mulatto mayhem

Ahh... Slavery, Good Times!

2012-01-26T01:43:00.037-05:00

Slavery Museum, a photo by timbrauhn on Flickr.

The madness that is the new conservatism rages on. Here for your reading pleasure is the brand-spankin' new version of the peculiar institution that a Tennessee faction of the Tea Party is trying to sell us. Tea Party Groups In Tennessee Demand Textbooks Overlook U.S. Founder's Slave-Owning History

Farewell Etta James

2012-01-20T12:53:00.022-05:00

Etta James, the legendary blues singer, has died. The belter of such hits as the rocker "Dance with Me Henry" the sassy "W-O-M-A-N" and the now-classic ballad "At Last" succumbed to leukemia at age 73 in a hospital in Riverside, CA. Ms. James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA and beginning at around age 14, embarked on what would become an illustrious career. During this career, she won 6 Grammies, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is survived by her husband Artis Mills and her two sons Donto and Sametto, and despite whatever personal tribulations she may have experienced in her life, the most important thing to recognize is that she has left the world a more soulful place to live. Thanks, Etta.

Of White Supremacy and Swimming Pools

2012-01-20T00:48:00.000-05:00

Last year, Jamie Hein, a 31-year old white landlord at a Cincinnati, Ohio duplex was found guilty of violating Civil Rights law by posting a whites-only sign on her swimming pool after one of her tenants brought his biracial daughter to swim, using the justification that blacks and biracials use hair products that would cloud the water. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission found her guilty of violating civil rights law and last Thursday she lost on appeal. So happy for small victories in the face of those who would try to hold us back.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T16:21:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year, my dear readers! Thanks to all of you for keeping up with this blog thus far. I look forward to bringing you more news and happenings, and I wish all of you much success and happiness in the coming year!

Elizabeth and Hazel: Hope Delayed

2011-11-30T23:27:00.002-05:00

I have just finished reading a book entitled "Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock, the moving story behind the later-in-life meeting of the two primary subjects in an infamous post-segregation photo. In September 1957, Elizabeth Eckford was among nine black teenagers designated to desegregate Central Little Rock High School following the Brown vs. Board of Education decision to integrate. She was supposed to walk alongside her fellow prospective students for their first day of classes, guided by adults, but, on the morning of the arranged walk, one of these adults forgot about Elizabeth and she was forced to walk alone amidst a terrifying gauntlet of hostile whites, one of whom was a girl her age named Hazel Bryan, whose venomous facial expression was frozen on film for all time as she stood in the crowd behind Elizabeth, who was captured leaving the building after being turned away. This experience, along with the torment visited upon Elizabeth and the rest of the Little Rock Nine in the halls of Central, left behind deep emotional and psychological scars that so traumatized Ms. Eckford that even when she and Hazel Bryan Massery formed a friendship in their older years, she was mistrustful of Hazel’s motives for reconciliation , Hazel felt there was nothing more she could do to convince her of her sincerity, and their fragile short-lived accord fell apart. Upon reading of this unfortunate development that could’ve held promise, I was struck by the realization that I could see both sides of the issue, the black and white of it, so to speak. The brutal oppression of Southern slavery and the overt and institutional racism in both the North and South have left many in the black community feeling just as mistrustful of white peoples’ motives as Elizabeth. Conversely, there are many in the white community who are working to undo the ugly legacy left by some of their ancestors. Understanding both sides of this painful and long-standing issue feels like the essence of what it means o be and identify as biracial. Knowing that this barrier must be breached is what it means to be a good citizen and a moral human being.

