Photo by RDNE Stock project
While some people may think that the past was a world where groups of people sequestered themselves off, interacting only lightly with others, the reality is so far from the truth. The world has always been a blend of cultures, and nowhere is this more clear than in the reality of mixed-race families.
Although it may be said that these kinds of families were kind of rare in the past, that observation is becoming rather increasingly trite and inaccurate today. In fact, it is clearer than ever before that the US has always been a multiracial country. Mixed-race families are becoming more common, and it is time that we embrace that fact.
Throughout this article, we will be talking at length about the challenges and triumphs of multiracial households.
Living in Mixed Race Families
Families—where the parents each come from ethnic, racial, or cultural backgrounds that differ from the other—offer a fascinating and wonderful fusion of otherwise disparate traditions, cultures, and perspectives.
The Challenges and Triumphs of a Blend of Cultures
Mixed-race unions are important pillars of modern society, and as they slowly strengthen themselves and make this fact even more unignorable, it is important to acknowledge the triumphs and the challenges still happening.
Photo by cottonbro studio
A Blend of Cultures: Challenges
The fruit of mixed-race unions is more often than not a source of intense joy and great pride, but, as with everything, there are also challenges that lurk in the corners.
Identity formation. Identity is a complex process and finding one’s own is quite difficult when your roots touch upon two worlds. Mixed-race individuals are often in internal conflict with their backgrounds–this is especially the case for children in the diaspora of their respective cultures. This leads to persistent questions about who they really are and where they actually belong.
Racial prejudice. While mixed-race families are becoming more common, their increased visibility has also led to more outward discrimination. Incidences of this nature can be quite painful for children of multiracial households and often lead to becoming a pariah in their peer groups or to self-induced isolation.
Cultural conflicts. For the parents themselves, finding a correct equilibrium between their different backgrounds can be tricky, especially when it comes to raising children. This is especially the case for unions that come from traditionally antagonistic groups.
Broader family. Although a household may be serene and stable by itself, having struck the right balance between the cultures of the parents and creating a stable environment where the children can experience both positively and negatively, extended relations may have other concerns.
Social isolation. Often, when multiracial households are established, they run the risk of isolating themselves from one culture or both. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, chief among which is racial discrimination or a difficult separation from one’s community.
Photo by KoolShooters
A Blend of Cultures: Triumphs
Regardless of the challenges, though, it is clear that mixed-race families have their joys and wonders.
Cultural richness. To be one with one’s culture is immensely satisfying and the lessons you extract from your journey of knowledge is priceless. Now, imagine if there are two or more wells of cultural affinity you can swim in? The blending of cultures that multiracial househoulds give leads to a broader worldview, a more empathic understanding of others and a more grounded appreciation of diversity.
Sense of identity. While mixed-race children often struggle in their younger years to synthesize the disparate elements of the both their parents’ cultures, the pride and resilience that comes out on the other side is well-worth the initial disconnection.
Resilient adaptability. Through a mixed-race person’s journey of navigating through different cultures, they foster within themselves the capacity to adapt and to be resilient. The journey may be long and hard, but the finish line will see them changed for the better.
Understanding and tolerance. The world is becoming more and more open, and resistance to that inevitability will only lead to frustration and heartache in the long run. Mixed-race families have a leg-up on this because they are more aware of the challenges that come with learning how to accept differences and ultimately accept each other, warts and all.
Marvin Blake’s Why is a story of two sisters, one black and one white. While it is set in the past, it still shows a blend of cultures.
This link will take you to where you can order a copy.
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