I love Lynn especially her role as Josephine Baker. Unfortunately, no matter how you define yourself, SOCIETY will place you in a category.

As the world confronts these and other serious challenges to survival, why add more complications by trying to reduce a living symbol of racial harmony to a checked-box identity?

Great thought however I truly believe I will never see this happen in my lifetime.

Well said!!!!!!

Well, Grace Gibson, obviously the program was not made with you in mind. It was made for us, the ones who have to go through the daily struggles of being Black In America.

I agree with Grace. I don’t see why it’s so important for someone of mixed race to have to identify with one or the other. I wish the documentary had spoken to younger people who had parents of different races. I feel like the younger generation looks at race than the older generation does.

It was interesting to see how that couple could not agree on which race their children would identify with. If their own parents could not accept them for what they are children of two different races that just may identify with both then how is the world supposed to?

Lovely! Well done Grace and I hope that readers will give it some thought.
Taken back far enough in our own individual family trees, most of us are melting pots and that for me is a wonderful thing.
My grandmother from Budapest with her dark skin and curly hair was very different in appearance than my Canadian-born grandmother with her red hair and freckles. When I look in the mirror I see them both in my reflection and can only smile at the beauty of the my own little melting pot.
I worked hard to raise my own two sons with the realization that each of us is a unique blend of all who have gone before us. That we represent the latest blend in our family and that it is something of joy and beauty. Though society would like to class my children as ‘white’ they don’t seem too stuck by that. They date young women of many heritages and I look forward to grandchildren one day who represent the next generation of our family. Beautiful, unique and ever closer to the time that we are all of one race- the human one!

As a parent of biracial children, it feels really good to read such an article. That’s exactly the way I want my children to be about their heritage: proud of both!
It is definitely unfortunate that you have to make a choice between different races. There are still a lot of administrative papers which do not have an “Other” section. Very confusing for the parents and children.
But after all, aren’t we all from Africa anyway?

Loved this . The things you are saying at 16 , are things that I as a Mid western, caucasian woman took twice as long to realize. I do believe that children of mixed race or ethnicity are able to see the common humanity that others often are blind to.
Thank you

WOW! Ms. Whitfield is one of my fave actresses and she has raised an intelligent, articulate young lady. I know she is proud of her daughter and so am I. I have mixed race relatives and friends and I have never heard it put so eloquently. You go on girl! Be yourself!

Wow. I am blown away by your deep insight at such a young age. You are blessed to have such wise and loving parents. You, young lady, will go far and do much with your life.

Grace, you are absolutely right. I watched this series for the past two nights and I was very disappointed with the negative portrayal of biracial children. Why can’t we move past forcing a child to choose which race he/she is? We as a society need to move past labels and accept that America is very diverse. We should be proud of diversity and mixed race children. There is no pure race on this planet anyway. Our bloodlines have been mixing since the dawn of man.
I am Black, and my boyfriend is White. We plan to have kids in the very near future. I know when they are confronted with ignorant individuals in their daily lives, they will have the tenacity and self esteem to withstand everything. We as people need to get over our diabolical need to categorize people and focus on the content of their character.

Interesting yet an ideal that can create division

I agree with Grace well said, couldn’t have said it better myself. I feel that the matters of race are just a waste of time. Why focus on the difference, which are not much, and forces more on the common ground. No matter what color your skin is or the language you speak…we are all human. We all have the same concept of life and family…to live and love. The world is not perfect but why contribute to what “society” thinks and live by their standards…let’s educate more our common interest so this segregation won’t continue.
I’m not black nor I’m white…I’m an American, with a Hispanic culture (white and Spanish). I’m proud of where my family has come from and the little difference of my culture but that does not define who I am as a person. What define me is how I carry myself, what I have done with my life, and how I treat people. That shows people who I am… a loving person. If you really think of it no one is really a pure race…if you’re American and did your research you’ll find someone on in your family tree is a different race.
Sadly, I have seen in my generation, our properties are not set in the correct order. Let’s make this a better world and learn from our history…let the following generation live in peace and grace.
We all have the same color blood running thru our veins… we are a human race. This is what needs to preached.

That’s what I was saying in an earlier post and was quickly put down for it by two other bloggers. Thank you for eloquently making the point that I was trying to make. You are a beautiful AMERICAN.

Apparently everyone is missing the point. Interracial marriage and children is just a minute part of this program. I believe it was to highlight the problems of those who know, believe and state that they are black americans. For those who don’t believe they belong to either only the white race or only the black race. You don’t identify with the black race so….this is not for you!

You could suggest CNN doing a piece on what it feels like to be of mixed heritage. There you go.

As a white mother of a blended child, I couldn’t be any more affected by Ms. Gibson’s comments. Her parents must be so incredibly proud that she is comfortable in her own skin.

My son was in the 2nd grade when his teacher told him he was African-American. He had no clue what that meant. The only thing he knew was that his dad was black, mom was white and he was brown. He was perfectly content in knowing that. I answered a thousand questions on what being “African-American” meant without any actual knowledge. His father is a marginal figure in his life.

I was trying to figure out if we were passed that the other week when I asked whether he thought Obama was more black or white. He shrugged his shoulders and thought for a minute, then he asked me if Oobama was married to a black woman or white woman. I told him his wife is black. He asked if he had kids. He then told me Obama is black because his kids are black. Originally I thought it was a weird answer but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that in his own 8-yr old way he was telling me it wasn’t about what anyone else said or thought. Racial identity is a personal and private, but it is not nor should it be what defines a human being.

Geri, why the hostility? I think Grace was expressing a very mature and thoughtful commentary on her experience as a mixed-race child. She makes an excellent argument for recognizing the common humanity in all of us. So why antagonize? She did not demean the struggles of racial minorities or mixed-race people, yet chose instead to focus on the positive — that she embraces both cultures of which she is a part.

In my humble opinion, the negativity is what is such a huge obstacle. Here’s to hoping that we can all be a little bit more like Grace — focusing on the positive!

I agree with TESAP; SAVANNAH, GA. It is true. Depending mostly on the hue of your complexion, society WILL categorize you. YOU may not accept their categorization, but their initial attitude towards you will be determined by how dark you are. Thus, the many mixed-race people of lighter skin tone often find little difficulty in being accepted by whites. Those that are “light-damned near white” can even “pass” as white. Other mixed-race people of darker skin are treated just like any other full-blooded black person (if there IS such a thing in America). Strangely many people of India in this country are often much darker than their black cousins, but are treated as “honorary” white folk! I wonder why? In any case, Lynn and her daughter Grace are both beautiful people. I completely agree with her that at some point we must begin to think of each other simply as fellow “Americans”. After all,what threahens one from abroad threatens us all. We all realized the tremendous unity, as Americans, during the Oklahoma bombing and during 9/11. It’s so sad that it takes a catastrophic event to pull us together.