Elizabeth and Hazel: Hope Delayed

2011-11-30T21:57:00.009-05:00

I have just finished reading a book entitled "Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock, the moving story behind the later-in-life meeting of the two primary subjects in an infamous post-segregation photo. In September 1957, Elizabeth Eckford was among nine black teenagers designated to desegregate Central Little Rock High School following the Brown vs. Board of Education decision to integrate. She was supposed to walk alongside her fellow prospective students for their first day of classes, guided by adults, but, on the morning of the arranged walk, one of these adults forgot about Elizabeth and she was forced to walk alone amidst a terrifying gauntlet of hostile whites, one of whom was a girl her age named Hazel Bryan, whose venomous facial expression was frozen on film for all time as she stood in the crowd behind Elizabeth, who was captured leaving the building after being turned away. This experience, along with the torment visited upon Elizabeth and the rest of the Little Rock Nine in the halls of Central, left behind deep emotional and psychological scars that so traumatized Ms. Eckford that even when she and Hazel Bryan Massery formed a friendship in their older years, she was mistrustful of Hazel’s motives for reconciliation , Hazel felt there was nothing more she could do to convince her of her sincerity, and their fragile short-lived accord fell apart. Upon reading of this unfortunate development that could’ve held promise, I was struck by the realization that I could see both sides of the issue, the black and white of it, so to speak. The brutal oppression of Southern slavery and the overt and institutional racism in both the North and South have left many in the black community feeling just as mistrustful of white peoples’ motives as Elizabeth , conversely, there are many in the white community who are working to undo the ugly legacy left by some of their ancestors. Understanding both sides of this painful and long-standing issue feels like the essence of what it means o be and identify as biracial. Knowing that this barrier must be breached is what it means to be a good citizen and a moral human being.

Passing for Biracial: Part 2

2011-02-09T22:27:00.000-05:00

A recent New York Times article profiled some college-age youth whose views are converse of those who are steadfast in strictly defining racial categories based on our society's history. It highlights those who refuse to fit into one box or another. Kudos to them, and may more biracials, young and old, be encouraged to speak out their truth.

[url]http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/us/30mixed.html?_r=1&hp[/url]

Passing for Biracial

2011-01-19T01:11:00.004-05:00

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.

Oprah: The Truth of the Matter

2010-03-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was shooting the breeze with some of my co-workers over lunch when one of them proclaimed that an incredible story she was recounting to us must be true because it was on Oprah. She was kidding about this, but there are some people that take her advice as the Gospel truth and who take her to heart because she is deemed all-powerful and so what she says is golden, even in times when it's been exposed as faulty, such as in the case of author James Frey, who exaggerated his life experiences. I appreciate the good that she has done, but there are thousands of others in the trenches everday who don't get the attention she does, and I don't know about you, and I admit to being as interested in celebrities as the next guy, however I think there needs to be a balance between how much we look up to these figures versus how much appreciation we acknowledge those unsung who fight for the betterment of humanity everyday.

Racial Division and Vanity Fair

2010-02-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

While I was waiting at a local shopping center to meet a friend for dinner, I perused the bookstore, and there on the magazine rack, was a stark reminder that, despite the election of a black President and the increase in interracial relationships and marriages, in some corners time stands still. On the cover of the latest Vanity Fair was a group of up-and-coming young starlets, all white. Right next to this issue was Ebony featuring the acting phemon Gabby Sidibe, star of the acclaimed film "Precious". Although there are debates about the neccesity of separate ethnic publications, my main complaint regards the exclusion of a celebrated actress who at her greatest moment has been deemed not on par with the mainstream idea of talent and beauty. What a shame, I suppose it's their loss that even in this day and age, their vision is still so narrow. Hope remains eternal.

Congratulations Shani Davis.

2010-02-22T22:23:00.001-05:00

On February 17, 27 -year old Shani Davis , who in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy became the first black person in Olympic history to win a gold medal in an individual event, made history yet again. People from the south side of Chicago, his hometown, to Washington, DC, where he opened a skating-oriented youth development program, cheered him on as he became the first speed skater to win the 1,000-meters twice in an Olympic Winter Games. Although media-shy, Shani has inspired people of color to go outside their athletic comfort zones, and I look forward to seeing more diversity in the future. Thanks, Shani.

Introducing Tyree Brown

2010-02-05T14:38:00.008-05:00

As I was sitting vegging out in front of my TV the other day, I saw a commercial for the forthcoming series "Parenthood", an adaptation of the 1989 comedy. To my delight, I saw that two of the characters, played by Dax Shepard and Joy Bryant have a biracial son, played by 6-year old newcomer Tyree Brown, who is himself biracial. I applaud this on-screen portrayal of the biracial experience and look forward to watching the series beginning in March.

God Bless Haiti

2010-01-28T23:01:00.006-05:00

On January 12, 2010, the Caribbean nation of Haiti, a small island of about 9 million people, was struck by a 7.0 earthquake, which devastated the capital, Port-au-Prince and left, at last count, approximately 150, 000 Haitians dead. Although there have been a small number of people miraculously rescued from the rubble after 2 weeks, much of what is happening there speaks to the depth of tragedy that has occured. There is widespread starvation and survivors are dying from treatable injuries due to overcrowding of hospitals and lack of medical resources and equipment. Please do right by the strong, resilient citizens of Haiti by not only keeping them in your prayers, but also donating through the Red Cross or any reputable charity of your choice. Thank you, dear readers.

