Reactions To Multiracial Families
Reactions to Multiracial Families in Public
As technology advances, our boundaries are expanded. We no longer have to rely on limited information about other races, cultures, or societies like we once did. One result of these advancements is more diversified families. It is difficult to go out in public anymore without seeing at least one "mixed" or interracial couple or family. Many of us have become part of these "mixed" families either by choice or through a friend or family member's choice. To anyone that wonders what it feels like to be a part of a multiracial family, I will give you a little insight from the inside. My husband and I are a typical white, middle class couple with fair hair and light colored eyes that have adopted five young children, four of which are biracial. Of the five, four are siblings but had two different fathers. Our oldest daughter is obviously white, while her three siblings are just as obviously a black/white mix. Our fourth biracial child is Hawaiian/black, but could pass as Native American or Hispanic. Public outings that include five rambunctious little ones are stressful enough without having to explain to our children other people's reactions when they see our family all together. The effect on others when they see the whole group can usually be classified into three categories. The first category we will call the stare but don't speak reaction. The next category can be at times humorous or frustrating, depending on the level of sincerity or meanness involved. We will call it the have to make a comment reaction. The last category is my favorite, the I understand and think it's great reaction. For our children's sake, we try to use the first two reactions as a teaching tool about tolerance and acceptance.
Stop and think for a second about listening to an accident report on 95 North and inevitably hearing about a backup occurring in the opposite direction of travel due to people...
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