This young lady really has heart. I too, experience that dilemma daily. I am the child of two African American parents. As fate would have it, my complexion is whiter than most Caucasians, yet I feel great pride in my Race, which I proudly claim to be African American. In an ideal world, we would just be “Americans”; unfortunately we do not live in an ideal world. We should all make a concerted effort to work to dispel the myths and stereotypes that have long existed to disparage the hopes and dreams of African Americans. This responsibility lies within each one of us to make sure that our children value who they are, and to the extent possible, ensure that we work as volunteers in our communities to help other children who may not be as fortunate.

I am a mutt and I’m darn proud of it. I can see in the near future that we will all become a melting pot of pure healthy and beautiful humans. Every day I see more and more mixed couples and their beautiful children and it makes me smile.

I myself am mixed with Indian, American Indian, Black, Scottish, and Chinese and my Husband is white of European descent. Pure bloods are slowly but surely vanishing out of existence. Can’t you see the more we mix the better chance we have to survive.

This subject as always been a sensitivesubject to talk about. Especially in the Black community, but everyone and I do mean everyone is part of the America “melting pot.” No one is just in one category because everyone is or have relatives that is biracial and even triracial if you look further in your family tree.
But to actually see people getting along like Dr. Martin Lurther King wanted will again take time to heal.

I was inspired by the strength and courage that Grace portrayed. Having watched many of Lynn’s movies, I can see she got some of that from her mother. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that Barak Obama identifies himself as a black man - not biracial. Society sees Obama as a black man even though he is biracial. I also remember reading that Halle Berry’s mom told her in no uncertain terms that she is a black woman. The problem lies not with the parents but with the society at large. In the past the black culture was more willing to embrace biracial kids than the white culture. In fact, I have not heard of any biracial child that was accepted in the white culture as white. It is indeed a matter of acceptance. In Jamaica where I am from we are almost all biracial but we have one culture - we are all Jamaicans. We eat the same food, love the same music and attend the same churches. I am sure that with time and vigilance, biracial children like Grace will probably change the minds of many; however, I believe society has to first recognize that we are all Americans. Whether we are black, white, brown, yellow or some mixture of the above we are all Americans. Only then will we have a true melting pot in this country.

Look at those eyes, those smiles, that figures! What color did you say they were? (:+P
———–
Some women in Thailand take pills at night to ‘make themselves whiter’ and ‘whitening cream’ is a huge seller along with talcum powder, which they splash on.
They all adore the King over there. He should come out and outlaw these ‘whitening’ attempts. They love him and his skin color; they should be just as happy with their own.

Grace-

You have said it all. Be proud of who you are - all of who you are. Raise your children well, and concentrate on universal matters -HIV/AIDS, children that need help or medical care, wherever they are

I would say you should run for president, but you seem far too smart for the job…..

Again it seems to be an issue of complexion and not race. Race is the issue and no matter how much discussion the real idea is not producing anything fruitful. There are enough dark people in this world to frieghten those who may not want to see them make to many stands and movements toward social, political, and economical progress. Mixing races is a way of trying to break down a world class of mainly a dark race of individuals who will be demised even further into second class citizenship. Yes, biracial people have been the “American” exception to the extent of a mafia blood dipping kind of agreement. Although the many dark leaders who were realist such as Malcolm X back from a world visit saw different. This is a time of revolution where the western (not American or even French) power structure is under attack even from ranks within its power structure. So Obama is the one who will unite the nations again under this blunder. Let’s face a real black man no matter how dark or light his complexion is a threat to this nation.

I think your insight was great; however the fact that you were able to write your thoughts for CNN and have a picture and blog attached too it shows you come from a different world than those who do endure prejudices from the black and white race.

A little insight for you….
Please know how blessed you are NOT to hear comments like “Oreo” or proper white #$^& or you talk white, you must think your white. Be glad you are not being judged before you even open your mouth because you have curl long hair and light skin and that automatically means you are stuck up. Continue to grow in your “the world is beautiful” spirit, love life and be you. Because IF these things occur later in life, you will want to look back on how you think and feel right now and that will have to be your saving grace.
Take it from someone who knows
.

.

most biracial Blacks view themselves as Black for good reasons. We were regarded as 3/5 human, Whites, comprising the dominant culture view biracial children as black, and scientifically speaking, Black genetics are dominant. In all fairness, if a biracial person does not consider themselves Black, I say more power to them. The African American world should stop trying to celebrate famous biracial people that have voiced there dissidence with the racial characterization of being Black. We should stop celebrating them in Jet magazine, etc….they have every right to be mixed. As for Barack Obama, it is clear that he is a Black man…his Black genetics are dominant and his disposition is clearly that of a Black man…that is what he identifies with and rightly so!!….And he is more than qualified to run America!!!

You wrote from your heart and did an outstanding job. I always respected your mother as well. I am of mixed ancestry (black, white, native american Indian) and have experienced a great deal as to everyone else’s perception. Those of us with light/white skin, straight/curly hair get just as much abuse from blacks as whites. While we have been exposed to the ideal that is a “legacy of equality”, it is often looked upon with disdain. Many wish to uphold the old ideas of racial superiority, whites as well as blacks. I applaud any who stand up and identify as they wish without respect to societal pressures. This is a positive view of life that is cognizant of the inherent desire we have for an acceptance devoid of ambiguity. Unfortunately, many do not look for a positive viewpoint as to our relative position as individuals and not representations of race or ethnicity. We need to constantly recognize that an increasingly positive view of our own image has power. Everyone must also understand that seeking to denigrate others only diminishes who we all are as individuals and collectively as human beings. You are developing a wisdom that belies your age. I applaud your growth and wish you much by way of understanding and success. Say hi to your mom for me. She always has reflected an inner dignity evocative of timelessness and grace.

Most integrated black folks are many years disconnected from the black community. The seperation breeds a neo-notions of identity, a sort of inclusive-exclusive atitude. I hear a many blacks saying they are mixed with this and that, especially if the mixture is not black, they are quick to accept it. If the male genes can be traced to the San bushmen of Africa and the female can be traced to ancient tribe in Kenya, I don’t hear anyone claiming to be part bushmen? Lynn’s daughter is bright and beautiful, however, a new race of people in America, we don’t need.