Inside the Mind of Sen. Harry Reid

2010-01-28T22:56:00.002-05:00

US Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) sparked outrage and controversy in recent weeks when it was revealed in the new campaign expose "Game Change" that he called our illustrious (and currently beleagured) leader Barack Obama a "light-skin negro" with "no negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one". Poor dear, Harry Reid. Anyhow, below is the link to an article about this issue. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves (or better yet, in the comments section! ) Till next time, dear readers.

[url] http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/01/harry-reid-barack-obama.html [/url]

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Understands Black People

2009-12-28T21:19:00.000-05:00

The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck was recently regaling her co-hosts with an oh-so-amusing story of how, while out shopping with her young daughter Grace, she was getting funny looks from the evidently cloistered white people around her, because Grace was carrying the doll representing Sorry your feelings got hurt Elisabeth, but just imagine feeling the sting of discrimination over several generations, or the curious, sometimes awkward stares and comments not because your child is carrying a black doll, but has married interacially and is raising biracial children. Now that's a notion that'll probably make your dear friends lose their overpriced lunches. But carry, on, I feel your pain, no seriously, more than you know.

Tiger Woods: Zero for Par

2009-12-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

Tiger Woods, Cablinasian golf hero, has been outed as a philandering husband. After his recent bizarre tree-hitting accident, rampant media speculation regarding his mysterious injuries forced him to admit that, yes, he cheated on his hot Swedish wife (ok, shallow I know, but Tiger, seriously??!) with some 20-something reality girl ( No judgement or anything). Anyhoo, rumor has it that Elin Nordegren, said hot Swedish wife (And mother of Tiger's so-cute children) got handy with a golf club, and inflicted aforementioned injuries. Anyhoo, after all this hoopla, Tiger still ain't talkin' and thus far has gotten away with a fine for reckless driving. Now that we've established that the Bill Cosby of sports is as flawed as any of the rest of us, we need to get back to matters of greater importance, what's Lindsay Lohan up to these days?

The Power-Packed Punch of Precious

2009-12-03T20:03:00.000-05:00

Immediately after viewing the critically-acclaimed film "Precious", I texted my friend summarizing my impression of the movie. This was at 10:30 at night. On a Sunday. Such was the raw acting talent of Gabby Sidibe and the frightening transformation of Mo'Nique, that I was blasted out of my little existential bubble and into a bleak world, that, as the aforementioned friend pointed out, is a fact of life for too many, especially people of color. Despite some shortcomings (negative portrayal of black motherhood; lack of some back story on Precious' abusive and emotionally warped mother), this film goes beyond others of its genre in vividly presenting how a dark-skinned black teen in 80's Harlem uses immense fortitude to cope with being raised by one abusive parent while raising the children of the other abusive parent by whom she got pregnant. I applaud Precious for not coming across as an afterschool special, and despite its shortcomings, I'm rooting for it to be recognized in awards season, for it's a very good beginning in allowing art to bring more such stories to the forefront in an equally meaningful and honest fashion.

Sammy Sosa Embraces the (Not-So) Dark Side

2009-11-30T14:42:00.000-05:00

Hello, again, my lovely loyal readers. I'm back to rant, and not at all in a kinder, gentler fashion. As you may well know, Sammy Sosa, while intending to soften his skin, ended up bleaching his face to match Edward Cullen's (Cool, a chance to throw in Twilight!) Now, anyone who's ever stood in a beauty supply store knows this explanation is crap. We've all seen the tubes of cream with names like "Fair and White", and "Black & White" (I wish I were making that name up) whose label descriptions barely mask their intentions to turn one from Oprah to Alicia Keyes, and probably lighter. I am deeply offended and hurt by these actions on so many levels. Firstly, Sammy evidently thinks his audience is stupid, seeing as he used the lamest excuse possible to justify why he looks like the undead. Secondly, as a public figure, he IS a role model, whether he cares to be or not, and by doing this, he's saying that brown-skinned people aren't good enough, as they are, lastly, Sammy's actions, because of their colonial implications, will perpetuate the long-standing animosity that darker-complexioned people harbor towards those with lighter skin or a biracial background, because of the real and perceived advantages they enjoy in this society. Enjoy your artificial complexion, Sammy,thanks for the disappointment.

