Trump, Biracial Identity, and the False Dichotomy
The experience of a mixed-race child in America, though increasingly common according to recent trends, remains a unique experience for those who live it.
Societal Expectations
While I’m not of mixed descent myself, my very light skin has often led to this misunderstanding. So much so that I was once thoroughly criticized by one biracial person for not fully embracing my identity, taking my explanations as denial. But I understand. Often, when you are born between two cultures, you are constantly pushed to choose one at the expense of the other, being seen as somehow lesser for taking on too many traits and characteristics of the denied half.
Reinforcement by Societal Norms
Though it might seem exaggerated, this attitude is reinforced by societal norms. This is easily evidenced by the constant focus on metrics and attention put on the divisions between us. When it comes to policies, which of your halves do you most agree with? A plurality of whites feel this way, but a majority of blacks are opposed! So, who do you side with, Mr. Mulatto? Which of your halves do you most identify with?
Personal Struggles with Identity
As ridiculous as it sounds, this is the type of thing mixed-heritage kids find themselves dealing with as they grow up. Both sides have certain expectations, and members of either community may feel slighted if they perceive you as leaning too far the other way. And while this is generally a problem for many members of any culture, those seen as of a purer heritage are given much more leeway in their deviations.
More than once, I have had my own “blackness” challenged due to being perceived as acting too Caucasian. My light skin leaves me more open to scrutiny from certain members of the community. This was particularly the case growing up in the South, where the infamous drawl is ubiquitous but particularly heavy among the black populace — a characteristic I have never really shared. So, I spent a lot of time proving and defending my heritage. You can only imagine how much more difficult that would have been if I were first-generation mixed!
Side note: I say first generation because this is America!
The Trump Connection
So, what does any of this have to do with Trump and those Republicans who have joined him in questioning the Vice President’s heritage? Just the fact that they are trying to legitimize this idea that children of biracial marriages need to pick the side they want most to represent as adults. Learning to create a synergy between these two identities seems to be a step too far for those who consider themselves ‘right-thinking’. And certainly antithetical to their beliefs! I mean, the idea of Indian culture and Jamaican culture coexisting without one being dominant is obviously a preposterous notion!
The Impact of Caveman Logic
It is a shallow, simplistic way of thinking that attempts to turn a person’s complex history into an easy-to-digest narrative. It is disrespectful not only to a person’s heritage as a whole but completely demeaning to the individual, forcing them to forsake a part of themselves for simple social convenience. And, I guess, access to the deep mysteries of their chosen people hidden to all outsiders! This is just my assumption from the former president’s comments that someone biracial can simply “choose” to switch races, and the continuing narrative certain politicians and pundits have chosen to run with!
This notion is fundamentally flawed, of course. Everyone knows that once such secrets are revealed, you can never go back!
Broader Implications
In all seriousness, though, this kind of talk isn’t just the newest form of barely acceptable racism. It can also have a genuine impact on the growing population of Americans who identify with more than one group. Giving the impression that, if they are to be fully accepted into one of those cultures, then they will need to choose!
Ending the rhetoric
As the father of a biracial child, I find this line of thinking beyond archaic. It’s extremely unhelpful in showing me and the growing number of other interracial couples how to help our children understand that, yes, you can be both. And no, you don’t need to be one over the other to be accepted as either! Seeing the Vice President connect with actress Mindy Kaling over their shared heritage makes me hopeful that I too can raise children who love all of what makes them unique without reservation!
There is much in the history of this country that has caused it to fail to achieve the lofty heights to which it aspires socially. But for the past few generations, we have made great strides in getting closer and closer to that seemingly unachievable but marvelously ambitious goal! It would be a real shame to allow so much of that progress to be lost for temporary political gains!
This raises a question: Are they truly considering the audience they’re addressing with this message, and do we really want to know the answer?
If you like what you’ve read, do me a solid and share to help me spread awareness about this issue.
And if you have any experiences or points you’d like to share, I would love to hear them in the comments below! Or you can always message me through my LinkedIn here!