Thank You Grace!!!! h Im in full agreement. I just also want to state that perhaps it is the world that we live in that more children no longer fit the identity box. More and more families have become a large specture of the rainbow. I think the most troubling part about our country is our desire to want to belong to a certain ethnicity rather than belonging to the United States of America. I thought that was what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream…..

Daniel
I disagree, I am biracial and I dont identify myself as black. I am just ME!!!!!!!!!!! Well said Grace, you go girl….

Grace Gibson’s comments reflect a person who understands the multi-cultural tapestry of today’s America and embraces true integration rather than separation.

Should a muti-cultural Barack Obama be elected President, I would suggest he find a position for the articulate, intelligent and grounded Ms. Gibson.

After watching last night’s feature “The Black Man,” the recurring theme seemed to be a lack of role models for black men to embrace.

Unfortunately, it seemed that for every positive example the show displayed, it was balanced out with a negative view of a black man.

The show had 120 minutes that might have been better utilized outlining the successes of Robert L. Johnson, Colin Powell and Clarence Thomas; surely all people could learn a thing or two.

The media asked if the American public was ready for a black President; after meeting Rev. Wright and after hearing Jesse Jackson, the appropriate question might be: is the black community ready to reach it’s potential?

I completely understood this beautiful young woman’s point of view. However, the reality is that if you have a drop of ‘black blood’ you are considered black by society. Unless you are able to ‘pass.’ I do believe that perception shapes reality and until the perceptions of those who make up this country and this world begin to reflect this young woman’s perception, the harsh reality is that you can’t choose a race, it has already been predetermined.

Very impressive ideals from one who has had many advantages i.e., receiving the best education by having the opportunity to attended the private schools, living in a beautiful and safe neighborhood, having both parents within your life, opportunities to travel has allowed you to broaden you perspectives, etc. All of which, you certainly deserve because, your mother has paid her dues. However, you are any example of what every parent wants their child to be. I certainly agree with what you wrote. However, it is always to easy to have a positive outlook if you have not been a victim of racism. Not to say you haven’t! I just think it’s hard to sell this to those who are doing the right thing everyday and are unable to get the job they want, individuals who get passed over for promotions, having been prevented from making a purchase because you came into the store just before closing and you are accused of writing a bad check, being stopped by the police and your date questioned, “are you being held against your will?” simple because she is not black. The question I would like answered is, “Why does the color of my skin intimidate White America? I also understand the pschology of those groups who are impotent in their own selfworth and confidence who find the need degrade and oppress others in order to feel good about themselves. Because I do not want to fall prey, I armor myself everyday before I walk out of the house by checking off my list by making sure I have such weapons of defence as, self confidence, alertness, cautiion, and eyes and ears open at all times! Throughtout the day, I am guarded until I reach my residence at the end of the day. It is unfortunate that I have to live my life this way.

Absolutely true. My children are bi-racial and proud of it. I have to relate a cute story that literally shaped the way I raised my bi-racial children.

Over 20 years ago when my son was a baby, I was at the grocery store and the teenager that was bagging groceries offered to help me take them to my car.

As we were walking out, he asked me if my baby was mixed. The question kind of surprised me, and I just said ‘yes’. He got a big smile on his face and said “That’s why he’s so cute …. just like me!”

As we walked to the car, he proudly told me his life story about how his parents met and how lucky he is to have two cultures, and other people who aren’t mixed are so boring…

That “teenager” is probably 40 years old by now, and he will never know the impact he made on one of his customers. After that conversation, I knew that I had to raise my children the same way his parents had raised him.

Pride and self-esteem begins in the home and when a child has that, he can handle whatever he has to face in the outside world.

All these years later, I still think about that kid. I really should have given him a tip

I have 4 children, 2 are fair in complexion and 2 dark, when my eldest went to high school for the first time in Louisiana she was told she is not allowed to talk to dark skin black or whites .

I immediatley call the school and advise the principal and my daughter we are one people one nation and have one destiny( to be the best that we can be and to love other as we love ourselves)

Neither am I, I’m and American. If we stop using terms like “Black congressional caucus” and “Black entertainment TV” and other such nonsense, perhaps we will all come togther. Stop dividing YOURSELVES.

Grace, well said. I read a few of the comments to your posts and there seems to be a wide variety of positions ranging from either extreme. We are suffering from those extremes because many of us are focused on them. The more sensible, reasonable and common-sensed positions don’t exist at the extremes. Were common sense more common, many of our ills, race not withstanding, wouldn’t exist. I really appreciate your fervor and level headed view on this issue. Your parents have done a great job.

My wife and I are parents of 6 bi-racial children. I hate referring to my children as ‘bi-racial’ but for the sake of this comment I’ll…never mind! My wife and I are of Mexican American and mixed black heritage, respectively. My hope for my children is that they continue down the track of becoming whole and confident individuals without any confusion concerning who they are. I tell them that ‘what they are’ is defined by ‘who they are’. I can’t imagine raising a family of confused children. My kids are constantly asked “what are you?” which irritates me. Trouble is, they usually get that question from the young black students more often than from any other race of people. We have taught them not to be framed by what others think, whether others think or not. Our children are defined by their understanding of WHO they are and not the way they look. Our children are also fortified by our unwavering love and support which makes a huge difference.

My children have also suffered from threats of violence like girls threatening to cut my daughter’s hair at school. Very young children (second and third graders) trying to use dark brown markers or black markers on my daughters to color them. Also being threatened with physical violence. Sometimes they are not Mexican enough and others times they are not black enough. I tell them they are more than enough and to remain true to who they are. You are correct Grace, you all are melting pots and walking symbols of love. Keep your head up because you can be an example for my girls!!!

This argument is tedious and I understand that for some, necessary. The more we focus on who we are as individuals, the less we allow ourselves to be framed by our complexion. I believe that and I live it.

Again, loved the post!