Richard Nixon: Friend of the Mulatto

2009-07-22T20:43:00.007-04:00

New tapes have recently been released of Richard Nixon's many delightful musings on the world, including his beliefs regarding abortion. Here for your reading pleasure is a quote from an article, in which he's speaking to special counsel Chuck Colson: Nixon said, "There are times when abortions are necessary, I know that, you know that's when you have a black and a white." Colson: "Or rape." Nixon: "Or rape." (Here's the link to the full article from which this came http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/23/eveningnews/main5107797.shtml). This quote seems to imply that the Prez thought that race-mixing was worse than rape, as it appears that he had to be prodded to include that aspect in his commentary. Wow.

Regarding Michael Jackson

2009-07-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

While this blog was on hiatus, we lost a giant of the entertainment industry. It is well understood that Michael Jackson was, to say the least, a deeply troubled man. In his eternal quest to cling to a childhood he felt deprived of, he made many questionable judgements and it remains a matter of fierce debate as to whether he took his behavior to depraved levels. His face seemed to became a tableu for his monumental insecurities, and he developed a dependency on painkillers, enabled by those around him who did not neccesarily have his best interests in mind. Conversely, he was a family man who had a close relationship with his mother, maintained close friendships with a small circle of confidantes, and raised three children who, as was made clear during his memorial service, loved him deeply. Of course it goes without saying, he was an artistic genius whose unique style was well-regarded by greats like Fred Astaire and James Brown, as well as recognized the world over. As we the public remember Michael Jackson, we must keep in mind both his incomparable talent and the complicated human being behind the magic. Farewell, Gloved One. Thanks for being a part of the rhythm of our lives.

Back in the Saddle

2009-07-18T13:34:00.007-04:00

Dear Readers:

A life transition temporarily interrupted publication of this blog, but I'm back and look forward to continuing to share insights on the mulatto experience. Thanks to those who've read up to this point, I appreciate it.

The Real Meaning of White Pride

2009-05-07T21:07:00.002-04:00

I want the white supremacists to do me a favor. If these hatemongers absolutely insist on carrying on their primitive ideology, I must in turn insist that they relabel it something other than white pride. Otherwise , fine upstanding citizens with full or partial European heritage will always be looked upon with suspicion when they dare to proclaim any inkling of actual racial pride, the kind that comes from an appreciation of the cultures of their ancestors, their migrations here, and their place in the larger picture of the American melting pot. We deserve better than this simpleton midset, reflecting the worst aspects of American history, so please, I ask, be accurate so the rest of us can live according to our true selves.

The Washington Post Heralds a New Day

2009-04-23T22:35:00.000-04:00

My poor, pitiful computer has hit a technological depression, and has thus been tempermental, so I have been unable to post for a while until now. That being said, I am posting the following article from the March 23 Washington Post, even though it's from a month ago, because I feel this needs to be brought to people's attention, especially for those of us biracials who live in the DC area. I'm so encouraged by this development and have high hopes for the rest of the country.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032202211.html

Happy Anniversary Mulatto Diaries

2009-04-07T00:05:00.000-04:00

On March 19, 2008, Tiffany Jones began a Youtube v-log centering on black/white biracial issues. http://www.youtube.com/user/tiffdjones. With humor, honesty and her lively personality, she has discussed all of her thoughts on relevant topics. She has also recently begun a Wordpress blog, http://mulattodiaries.wordpress.com/, and has a Mulatto Diaries film in the works. All of this is a welcome addition to the burgeoning mixed-race media and I always look forward to the next installment. Congratulations, and thank you for addressing the vital needs and concerns of the biracial community.

The Tale of Bill Burton

2009-03-28T18:09:00.001-04:00

Amidst concern that the White House Press office lacked diversity, it was revealed that 36-year old Bill Burton, the Deputy Press Secretary is biracial. Throughout his career as a communications director for both John Kerry's and Richard Gephardt's Presidential campaigns, and later national press secretary for Obama's successful bid, he'd never publicly spoken about having a black father and white mother.His background came to light when the media called inquiring about the issue of blacks in the press office and was erroneously told that by a press assistant that Mr. Burton was white. He subsequently had to clarify to surprised colleagues that despite his appearance, he wasn't white. It is wonderful to have a self-identified biracial individual with such a pivotal role in the White House and it's nice to see us mixed-race folks finally comin' up.

