For most (or maybe all) mixed race individuals in America, there are lots of struggles that we go through. Sometimes we aren't accepted or treated the same, so here is a glimpse of what it means for me to be a mixed race adult in America:
1. I usually don't fit in.
I have never fit in and will probably never fit in with the crowd around me. In the clever words of the always lovely Childish Gambino, "I am too white for the black kids, and too black for the white kids." Though I personally am Spanish and black, the concept is still the same. My entire life has consisted of the constant comments and questions of "You talk so white," "Why do you want to be white?" "You were born into the wrong race." Since when did one's race dominate the way one speaks? I do not want to be white and I was very much born into the correct race, thank you very much. It is absolutely insane that just because I don't fit the stereotype you profile me with, I am stripped away and put into a completely different category. This is just one of the irritating things I run into on a daily basis.
2. My race doesn't have a spot on race and ethnicity forms.
When I fill out the demographic forms at places like work or school, why is it that there is an option for "mixed but not with Hispanic," yet there is not one for "mixed and Hispanic." This blows my mind because there is a large population of Hispanic-mixed humans walking on this Earth. This then results in us having to classify to the closest thing we look like, which in my case would be black.
3. The stares.
Oh good God the stares. I feel like I am walking entertainment to those around me. It used to bother me quite a bit but at this point in my life it provides humor for me to watch everyone watching me to try and figure out where I came from. The confused look on the faces of others will always be the funniest part of my day. It never fails to happen, so it never fails to amuse.
4. I have to work harder than those from the majority.
As much as I would like to say that this isn't true, I do have to work two times harder than the average white person just to prove that I belong in the same work facility. I can say that compared to the way things used to be things are extremely better. However, there is still a major struggle with equality.
Things can definitely get difficult. But I wouldn't trade who I am and all of my backgrounds for the world. I know that one day when I get where I am going, I can represent for several groups of people and that makes me happy.