I married into the black community in 1979 and have 11 children(his=7,mine=1,ours=3); 26 grand/great children and was accepted warmly by my inlaws. Things weren’t always so easy with my family. I can remember my dad saying, “well you know there may be some family gatherings you may not be invited to”. This from a man who had taught me that ALL people were equal! There never was a family gathering that my family wasn’t invited to participate in on my side. I still remember the hullabaloo that my mother raised when my black music teacher brought me home from Saturday music lessons in 6th grade, that teacher’s name was Cyril Paul, a famous musician, She was afraid I was going to grow up and marry a “black man”. Well mom, I did! I found my “soul” mate, and the love I found has seen me through the rest of my days. I lost this wonderful, loving man to alcoholism when our 3 were in 1st and 2nd grade. But now I have a wonderful blended family and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I tried to impart a pride in themselves as “special”, an entrepenurial spirit to find their own way in the world, to get their education, to reach for the stars and that they can/could be anything they wanted to be. They’ve had their struggles, but what person doesn’t! I’m only able to make it back to Minnesota every 2 years now but to see all the “children” , close as a family,working together, keeping in touch and helping each other through their struggles would make their father proud. 6 blended families, 5 different mothers, it took some doing, but it can be done. There was enough love to go around. Where there’s a will, there is a way and never lose sight of the prize at the end!

Bless you, Grace! I am so pleased to know that there continues, in yet another generation, to be those of us who know what “mixed” truly means. I am multi-racial/ethnic (black, white, native american born of an American father and French mother).

So many of the comments I have seen posted in other sections of this blog (as well as the general portrayal in this documentary series) regarding bi-racial people have been so disappointing and downright infuriating.

I, like you, don’t consider myself white or black because I am both. In my 40 years, I have experienced racism from both white and black (for simply being part black and for not being black “enough”) and had I chosen to identify with one or the other, I certainly would have developed into a confused soul.

My parents raised me to be a decent, productive human being–always acknowledging all of my “parts”–recognizing that my color/ethnicity is not what makes me whole.

I only wish that those of us who share these beliefs could outnumber those that continue trying to place us into homogeneous categories and those that choose to live in those “boxes.”

This garbage is pure CNN Racism at its best. When are we going to have Hispanic in America, Asian in America, White in America, Islamic in America, Indian (Dot-not-Feather) in America, Cherokee in America and the list goes on. Ask yourself one simple question. . . What is CNN’s agenda behind this “story”? I’m sure there is an end point which CNN desires.

Here, here!

Ms. Whitfield and her husband have raised a very bright and well rounded daughter. My hats off to them…and to Grace!

Not only extremely intelligent and insightful, but wonderfully well-written for a 16-year-old. Grace has a very bright future.

I so agree. American is not a race. It is a nationality. I am half Italian and 1/4 austrian 1/4 swedish. But born in USA. People label me white. We need to just dump all the “labels”. I listen all the time to the labeling and I just want to scream. I hear people say Jewish-American and think, isn’t Jewish a religion?

How you live your life will define who you are, not your color or national origin.

My brother and I are white. We each married people of other races/ethnicities. All of our children and step children are of various mixed back grounds. Each and every one of them checks off all the applicable boxes in the many forms we are forced to fill out. White, White Hispanic or White Latino (neither of which is actually fitting for South Americans, btw), Black, Native American and Asian. They are nothing less than the sum of all their ancestors. We don’t ask them to choose. We value each and all. Too bad society is so slow to catch up. Brava, young lady! You are well named.

I wholeheartedly agree with everything said. My family is composed of asians, hispanics, black and white folks. They are the best of the best. We are family! That’s all that counts!

I think that very well sums it up. I only wish more people in America could stop focusing on their complexions in the mirror and start focusing on our common challenges in the world. Biases will only change when attitudes change. That starts with the individual. As individual attitudes change, so will society’s collective attitude change. Lead, and the world will follow.

Enough! Why do you have to highlight one race over another..why can’t we be americans? Why does it have to still be a Black and White thing…. Will you ever do a story about the difficulties that a White man has america today…. as a white man you have to compete with laws that make things un-”equal”. We are americans and that is the way it should be treated instead of a black and white issue….

Well put, well said.

It’s amazing how so much racial tension comes from people who are older, when the young peole are really moved/moving past the issue of race and are just being people.

Very well said. I am the mother of a biracial son and have another child on the way. I can only pray in my lifetime more people think like this young lady. Society’s eyes however, are what they are, but with people like her and the way I’m raising my son, hopefully that will change.

Shouldn’t race be considered by the family involved and leave the rest of us out of it? These are their choices. I thought the piece was fine. Why should it fit into a nice little box that expresses all viewers expectations. It is A viewpoint and a very interesting one.

I loved what you had to say about your mixed heritage. It is exactly how I feel about myself and how i was raised by my parents (African American and Caucasian). I am proud to be biracial and would not want to have it any other way.

“There is only one race — the human race” — someday the citizens of this world will realize and truly believe that.

Well said - but I have one question: if Tiger Woods’s mother is Thai, why is he called black? If Obama’s mother was white, why is he black? Does the non-black community ever have a say?

When my niece was 7 years old, a woman told her what a pretty girl she was. My niece answered, “that’s because my daddy’s white and my mommy’s black.” She thinks her two races make her beautiful, and I’m proud of that, and proud of her. Thanks for writing this, Grace!

very nicely written, and much needed in our society. Thank you for sharing!

Out of the mouth of babes. Its a great point but I’m afraid it won’t come to fruition if society continues to adapt ignorance. We need to embrace the positive more and not the negative

Grace,
Such an eloquent and positive young lady. As the parent of 2 bi-racial children one son and a daughter I try to give them positive images of all races. My son who is 8 told me he told his classmates I am white and black and I am the best of both. It is difficult enough for children of all races to be categorized and singled out for what ever reason. I want my daughter to have a strong positive image of who she is and my son is engaged whenever Barak Obama speaks. It is time for all of us to accept people for who they are regardless of race. As a black woman who was raised in an integrated community I have had my share of racism. It does not define me, nor have I allowed it to stop me from doing anything I want. I hope and pray that my children will be a successful part of the melting pot where we all come together as human beings. Still, decades after Martin Luther King’s dream speak, we cannot come together as people to help one another. I am saddened by those of all races who refuse to look beyond the skin surface you may just be the most remarkable person you may ever meet. But you will never know because your hate will always keep you from being truly free. Thank you Grace, and thanks to your parents who are making sure you have a clear direction. May your future be very bright.

Beautifully said Grace Whitfield! Lynn you should pat yourself on the back for raising such a lovely, intelligent daughter. I am the mother of a 6 year old mixed race child and I am printing your statement out to read to her when the time comes for questions. Thank you for putting your take on the special out there!

There ARE many of us in this world you ARE able to look past race, who DON’T have a “check-box mentally”, and who want to be heard. The problem is that there are a minority of people in this world (on both sides of the racial divide) who won’t allow us to get past this because they continue to throw the issue of race into our collective faces. This current CNN programming is just a minor illustration of the point.