Thank God Almighty

2009-03-12T22:04:00.005-04:00

On Saturday March 7, the 45th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I revisited the Smithsonian exhibit Road to Freedom, which focused on the press' role in bringing the Civil Rights Movement to the forefront of the American consciousness . My first time around, I was brought to tears gazing upon the photographs of those who'd sacrificed their physical safety, the comforts of home and even their lives to fight for the basic rights of citizenship. As I gazed at a photo of Martin Luther King Jr. laying in a glass-top coffin, it finally dawned on me that although his death is a still-immeasurable hole in the fabric of the ongoing American story, if he'd not tirelessly marched, selflessy utilized the passive resistance techniques that make him immortal, and made the greatest of sacrifices, we would probably not be where we are today. He laid his exhausted self down so others could pick up his baton and lead. I shared these thoughts with those I attended my second viewing with, members of Swirl, Inc, a group focusing on multiracial people, their families and their supporters, who brought up the unspoken struggles of those who fought for the right to love, marry and have children with whomever they wanted, regardless of race. Those who struggled unrelentingly, like Richard and Mildred Loving, should have their place in discussions right alongside Dr. King or Rosa Parks, for they did as much for human liberty and demonstrated the strongest of virtues, that of love.

The Crazy Train

2009-03-08T17:05:00.001-04:00

With Barack Obama in office for around a month, the fearmongering in written form has begun. Just two weeks ago, the NY Post published a cartoon which, on the surface was inspired by the stimulus bill, but clearly had racial undertones. Then, Dean Grose, the mayor of Los Alamitos, CA, decided to resign rather than deal with the debacle he started after he sent around an e-mail depicting the White House lawn as covered in watermelons. It was titled "No Easter Egg Hunt This Year". Now that a person of color is in charge, those who're accustomed to being at the top of the power hierarchy in this country are losing their minds at the demographic and cultural changes afoot, and this is their desperate, rather pathetic attempt at putting us back in our place. Well, now that we're finally represented in the Oval Office our voices can be heard and it's gonna take a little more than some whiny articles to bring us down. back to the drawing board, fellas, better luck next time.

Squirmin' in my Seat

2009-03-02T20:23:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago, I went to a lecture of historian C.R. Gibbs, a specialist on the history of the African Diaspora. The subject matter, "Black Presidents Before Obama", was a speech concerning historical black heads of state in Latin America and the Caribbean, supplemented with the seemingly unfounded belief that this region's governments have denied the African descendancy of their citizens, past and present. During the Q&A, I was the first to shoot up my hand to inquire about the differing perceptions of race in these countries as opposed to the U.S, especially regarding the one-drop rule. The convoluted answer I received, stating, in effect that these things do not matter, only served to solidify my understanding of and strength in my dual heritage. Although there were certain points on which I agreed, specifically concerning the effects of colonialism on populations of color, I take great issue with distorting history to further one's agenda, especially when it appears to denigrate those who don't fit into the confining boxes we've invented in this society.

How Rachel Getting Married Got It Right

2009-02-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

I recently watched the lovely ensemble drama Rachel Getting Married and was quite pleased with its depiction of interracial marriage. Interestingly, Rachel Getting Married doesn't make its title subject the focus of the story, instead portraying the troubled mindset of Kim, a young woman freshly out of rehab, and the effect her presence has on her family. Kim has rejoined the family in time for her sister Rachel's wedding, and the movie shows with great realism how her loved ones are unwillingly absorbed into her life. The two interracial couplings, that of Kim's father and stepmother, and Kim's sister and her fiance, aren't mentioned, they just exist, and that is amongst the beautiful aspects of this film.

