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"Living as a mixed POC is a fraught, complex, sometimes painful, and sometimes beautiful experience." This has been a time of immense learning, for myself included. I wanted to share this beautiful article as it spoke to me and my reflections. [1/10] https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/magazine/7-ridiculous-things-you-should-not-say-to-mixed-race-people/
I have received all of these comments so many times. As the author says, I do not believe most people mean any offense. But language is powerful and it is important to keep educating ourselves on microaggressions. I am always happy to talk about it! [2/10]
"But you don't look mixed race" is one I get all the time now (not when I was younger). My son has blue eyes and fair hair but proudly tells people he has Kenyan heritage. We get questioned why we call him mixed race, though not with my daughter who is more olive toned [3/10]
People get a bit caught up with percentages. Are you a "half" or a "quarter"? Well, last time I checked I wasn't a piece of fruit. If you identify with your heritage you identify with it. You don't have to look a certain way. [4/10]
"What are you?" "I just can't work you out." Much of my twenties was spent meeting people and these being the very first things that were said to me. It is difficult when someone needs to figure you out and put you in a box before you have even exchanged names. [5/10]
"What is the right term for what you are, can I call you half caste?"
No. [6/10]
No. [6/10]
"Which one do you identify with more?" How do you even respond to this. It can be difficult if you are a mixed race kid as you don't really fit in anywhere. Did I join the White kids or the Asian kids? And yes, I still get this question now. [7/10]
When I was Naomi Husein, before I got married, I wasn't getting many job interviews. Months later, same CV but a different name and they flooded in. Try grabbling with that realization...and guilt. [8/10]
"We have to confront our own experiences of belonging and non-belonging, of feeling like lesser, neither, or downright nothing." I love being dual heritage and I am proud to be the product of two cultures and two people who loved each other. [9/10]
But it 'aint always easy. Even the other day, I got a 'Oh, I hadn't realized you were a half caste! You don't look it!' And separately, 'being mixed race is pretty trendy right now.' [Insert face palm emoji here]. Lets keep talking friends. Thank you for reading this far. [10/10]