And as far as being a living symbol of racial harmony — unfortunately Grace the real legacy of miscegenation in America were people of “mixed race” who were produced by rape and oppression.

Please acquaint yourself with the history of multi-racial relationships in this country. They have not always been positive and harmonious!!!!

Surely your African-American mom told you about all this — right?

Race is a problem in our country and we can’t devote enough time in seeking to understand one another from whatever race, religion or background we may come from.

That being said, much of what I have seen in CNN’s articles and documentaries has an overriding theme of guilting white america for the difficulties of black america. There may very well be some merit to some of the arguments that have been made. Without question racism exists, however guilting one population for the difficulties of another has the opposite impact from what is intended. I don’t want to be told I’m a racist simply because I’m white, that is the exact mentaility we are trying to get away from. We have to find another mechanism to make things better, guilt is not the answer.

Thank God! This Black in America series and segment have screamed to me of tokenism and opportunism. And I have found the reporting to be eerily creepy in the ways photos have been posted on the front page, (low quality, taken looking like mug shots).

As a bi-racial person, I felt completely excluded from this conversation, and when mentioned, it seemed as if people like me were still the same fear you saw in Dixon’s Birth of America.

I appreciate this article, and I wish people understood what it means to be bi-racial. Maybe they would stop asking Obama if he is “too white” or “too black” which are questions predicated in the inability of people to know or understand at all that he’s neither, he’s both.

The vast majority of blacks in America are of “mixed race,” of some sort or another. Hence, our different hues.

So, she is no different than any other of us.

Race, is a social/political construct, not a biological one.

Being black has nothing to do with the color of your parents.

As an Afro-Caribbean woman who just married a white man, I agree with Grace’s statements. The short segment about interracial marriages and biracial segment had a negative tone and was not at all what I was expecting. When my husband and I have kids we’re going to raise them to appreciate both of their cultures– we’re not going to raise them as one OR the other.It’s not about focusing on picking one race or heritage over the other as much as it is about being proud of both as they will benefit from both.

That segment of the show could just as well have been left out, it was so superficially done.

It might also help in losing the stereotype if people would stop refering to themselves as “African-American” and just be an American. Most who use this term are not from Africa. Others don’t refer to themselves as “Irish-American” or “Chinese-American” so why is it always “African-American”? Just curious.

After reading Betina commnet, it reminds me of a friend who when asked her race, she answered “HUMAN”.

WELL SAID!! Grace Gibson has a great head on her shoulders. Her parents did a beautiful job raising her!

I believe that most Americans of African decent have some form of miscegenation in their bloodline. It is unfortunate that skin color is an issue in this country. We are so divided in our communities based on this concept. The grim reality of this country is that you are black. You are judge on how you look and not on your heritage. My great grand father was white. I am black.

Unfortunately, race does play an important in genetics and science. While, generally, a check box is not the best method to define individuals (because that is what we indeed are) it IS helpful in identifying persons who may need to be followed differently in a medical setting. A white male at 40 might not need to worry about prostate cancer (the second most lethal cancer among men in the US) however, a black male (albeit in the same shape and health as the previous man) might seriously consider beginning checkups as this particular disease is has been found to affect black males earlier, and sometimes more aggressively.

We should not be limited to a box; however, we must also not forget our genetic components as they are very real.

Grace, your essay was as eloquent and well written as your mother is an actress/mother (kudos Lynn!). Bravo to you for watching and absorbing the information for what it is. Your documentary on being blended, too, shall be told. I don’t believe it should stop here. There is much to learn about all of us on this planet that we share. My only snicker is to the remark that we “will become” blended….child, we already are! That’s the unfortunate reason why we must understand this series…we are one, but we create a divisiveness that oppresses all ethnic/cultural groups. That is what must end. Bravo CNN!

I enjoyed reading this article, excellent job! I think other people in high positions in this country could learn so much from people like Grace! Pay attention!

Darling, your point is well taken and it would be wonderful if the whole world saw it that way, but the reality that we live in, people are just not going to view it that way. I am not saying it will never happen, but it will probably be generations on top of generations before people view it the way you have written about. Honey, this has been going on since the bible days and unfortunately it probably will not be fixed until we hang up these bodies and meet in heaven, but there is nothing wrong with continuing to hope.

I would hope that everyone would agree that it is time to let ALL PEOPLE speak for themselves. How little and belittling it is to have to define one’s self in order to accommodate another’s ignorance. Grace, you’ve done your mother, your father, and yourself proud in presenting a well-reasoned and well-lived position. Thank you.

Ms. Whitfield, as much as I’ve always admired your acting work, my respect for you as a mother has surpassed even that standard. Thank you, too.

Grace, we totally understand your point but face it…..your birth certificate says black, not mixed race.

what Grace said is wonderful and would work in a perfect world but we live in america and in america one drop of black blood makes you black.
Not to mention that american blacks are all mixed. we may not be able to look right at our white part but we are all mixed with mostly european blood.
so until we have a perfect world we will always be just black in society.

Thanks Geri for your totally selfish comment. It’s all about you I guess. Can’t you for one moment give this young lady some credit for a well written article? I guess Grace doesn’t have any struggles.

I understand being proud of heritage and thankful to those that came before or made us what we may have become, but I think it is important to always look at the individual. If the person is a blend of two or to many to count races is less important than what that person is now.
There are no people without contributing factors of one form or another from multiple cultures, races, or enviorment. This is what makes for the best possible human, and yes the worst also, but one should never assume a person is anything without knowing that person.

It is amazing and refreshing to read a piece like this and realize that the “next generation” truly has the answers to issues that our parents could not understand. I am encouraged that change is truly taking place and it is for the better. It is in pieces like this where the following lyrics reflect reality - ” I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.”

Kudos to the Gibson / Whitfield family! Job well done!

Grace is wise beyond her years. As a multi-racial American, I too agree that I am neither black nor white. However, I do understand it takes time to learn how to live in a world that wants to categorize you. But they will learn. I certainly had ups and downs as a child, but I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to be multi-racial. The number thing I learned from both my black and white families is this- we’re all the same.

Bi-racial children should not have to say whether they are black or white, but one thing to think about, bi-racial children have been considered black for many years. There are still many families that does not except a child being mixed. Yes, in this day in age it is ok to be grateful for being black and white, but Grace also comes from a family that is very wealthy. She has nothing to fear, except what color car to pick out. Think of those children who is teased because of the color of their skin. You ask my children what color they are they will tell you black and white, but I do think it is important for them to know their history and whether they like it or not society will consider them black.