The Whole Picture

2009-02-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

Black History Month is upon us again. Even though a 28-day month is far from sufficient to honor the legacy of Blacks' existence in this racially complex country, it is still a good time to focus on the strong history that has been forged here, from the first slave ship to the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. It is a good time to respect the bravery of those who fought against such inhumanity, a good time to celebrate the artistic talents of the poets, the singers, the dancers, the painters and the musicians. How does a mulatto fit into this? First of all, although my truths don't fall entirely within this history, I recognize that I am a part of this greatness, and secondly, I consider a more personal angle, that of the stories which my maternal family members passed on to me. Stories which include the melding of Black Caribbean and Black American cultures, the witnessing of historic court cases, discrimination during lunch breaks, and personal ties with great black leaders of the day. I recall vibrant and spiritual moments on Sundays and delectable food such as my aunt's juicy greens and my grandmother's pineapple upside-downcake. Through these tellings and experiences, Black History has always been up close and constant, outside the generic Black History box that comes about every February. I am thankful for this, and I ride a gentle wave of beauty and strength from this knowledge.

Hail to the Chief

2009-01-26T20:55:00.005-05:00

For those who were dragged here across the rough sea, chained to the bottom of rotting ships.

For the mothers and the fathers whose humanity was worked away in the boiling Southern sun.

For the ones called nigger, whose lips were too dirty for the water fountain, and who hung on the end of ropes.

For Martin and Rosa, and the countless others, who said enough! Who asked "Do I not bleed red just like you"?

For Richard and Mildred Loving, who crossed the line and the law, for whom love was not even a question of color.

For the skinny kid with the funny name, a blended heritage that brings forth the Dream.

For my country 'tis of thee, Hail to the wisest and most thoughtful of Commanders-in-Chief.

Biracial Adoptees

2009-01-12T02:31:00.002-05:00

Connor Cruise and I have something in common. The 13-year old son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, is a biracial adoptee. It's refreshing to see someone in the public eye (he has a moment in the new Will Smith film "Seven Pounds") who became family through the same circumstance as myself. It is a beautiful reminder that family is not formed only through bloodlines or racial homogeneity, but through the ultimate power of love.

Lessons on a Country Road

2009-01-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

The biracial prism from which I view the world came starkly into focus during a holiday shopping trip with friends. On the drive to the mall, we had to pass through an area well-known as being racially unfriendly. As my friends continously stated how uncomfortable they were in this neck of the woods, I inwardly scoffed, thinking their fears were exaggerated, but as I listened to their stories of past unpleasant experiences with local residents, I realized I was mostly removed from this type of trouble. I can't relate to having a gun pulled on me during a swimming outing, having people move aside when I walk up to pay for a purchase or being concerned about who I can safely ask for directions. My tales have consisted of those who've wondered why I "talked white", taunted me on the playground with the wounding "oreo" epithet, commented on my"exotic" looks, and curiously perused my facial features as if I were from another planet. As frustrating as these encounters have been, they could in no way compare to the stings that my friends, and some of my relatives, have had to deal with. I've been naively immune to such things, and going on this shopping trip has been yet another learning experince in this ongoing school of life.

Tragic Mulatto: Cadillac Records Edition

2008-12-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

During a recent viewing of "Cadillac Records" I learned that the legendary Etta James considers herself biracial, citing a claim from her mother that her father was the well-known white pool player Minnesota Fats. Perhaps I'm reading a bit much into this, but the pride I initially felt was tempered by what seemed like the film's emphasis on the racial background of the purported father who denied her, thus implying that not only was this a key reason for Etta's later substance abuse, but also that being mulatto causes such strong emotional turmoil. First of all, this portrayal dismissed the other painful life circumstances that may have led her to self-destructive habits, and secondly, the-age old stereotype that mulattos are eternally conflicted belittles the experience of the many joyful mixed-race families and diminishes the legacy we've created within the larger fabric of society.

The "Good Hair" Blues

2008-12-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

My hair is a major issue with me. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours and dollars I don’t actually have trying to shape the thick, tangled mass on my head into the “good hair” that is a fabled characteristic of having mixed blood. Many perms, flat irons and hair gels later, I’ve come to appreciate the solidarity this brings with monoracial women of color who may at times perceive mulatto women as immune to their particular struggles. In the end, my hair is good no matter what state it’s in because it’s mine and it represents who I am and my place in the world. That’s something I can be proud of.

The American Dream

2008-12-15T02:35:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful thing we have a mulatto President, for we now have a leader, who, by his very existence, represents the epitome of the American Dream of racial harmony. In addition, having a black First Lady and children represents the culmination of the unimaginable struggle of those who’ve fought for centuries to have a real voice in the United States. Finally, I am thrilled to have someone in charge who will use common sense, utilize consensus and proper judgement, and will govern the entire country, not just those segments he finds politically expedient. Thank God for this moment, it’s about time.