What are you? Where do you come from? How many languages can you speak? These are just some of the questions I get asked as a multiracial person. As a half-Caucasian, half-Asian girl, I have to navigate these channels of racial identity daily. It can be a challenge, so I want to share some eye-opening insights.
1. Do not guess our race and judge us based on that.
If someone gave me a dime for every time someone judged me because of my race, I would be a millionaire. So many people have thought I was 100% Asian and could not speak English. In reality, that assumption was not true.
If you do not know what ethnicity someone is, please politely ask them, “Hey, can you tell me what your ethnicity is?” We will not get mad. In fact, we will appreciate it and think you are an educated, cultured person.
It can also open opportunities to bond with a multiracial person. There was a time when one of my classmates and I shared details about our ancestors. When I told them my father’s grandmother came from Ireland and whose last name was Scanlon, she freaked out because she was Irish too. We have been friends have since then. You see, it is just a matter of reaching out that can break down racial barriers and walls.
2. We are proud of our race.
Imagine having ancestors from all over the world. That is just a glimpse into our family history and culture. For example, my ethnic roots include: the Philippines, China, Sweden, Ireland, France, and Austria/Germany. I get to learn something new about my ancestors all the time. On my father’s side, Thomas Edison’s second wife was a sister of one of my great grandmothers. On the other hand, my mother’s grandfather was a commanding Filipino general during World War II. In the Philippines, he fought alongside the Americans and unfortunately succumbed to disease in the arid, tropical rainforest.
However, there are misconceptions that multiracial individuals are more proud of one race than the other. The truth is, I embrace all of parts of my racial background with a huge passion. I am extremely proud of what I am and love telling people about my background-- they even call me, “Miss United Nations.”
3. We are the coolest people you could ever meet.
Most multiracial people are friendly and nice. We can talk about our culture, news, music, daily life, and even Beyoncé (well, every person on Earth loves the Queen Bey). Just approach one of us. You never know if you will make a friend for life.
Sure, it is tough not being labeled as just, “one,” race. But, with the negatives comes the positives. I love being a part of so many different cultures and being exposed to a plethora of people. It expands your mind and makes you less judgmental. Plus, it creates an extremely unique experience few have. I am Multiracial, and I am proud of it.