As a young man of mixed racial background of anglo-saxon (my caucasian ancestors trace back to the Mayflower) and Chinese ancestry, I do appreciate a wider recognition of “mixed” background as I define and explore my own racial identity. Mixed race discussions today are beginning to go beyond the traditional caucasian and African-American identification. Nevertheless, I can still identify with many of the issues that come up when looking at the issue from that typical perspective. I also recognize the reasons for the African American community’s ownership of Barack Obama’s racial identity, but he is a man of mixed race and I am proud to share that identity. Regardless of whether or not his mixed identity gets wider recognition, I think a Barack Obama Presidency would certainly advance the dialogue surrounding mixed race and increase the awareness and acceptance of this identity for people of multiple racial backgrounds.

Lynn Whitfield has raised an awesome young lady in Grace, she will go far. As white parents, we work every day to ensure that our children are not concerned with color or speech, but sensitive and supportive to the many cultures that comprise this connected world they are inheriting.

I have always loved Ms. Whitfield, but now I have a new respect for her after reading Grace’s comments. I commend her for providing a lifestyle for her child that would enable her to communicate such passionate thoughts and emotions as articulately as she did. It is good to see that some families with biracial children have resolved some of the questions and concerns that other families are still plagued with. I am proud of Grace for expressing her beliefs so confidently and passionately. I agree with her mother- I do believe a young activist is on the horizon. Much love and respect to both ladies! Novelist, Jewel Taylor.

Geri, What do mean by “program was not made with you in mind. It was made for us”? Grace Gibson is black… Her daughter is bi–racial. The article talks about bi-racial issues as well. You need to read the article more thouroughly before embarassing yourself and the rest of “us” with your uninformed, divisive statements.

—————-
Well, Grace Gibson, obviously the program was not made with you in mind. It was made for us, the ones who have to go through the daily struggles of being Black In America.

Grace,
Very well said, you have the best of both worlds!

It is indeed heartwarming that a young lady has so much foresight about life than many of us who are years older. Grace struck on th right note when she stressed on the importance of self-esteem and self-confidence. It is the lacking of these two important atributes that result in the need to identify as being white, black , etc. We all have the same needs and aspirations in life regardless of color. The less we identify ourselves as white, black , etc. the more “barriers” will break.

I think Grace is an obviously intelligent girl. And yes, there is some work to do disolving the differences between the races and those who may have issues being born from two different races. Although she is reared by two sides of the spectrum of color, the segment was on “BLACK IN AMERICA”. The bi-racial history (talking black and white) is not as long running or yet as deep as African American and Caucasian American. This MUST be dealt with FIRST

.

Grace, finally someone with the good sense to say what really matters, being an American. Color is only a small fraction of what we are, who we are and what we can be, only small minds and cruel intentions separate some one from enjoying a life full of love, pride and a future full of possibilities. you make me proud to be an American! Keep that attitude and you will never be disappointed. I’m sure your parents are basking in the glow of pride for what they and God have created in you.

I agree with Grace Gibson, the parents of bi-racial children did focus too much on racial identity. For me those days are past or very much need to be. I always tick “other” when a form ask me to identify myself racially. Whose business is it anyway? If you can’t see, or know me, don’t try to label me.

What a well articulated comment by a sixteen year old!! That just goes to show the positive side - she has not fallen under some of the negative things that were talked about on the documentaries.

I am a white mother of two beautiful mixed race boys (their father is from Africa) and this comment is testimony to what I hope my boys with think and believe when they are the same age. I do worry all the time that society will only place them in the “black” category - the good and the bad that comes with that label. I want them to have the freedom to be whoever they are and not be placed into a certain category - and your comment just makes me believe that if my husband and I give them the right tools they will be whoever they are and will love both races and cultures that they are mixed from. I really hope that we along with society can change certain things to become a more open, accepting and successful world.

I agree with Grace. I’m tired of having to answer to forms where you are either caucasian, black, hispanic, etc. They say that this is done to give opportunities to minorities, but I want to obtain something based on my accomplishments, not on my race, religion, etc. I am who I am, regardless of my race, religion, gender, etc. I was given a name when I was born and that is how I want to be identified. If we want to stop racism in this or any other country, we have to stop classifying people, like Hitler did.

Why do we have to identify with any race, religion, region or looks? Why can’t we be identified for what we are as a person, without being associated with any of the above classes of stereotypes? I think it is because we are not patient and want to figure everything out quickly, so that we can feel better. As little as we all know about anything, despite the pretentions and wild assumptions, this impatience is the root cause of all this confusion.

What an amazingly coherent and articulate piece of writing from one so young! Kudos to Grace and her parents.

She has articulated many of my own feelings about Obama’s candidacy and message remarkably well. Racial discrimination needs to end in this country, and the only way to end it is to bring it to the surface and face it. We’ve hidden it too well for too many years, while giving lip-service to the subject.

BTW, I’m a 65-year-old white woman who was raised in the Jim Crow south but didn’t listen to the messages I heard from my environment. I’ve always preferred to think for myself.

You can be “gray”, insofar as it’s anybody’s business what your race is.

I would like to commend this young woman for her comments. Also I would like to point out that the Black in America series is not just for “Blacks” in America. This series is providing information for all people, as it should.
As the parent to three multi-cultural children (I am white and my husband is African American), I feel strongly about the issue that Ms. Gibson raises. I do not say to my children that they must identify with their white side or their black side. My husband and I have raised them to be strong individuals. In the future if they choose to identify with one over the other, that is their choice. This issue appears to be of bigger concern to everyone else and not the kids at all. I cannot tell you how many times I have had one of my daughters come home from school and say that the kids are asking them if they are white or black. Why does it matter, it does not make them who they are! As for now, we are a multi-cultural family.

Further, on that note I personally do not care for the term “mixed” or bi-racial. We are all of the Human Race, and we need to start to care for each other as citizens of America.

One day growing up on a farm in Iowa, My father and I were doing the proverbial “leaning on the fence” and reviewing his stock of animals. I asked him why he would always breed from two different kinds of the same animal instead of raising purebred stock. His answer was, “Because the hybrids are stronger, healthier in general, and, therefore, more productive.”

