Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Passing for Biracial


According to a recent study on ethnic identity, more black/white biracials are identifying as black, and as might be expected, there are those who say "duh, what else would you call yourself?" I of course, cannot speak for others' experience, however, for my part, there is a reason why I and some others like me, identify as biracial. Biracial, as with any other identity, speaks to a way of being that cannot defined within the sometimes strict categorizations of race used in our society. It is a certain way of viewing the world, of ideas, and sometimes even of speech that defy pigeonholing. It is vital for everyone to function within the space they feel most comfortable without trying to push others to fit into it. That is why I'm passing for biracial.