The Study of Racialism

Liana · Guru Joined: 30 Nov 2004 {Posts: 352 }

Hi all

I am curious - those of you who are married. Has there ever been anything weird with in-laws? I mean, (a) if you married another mixie, do some of his family consider themselves black and therefore think you're weird? or (b) If you married someone "white" do they see you as non-white? Or do they see you as you see yourself? or do they see you as a variant of white? or (c0 If you married a "black" person how do they see you?

My in-laws are Cuban. Both my husband's parents are very dark. He came out light - as did his sister. His parents are much darker than I am - and his dad's hair is a little curly. I was honest with them that I am mixed with Puerto Rican, black, Anglo, Irish, and Cherokee. But there, a drop of black blood doesn't make you black - so telling them that was like telling them that I was left-handed. anyway my husband's grandmother is triguena - which usually means a little black blood but can also mean Indian blood.

They really like me and race is not an issue. My being American was an issue with his mom though, who thought all Americans are druggies - but she has warmed up to me since then. His uncle here in the states met me and told them I was a good gal. BTW his uncle is white white (Cuban) and when he met me he said I looked like those Oriente girls - Oriente in Cuba is where there are a lot of mixed bloods - mulatas and triguenas.

I'd be curious to hear your replies.

B

OTHER · Posted: Fri 12 Oct 2007 04:22 Post subject:

Hmmm, this thread is REALLY old, but how come no one ever responded?

I am married to a black man who is from New Orleans. I believe that before we were married some of his people thought I was white. I am mixed. My husband sees me as mixed and his family does too.

Luna · New User Joined: 12 Jun 2008 {Posts: 14 }

My last Mother-in-law treated me ok. Her ex-husband, my father-in-law, has only spoken to me maybe 5 times in 15 years.

My first father in-law was a short, full-lipped, black wavy haired, darkish stocky man with a thick Louisiana accent and Cajun/Creole/Irish heritage. He was a wonderful man and I loved him dearly. He died only a year prior to his son in 1992. My mother-in-law died at age 48 two weeks before I met my husband. I never knew her, but her mother, all white as far as I know, was a wonderful woman as well and terrific great-grandmother to my kids.