He went on say that many of the founding fathers were farmers as well and maybe they thought the same for the human animal. Based on what he said, my niece, who is German, African American, Cherokee, Dakota Souix (my father’s mother is rumored to be hald Dakota Souix), Irish, and French is probably purebred American.

They say we are having difficulty rediscovering our identity. To me, its
simple: we are the world rolled into one.

Good job, Grace! You are black, you are white, you are biracial… and, unrelated to all of the above, you are a really good writer! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and affirmations. I hope you continue to explore avenues for your writing and public commentary. Take a tip from an older woman, though — if you do pursue writing, don’t do it as a personal blog, do something where you get paid for it!

Grace, we never asked anyone to choose white folks did. Who said 1% black blood makes you black. It sure wasn’t us.
No human should have to be ashamed of who she or he is. If they’re bi, tri or multi racial the important thing is who they are as people.
I have bi racial family members and it doesnt mean any thing to me they are family no matter where there parents are born.
Humans really need to come to grips with the race thing because it has really gotten old. If it had not been for people of all races you would still be living in caves. In short read a book and learn of all contribution to the health and welfare of this country, i’m sure alot of you will be surprised.

Society will categorize you, so long as the categories remain, but the old categories of white and non-white are challenged by the increasing numbers and social power of people who do not fit neatly into the boxes, and particularly so at the present moment by the possibility that the next President could be biracial. Current popular interest in this topic of discussion is part of the process by which society re-considers and re-defines (in its various consciousnesses) what, if anything, the concept of race means for the futrue.

Bottom lines:
1. A huge shortage in desirable Black men has forced Black women to resort to dating and marrying out of their race.
2. Society can sense that the historical relationship between Black men and white women is pathological. White females are obsessed with Black men. Thus stirring up the wrath of white men.

BTW, once Black men have been with white females, many Black women look at Black men as damaged goods.

What has Lynn taught this kid? Obviously not very much. Of course she is mixed and neither black or white. However, the fact is that the majority of the people in this country will see her as being black. Since that is the case she will be treated accordingly.

Wow! 16 years old? Grace is not white or black or bi racial…she is amazing She is the future of this country…the largest melting pot in the world. How proud her mother and father should be of this young woman they have raised so well. Race is not an issue in life…it is a needed identity genetically at times and for the census takers. Does anyone esle really care?

Outstanding statement by Grace! My all-white family is friends with a mixed couple. We don’t think of their children as white, black, or mixed, because we don’t think of their parents as black and white. All of them are individuals, and we appreciate them for who they are.

I think it is wonderful that Grace has the perspective that she does. I can absolutely relate (my boys are third generation mixed children). However not everyone (myself, not so much my boys) are often forced to choose. Growing up my mother and father’s sides of the family did not approve of one another and all too many on my mother’s side did not approve of her husband and children. As a child I remember those instances and they very much contributed to a conflicted sense of identity.

Despite that I have always relished my mixed heritage because it allows me to relate to multiple sides (and sometimes none at all). I enjoy very much being part of this great melting pot and slowly sliding away from some of our darker history in this country.

Amen! I totally agree….I despise the “check box” mentality of our society. My daughter is black and white. Period. She shouldn’t have to choose one or the other. I am white/Irish and her dad is black/Ethiopian. She embraces both cultures, her heritages and ethnicities. She is very proud to be of mixed race.

THANK YOU!! Finally somebody who gets it! I am the mother of 3 beautiful bi-racial children, and I tell my oldest as I will tell the 2 younger ones, that they are bi-cultural. They should be proud to represent two heritages. It seems that people who are prejudice seem to forget that God made us after his own image. If you have issues with any person of any race you are saying to God that he made a mistake, and He does not make mistakes. I am sick of people who claim to love God, turn around and hate someone for their color. These are the same people who go to church, say they love God but then question His workmanship. I am so proud of my children and I am teaching them to be strong, intelligent, compassionate people who’s soul purpose is to make a difference in this world. I congragulate Barack Obama and I am so happy that my children finally have someone to look up to, because as I told my son if he can do it then certainly when you are grown you can do it too!!

I’m am a parent of a biracial child and I was insulted by the ignorance of the biracial parent trying to conform her children to either be black or white. And to state that black and white biracial children are more excepted by the blacks than whites is a stupid statement. It is she who has not excepted that her children are biracial. Everyone needs to look around…look! Biracial children of all colors and shades of beauty are the next generation. This is when we will no longer be judged by color, nationality, or race.

I have to agree with Wil. An awful lot of this “division” is caused by ‘yourselves’. We actually have a NAMED month for only Blacks……….”Black History Month”. If we had a NAMED month for Whites……”White History Month”, we whites would be in BIG trouble! We have all BLACK schools, but God forbid we’d have all WHITE.

Yes, Grace has written a beautiful piece, based on what she’s experienced. Be white and be insulted constantly by blacks with a ‘false sense of entitlement’ and see how THAT feels!

I’d LOVE for all people to be one……….but as someone else said………that’ll never happen in MY lifetime……..and probably not for MANY, MANY to come!

My daughter is first generation African-American…her father is from Cameroon and I am a WASP from Boston. I’ve always described her skin color as like a mocha frappucino from Starbucks and she giggles when I say that. I’ve lived in Africa and noticed how people associate Africans as black. Were I born in Ghana, I would not be referred to as Ghanain, but as American. If a Ghanain is born in the US, he or she can be called American, regardless of skin color. I try to teach my daughter that whether her skin color is brown, mocha, or anything in between, she is who she is and to be proud of her heritage as being both from Africa and America. Even those who describe themselves as African American can’t be sure of that direct lineage, as Skip Gates’ study on DNA shows. The color of one’s skin describes what a person looks like, not who they are.

You go, girl!!!

I, too, am tired of the labels and categorizing of people into pigeon-holed compartments, one of which is race. Is it really still important in our society to proclaim “the first African-American to be…” whatever. I understand this was necessary 40 or 50 years ago, with America still coming to grips with Jim Crow and Civil rights. Now, however, it is just a division that doesn’t need to be there.

As Sidney Poitier’s character in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” stated to his father …”You see yourself as a colored man … and I see myself as a man”. This is where we should be and thank goodness great kids like Grace are willing to lead the way.

unfortunately lynn and her daughter are confused…..genetics proves that when one parent is black, the offspring are black….accept this fact and move on. you never hear white people declaring with a false sense of pride that they are half black!!! and lets get one thing straight. racism and prejudice are two different things. Racism is based on power. Since black people have no power, they cannot be racist. they can be prejudiced however.

