Once more people of color take office and people of mixed races take office, I think politics will get better in general.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
  15.   brownclown says:
    Posted: 25 Sep 10

    Certainly, the growth in the mixed race population would serve to mitigate divisive politics. Who knows how many white people found it easier to vote for Obama due to the fact that he is part white. Our country has a long history of race-based voting. The mixed race population could force people to focus more on the issues.

    Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
    Reply to this comment
    • Cynamyn82 says:
      Posted: 26 Sep 10

      I would have to agree with this statement. This country is very much segregated and still needs a lot of work, but with the growth of biracial children, there amount of racism should decrease slowly, but surely.

      Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
      Reply to this comment
    • 00seven says:
      Posted: 04 Oct 10

      I’m here to officially, set the record straight. The reason the white men are attracted to the dark part of the chicken, is because they originate from us. White men will always and forever be attracted to us, the African American true blooded black women. Allow me to get a little deeper with our history. No, we are not conservative nor are we promiscuous, we just know innately how to love PROPERLY. No one on the face of this earth can EVER compare to the black woman. Did you know that our origins are of GREATNESS? Why wouldn’t you be attracted to that. I know I would. White men are attracted to us in the most elusive way. We are the Mother of all civilization, therefore cementing our birth to what you mere mortals call LIFE.

      Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
      Reply to this comment
      • lilylee says:
        Posted: 13 Oct 10

        What you are basically saying is that your race (I am ssuming black) is superior??? thats why the white men love "you" I disagree, first off, you cannot think ANY one race is superior, it makes you sound racist...

        Like or Dislike: or 0 (0)
        Reply to this comment

Advice

Find your soulmate on AfroRomance

Join Free

Coaching Testimonial

"My online love inspiration angel"

Submitted by: Patricia, USA, 21

To be honest, in the beginning, I thought it would be a waste of time. But since I've never seen a similar service in any other dating site, I decided to give it a try.

I always "thought" my profile was on point and I did not need any help to correct my page. I always had in my profile if someone is not attracted to my profile, then that's "their" loss.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!

I will never forget my first time using the Coaching Service I was introduced to my personal Dating Coach. Let me put it this way, if it was not for her I would have given up long time ago (even though I'm a new member).

She taught me so many things and gave me good advice, I did not want to stop chatting with her at all.

She opened my eyes to many possibilities when finding love. She is definitely an inspiration and I appreciate a whole lot. She is more than a Dating Coach to me; she is more of a close friend/guide to me. She is definitely my "online love-inspiration angel".

Find out more

Most Popular

Your Comments

Site links