Tag: Social Issues

Why Multi-Racial Identity Is Too Complex For A Check Box

How do you define your identity? Is it determined by your family, neighborhood, or name? Is it influenced by your status, choices, or society? Depending on the person, it could be a combination of any of these. I think the bigger question is whether your identity is something you create or something you accept.

I came across a video by Franchesca about the challenges multi-racial people face. People responded to the question “I am a bi-racial person who…” with reflections on self-hatred, inner racism, and confusion. Some noted the feeling of not fitting in and being disappointed for not being exotic. Later, BuzzFeed produced a similar video where people noted the frustration of being misidentified and encouraged all multi-racial people to understand they do not need to fit in a mold that others think they should.

This discussion on identity comes up from time to time with the same issues and conclusions. I want to take this topic further to share with you, regardless if you are multi-racial or not, how much deeper this special identity is.

I am multi-racial. My family is from Liberia, Switzerland, and Ghana. I am a first-generation American. I grew up in a home where both of my parents are not the same color. Looking at my photo, could you guess any part of that? The “mixed” population includes a variety of shades and textures, but the stereotypical freckles, light eyes, and wavy hair seems to be the focus of everyone’s mixed fetish. I agree with those in the video how frustrating and sometimes exhausting it is to explain my heritage. Being questioned about your existence is never pleasant when people assume your lying. I have gone through phases where I kept my heritage a secret and felt lost in the process. Next, I would decide to be open and share with everyone and felt more isolated.

A word of advice to those who are not multi-racial and are trying to be-friend such a person, your knowledge of or exposure to the world does not define our identity. Intrigue and curiosity is welcomed, but do not isolate us for being unique. There is so much we can learn from each other.

Regarding the challenge to identify with all or one side of your heritage, there are a variety of ways this can be solved. A word of encouragement to my fellow multi-racial stars, you have the gift and opportunity to create your identity. This process is not easy. Believe me, it took years of confusion and disappointment for me to get to this point. Since my features do not announce my white heritage and most people approach and interact with me as a black woman, I never questioned whether or not I was black or white.

I do not fit in with my Swiss side…I mean my siblings and I are literally the black sheep of the family. In fact, my Swiss grandmother made a big sacrifice to follow her heart since part of her family disagreed with her choice to marry a black man. I do not fit in with my Liberian or Ghanaian side of the family for different reasons. Just how the shadow of slavery affects black Americans today, the shadow of colonization affects Ghanaians today. I tried to find my place there, but it was nowhere to be found. The Liberia (which was never colonized) my grandmother and mother loved no longer exists. Finding my place there has yet to be determined. I also do not fit in with the black American category. As I mentioned in a previous post about blacks vs Africans, we should be able to relate, but that is not always the reality. When I respond to the question, “where are you from?” with “I am from nowhere and everywhere,” I am not completely joking.

Thus, my identity continues to evolve. I appreciate all sides of my heritage and upbringing because it gives me more freedom. I am too complex for a check box or elevator pitch. I have a better sense of multiple cultures, which makes it easier to learn about other cultures and people. I have a global perspective on life, which enhances my strength and vision to see beyond the boundaries or limits society places on black women. I have a deeper empathy for suffering. I used to aspire to change the world, now I strive to just make a positive impact on everyone I interact with.

How do you define your identity? Let me know in the comments.

Wearing: The Limited blouse; H&M skirt; Aldo sandals

March 23, 2016
What Inspires A Move For Change

With the internet, you can find inspiration everywhere. From stories to classes, there is something to keep all of us entertained or enlightened. Through self-publishing and social media, so many brilliant ideas are slipping past barriers and amplifying their voices. I see this as a movement of sorts. A move for change, awareness, and responsibility.

One of the many things I want my blog/platform to provide is a supportive space for other creatives, innovators, and leaders. I am inspired everyday by people and projects I come across on social media because they illustrate how to effectively enhance a movement. From documentaries to community programs to merchandise, we have amazing people pushing beyond a hashtag or march. They are building a legacy. It is important for any movement to live past the hype. To survive the trends, it takes dedication and strategy to maintain clear priorities but also evolve with the issues.

I want to share with you some of the projects I have seen recently that inspired this post. Initially, I was going to write about the discrepancies I have observed within social justice movements today (which I might still reflect on in a later post), but after reading and watching these projects, I have hope that we are moving in the right direction.

Amani Yahya is Yemen’s first female rapper and recently did a project shedding light on women’s rights.

The Dinner Table Doc is a documentary and community initiative to change the narrative and images of women of color in the media. The director went to Agnes Scott College (which I went to my freshmen year…so we are half scottie sisters!) and she is building a really important platform.

Did you know there is an afro-mexican community in Mexico? Do you know why Black History Month should exist in Mexico? Check this video from Plumas Atómicas.

The Invention of E.J. Whitaker is an upcoming indie comic book about a woman of color who invents a flying machine in 1901. I am excited to read this adventure once they publish it.

My Creative Connection is a blog that shares stories, resources, and advice to help creatives build their network and achieve their dreams. Their twitter chat #blkcreatives is one of the most encouraging social media experiences.

Revolt TV did an excellent documentary about Women DJs around the world who are making an impact on dance culture.

An article reflecting on identity and violence as a first-generation American, this is a discussion I know too well and appreciate more voices bringing light to.

This movement is not about pointing fingers or excluding others. It is about being unapologetically authentic and aware of the importance of your influence. What has inspired you recently? What projects would you add to this list?

Wearing: Kasmir VIII shirt, Ann Taylor skirt, Aldo shoes

March 10, 2016
Story: Afropolitan – An Identity, A Movement, or Both

Source: Mattahan

Source: needapencil.ch

Source: afripopmag.org

Source: Vlisco

Source: thisisafrica.me

I was introduced to the term “afropolitan” while listening to an interview with author Taiye Selasi on NPR. She was discussing her recent book “Ghana Must Go,” and mentioned why she considers herself an “afropolitan,”:

“What distinguishes [Afropolitans] is a willingness to complicate Africa – namely, to engage with, critique, and celebrate the parts of Africa that mean most to them. Perhaps what most typifies the Afropolitan consciousness is the refusal to oversimplify; the effort to understand what is ailing in Africa alongside the desire to honour what is wonderful, unique. Rather than essentialising the geographical entity, we seek to comprehend the cultural complexity; to honour the intellectual and spiritual legacy; and to sustain our parents’ cultures.”

Her story and opinions caught my attention and I continued to research this term to see how it was received. It turned out I was a bit late in this discovery – there is a sophisticated magazine in South Africa, an insightful blog in the UK, a number of news articles, and a variety of exhibits and panels highlighting this subject.

With all of these outlets, the definition for an “afropolitan” seems to be up for self-interpretation depending if the individual lives in Africa or the diaspora. I plan to examine these interpretations and see where this search for identity and community could be taken a step further. At the moment, this project will be a short documentary with a supplementary op-ed piece.

If you or someone you know identifies with the term “afropolitan” or have an opinion you would like to share, comment here or contact me.

October 1, 2013