My wife is East Indian and I am European-American (I would say white, but since this country likes its highens, I thought I’d play along).

We just had a beautiful mixed child.

For those who intend to demean him with YOUR prejudices, I will fight you with every ounce of my being.

For those who dont play the race card and realize RACE MEANS NOTHING, I applaud you and hope we can show the rest of the racists on all sides that WE love all races and have literally walked the walk, not just talked the talk of racial harmony.

Well said Grace. I support your position. Children should be allowed to be what they are and not be forced to make a choice.

Sounds like someone needs a ride from the waaambulance….(Geri).
How negative and angry can one person be? Stop being part of the victim mindset and rise above-

I think that this young lady expressed her feeling about how she identifies herself very well. I don’t think that every bi racial American feels that same way. Some feel that they need to identify with one race or the other, does that make them wrong? I don’t think so. It’s all about the individual. Maybe in the future, Americans will stop trying to force everybody into a certain category and let us all be the individuals that we were born to be.

I am part of global family. We represent every possible color of human skin. I absolutely love that about my family. We are who we are. It is shows like BLACK IN AMERICA that seem to stir up racism. I just don’t get it. America, get educated, stop labeling the entire world, and start celebrating being HUMAN.

Well said..I agree with this young lady 100%. I am the mother of mixed children. If you ask them wait their race is they’ll say mixed. Very proudly, I might add.

I’m inspired by Grace’s statement. I hope that one day we’ll live in a country when a mixed race child can be who they are and not just another black child but today that’s not the case. There will have to be a huge renewing of the mind that needs to take place amongst ALL races.

Thought provoking and well stated. To Geri, who assumes that the program was not created with mixed race people in mind, we are exactly the kind of people the program was meant for. It doesn’t matter what identity we create for ourselves, it is the PERCEPTION of those around us that builds the psychological forces of oppression that ensue. We are faces of color, we are related, you and I. When we realize that oppression is interlocking and our destinies woven into one, only then can we resist the forces which seek to box us into definitions which we obsess over. “Black” and “Mixed”, “White”, “Pacific Islander”, even “Hispanic/ Non’White”, all of these terms are perpetuated by seperatist forces which seek to keep us focused on arbitrary and meaningless definitions when we SHOULD be focusing our energies on unifying and crumbling the foundation of the status quo. You and I, Geri, we are the same kind of people. That’s why its called “consciousness”, because we are still sleeping. WAKE UP.

“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

WOW great insight, as a grandfather of mixed race grandchildren I did not realize what my true feelings were until I was presented with my first grandson, at first I was your common white male from Mississippi and thought this was the worst thing in the world that could happen, after spending a few hours I came to realize that I was truley blessed and that color just does not matter.
I now am the PROUD grandfather of three mixed race grand children whom I must say are my favorite little people to be around.

Your daughter is beautiful, strong and activist-proud. She’s a treasure, and you are a lucky mother.

As a white male, who has lived in an Asian country for six years, I can tell you that the more that single race people (and who is really of a single race) interact with the views express by people of color, blended or whole, the more they will lose sight of a singular way of being. The more multi-faceted we can become, the greater the world can be.

Very well written, especially for a 16 year old. I wish there were more strong and educated children like her around.

I like where you are heading with this, however, the reality is something different. Being biracial in this country is not a ’struggle’. I do believe that a biracial child (of X.black decent - meaning anything + black) is ‘given’ to blacks. It is not by choice. NO one called to ask you what ‘you’ wanted to be considered; they told you what they see you as. I know that it is frustrating… but the point of the show was changing perceptions. I can tell you this… a mixed x.black person is perceived a lot more postively than an all black person. These are the sad truths by which we live today. It is admirable that you feel this way… but the reality is you are what you are. You are inherently sucked into abyss of blackness by being ‘of’ the blackness. It is quite amazing that we have so many great biracial x.black people that are denied that component (half) of them that matters also. We are a nation of perceivers…. you are perceived as being black.

Live your life as an American first. If we stop focusing on categories, maybe one day this will all go away… maybe. The biracial people want to create a new one… no need. Just get in where you fit in…

Weather you are black or white the only race you belong to is the human race.

you are so right, but unfortunately, our world is not fair. what you say is what should be, but reality over thousands of years shows the human race to pick the other way. the older you get, the more rage you will feel at the gap between what should be, and what there is.
on a happier note- we can try to change our own close world. classmates, family, boss etc. and Yes You Can!

I am a 30 year old white Australian who lives in America. I am so relieved and excited that this comment from the lovely young woman shows that a new enlightened generation of citizens recognizes that color does not define you as a person.

Everyone should be proud of who they are for who they are and be proud of whatever ethnic heritage they come from. Yay for the evolution of the human mind and spirit! We are finally getting somewhere! And what a bloody good writer she is!

Grace spoke so well about she feels and her place in society today. What a good upbringing you have and a strong mom to back you up and teach you the right way to live. I watched both programs and came away with some good and bad feelings. We still have a very long to go. Thanks go to CNN and Soledad for presenting and being a part in a terrific story. I hope millions had a chance or will get the chance see the program if it is aired again.
Positive TV, that’s hard to find in today’s society!

…but aren’t we all just one race…?

i don’t know about ANY of you.
but i’m human.

The focus on race is only meant to keep our society divided. I think we should focus on our cultural roots rather than racial roots. The new categories should be what we choose for ourselves - African American, European African American, Indian American, Asian European American, European American, or Hispanic American.

We should be able to identify our ethnic background without referring to race because Americans have many ethnicities that are blended more and more each day. Race in and of itself is not a way to define a person - it leaves out the essence of a person, the cultural background that makes all of us unique.

Americans should no longer be forced to identify themselves by race and be allowed the freedom to choose which ethnicity is preferred.

Why do they really want to continue pushing people to define themselves by racial characteristics alone anyway? It doesn’t serve any higher purpose.

Rock on proud american!

What a great article and how nice to finally have a mixed person so eloquently speaking for the rest of us mixed folks. Too many times I’ve read articles by authors who aren’t biracial trying to explain my identity and my experience and most of the time they have no idea what they are talking about. I don’t care what “society” says I am. I’m mixed and I’m proud of that.

Very well spoken. I am biracial myself, and I couldn’t agree more with Grace. Finally someone bi-racial speaking out. I was raised by my paternal grandparents (black) and they never once made me fill like I needed to choose a race. They have always encouraged me to embrace my both races & cultures. I am very, very blessed to have them.