The Study of Racialism

Wortman_J

I know we've skirted the issue here many times, however, I don't know if this question has been flat out asked; How much admixture does a person need to be considered "mixed"?......Frank, Javier Where are you? lol

BlackHaze · Experienced User Joined: 29 Dec 2004 {Posts: 114 }

I guess it just depends on your personal definition of what a mixed person is supposed to be.

According to AD Powell's philosophy, one must pass a brown paper bag test in order to be mixed Laughing

. Of course, this rule only applies to african americans(who are generally 75% african and 25% euro). But it's acceptable for a white person who's 95% european and 5%african to be labeled mixed. That's what I've learned since I've been posting on this message board.

triguy · Superuser Joined: 27 Apr 2005 {Posts: 878 }

The paper bag test is a sick relic of the Creoles and white/black mixed-race peoples who wanted to prove how much better they were than others of African ancestry because they had more white ancestry. That's pathetic. That's simply saying that white supremacy is a good thing, and creates another version of white privilege in the color caste system.

Frankly, people should be able to decide for themselves based on their ancestry what they wish to call themselves. Alexandre Dumas was mixed race but considered himself white. That was his society, his milieu.

In our age, why should anyone be able to celebrate her diverse background as she sees fit?

I've read A.D. Powell slap the label of "white mulatto" on people who considered themselves "black." These people acknowledged their mixed ancestry but self-identified as "black." Why should they not have that ability? It's just as wrong for mixed-race people to slab labels or identies on people to suit a political goal as it is for a one-dropper.

Charles Drew was a famous doctor. Phenotypically, he looked more Caucasian than African but his society considered him black and denied him equal access to education in an American medical school. His limited his choices and led Drew to attend medical school in Canada at McGill University in Montreal. What did Drew consider himself? Negro or colored as the term was used. He was proud to call himself such.

I mention Drew because I think it would be horribly wrong to label him with a "white mulatto" label since that steals from him his culture and the struggle he endured to achieve his place in life.

On the otherhand, all too often the discussion mixed-race people is Caucasian/African focused. There are lots of other mixed-race people of different combinations: Caucasian/Asian, Asian/African, Native American/African and or Caucasian. All of these people deserve a place at the table too. Suffice it to say of them don't give a damn about passing a paper bag test or having their blue veins visible.

fwsweet · Posted: Wed 08 Jun 2005 12:21 Post subject:

girlfromthenc · Mentor Joined: 27 Nov 2004 {Posts: 269 }

Well maybe the most obvious contratiction in the discussion here has been how there are so call creatures called "Mixed Whites" and "White Mulattos" and then be no such things as "light skinned Blacks" and "Black Mulattos" Laughing

There can't be one WITHOUT the other..........

chasbyrd · Guru Joined: 27 Nov 2004 {Posts: 389 } Location: NYC

MrSolo · Posted: Thu 07 Jul 2005 06:41 Post subject: