The Study of Racialism

pianoplayer111 · Wizard Joined: 16 May 2007 {Posts: 429 }

I'm puzzled by what she said, too. Sharra...you're the mother of a biracial child but you're of the opinion that those who self-identify the way they see fit are trying to separate somehow?

A sense of identity is important to all people. What I like about this site is that most people here seem to be open-minded and pretty accepting of one another. I don't see that too often in real life. As I've said here before, most of us who identify as either biracial or multiracial do so because of our experiences, families, cultures, etc. It isn't about "separating" or "denying" or "distancing" which is what many people erroneously believe.

Your child is biracial. I assume that you are, and identify with being, a Black woman. That is your identity. What if your child decides to identify not as black but instead as biracial? Will that be okay with you? Or will you feel rejected somehow? I ask because everyone's realities and perceptions differ. My experiences will definitely differ from 95% of self-identified black women and sometimes other biracial/multiracial women, too. I don't say this to distance myself from anyone...I'm stating the truth.

One of the things I notice that moderators here discourage is when people voice dissent about the self-identity of others. That, IMO, is done to keep an atmosphere of civil discussion.

pianoplayer111 · Wizard Joined: 16 May 2007 {Posts: 429 }

Oh, and "so-called" biracial people have that name because they're often of two different racial backgrounds. They/we aren't inventing names...it is simply reality.