I guess I'm one of those people who's curious to death. Since I'm new here, I decided to check out profiles and see what's going on. Somehow I stumbled upon this site, and figured why not? But in looking around, I became curious as to what other people's definition of mixed race is. When someone says that they're looking for someone who's mixed race, do you mean that the potential partner has a mother of one race, and a father of another? How far back does the mixing go before you're NOT mixed race?
I ask that because I consider myself African American. But the profiles made me think that other people (if they saw me - have to get up to speed with the picture thing) might think that I'm something else. I've had people walk up to me and ask me what race I was. My automatic response was "black". They would look at me kind of funny with an expression of "Have you looked in the mirror lately?". One person actually said "No you're not." I got pretty ticked off, but took a deep breath and thought about it. I realized that she was noticing the Indian (ok - pc term Native American) in me. It shows up in my eyes and cheekbones, and skin tone. But it's so much a part of me that I never think about it. At the time, I also had long straight hair. Until a year ago, I've always had "the hair". I guess that comes from the Indian and White DNA. I have both on both sides of my family. On both sides, it starts with my great grandparents. On each side, only one great grandparent was "all black".
I'm curious as to what other people think. To be honest with you, some of the profile titles is what got this whole thought going. A lot of them say something about wanting to meet a mixed race person, or finding an Ebony Princess, or something to that effect. When I see the word Ebony, I'm thinking that man is looking for a dark skinned woman who said that she's of African descent. They would be surprised by me because that wouldn't be what they were getting.
I don't foresee myself ever really thinking of myself as mixed race, but I'm really curious as to what other people think about this. I'm particularly interested in the white guys clarifying if they're really looking for a dark skinned woman or not. Or are they using the term Ebony to include all black women, regardless of skin tone? Maybe I'm totally off the mark, but I'm really curious, so I hope you'll respond.
I guess I'm one of those people who's curious to death. Since I'm new here, I decided to check out profiles and see what's going on. Somehow I stumbled upon this site, and figured why not? But in looking around, I became curious as to what other people's definition of mixed race is. When someone says that they're looking for someone who's mixed race, do you mean that the potential partner has a mother of one race, and a father of another? How far back does the mixing go before you're NOT mixed race?
I ask that because I consider myself African American. But the profiles made me think that other people (if they saw me - have to get up to speed with the picture thing) might think that I'm something else. I've had people walk up to me and ask me what race I was. My automatic response was "black". They would look at me kind of funny with an expression of "Have you looked in the mirror lately?". One person actually said "No you're not." I got pretty ticked off, but took a deep breath and thought about it. I realized that she was noticing the Indian (ok - pc term Native American) in me. It shows up in my eyes and cheekbones, and skin tone. But it's so much a part of me that I never think about it. At the time, I also had long straight hair. Until a year ago, I've always had "the hair". I guess that comes from the Indian and White DNA. I have both on both sides of my family. On both sides, it starts with my great grandparents. On each side, only one great grandparent was "all black".
I'm curious as to what other people think. To be honest with you, some of the profile titles is what got this whole thought going. A lot of them say something about wanting to meet a mixed race person, or finding an Ebony Princess, or something to that effect. When I see the word Ebony, I'm thinking that man is looking for a dark skinned woman who said that she's of African descent. They would be surprised by me because that wouldn't be what they were getting.
I don't foresee myself ever really thinking of myself as mixed race, but I'm really curious as to what other people think about this. I'm particularly interested in the white guys clarifying if they're really looking for a dark skinned woman or not. Or are they using the term Ebony to include all black women, regardless of skin tone? Maybe I'm totally off the mark, but I'm really curious, so I hope you'll respond.
Since you have no intention of expanding your worldview and putting objective information in your brain, my conversation with you is over. You're only interested in spouting information that validates your point of view. You aren't interested in even considering a point of view that's different from yours. You also haven't provided any quantitative or qualitative evidence or data to support your position. I'd be willing to have a discussion if you had. Larry Bird's comments might be important to you, but I'm not interested in ranking the greatest athletes as I told you before and you pointedly ignored. Play your games with someone else, and stop trying to hijack someone else's blog. The title of this blog is What Does Mixed Race REALLY Mean, not who the greatest athletes are. I don't mind getting off topic a little bit, but you're determined to undermine what this blog is about. Your behavior is beyond disrespectful; it's uncouth. Until you find some manners, don't talk to me.
Beanpie
Since you have no intention of expanding your worldview and putting objective information in your brain, my conversation with you is over. You're only interested in spouting information that validates your point of view. You aren't interested in even considering a point of view that's different from yours. You also haven't provided any quantitative or qualitative evidence or data to support your position. I'd be willing to have a discussion if you had. Larry Bird's comments might be important to you, but I'm not interested in ranking the greatest athletes as I told you before and you pointedly ignored. Play your games with someone else, and stop trying to hijack someone else's blog. The title of this blog is What Does Mixed Race REALLY Mean, not who the greatest athletes are. I don't mind getting off topic a little bit, but you're determined to undermine what this blog is about. Your behavior is beyond disrespectful; it's uncouth. Until you find some manners, don't talk to me.
Reading your post breaks my heart in two. I hate that people can't get past their narrow minded vituperative crap to see how it affects those around them. We think we have it bad here, but you've pointed out that things could be much worse. I just hope you can find peace, happiness, and serenity down the road to blunt the memory of all the hatred you've experienced. No child should have to deal with that.
Hi C,
Reading your post breaks my heart in two. I hate that people can't get past their narrow minded vituperative crap to see how it affects those around them. We think we have it bad here, but you've pointed out that things could be much worse. I just hope you can find peace, happiness, and serenity down the road to blunt the memory of all the hatred you've experienced. No child should have to deal with that.
A little note about sports, and soccer in particular: truth is, South American Native Americans like myself are almost nonexistent in the sports world.
Taking soccer as an example, the Andean countries, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, have never amounted to anything when the team was made up of Native Americans. Only including white or black players made them strong.
Right now, Ecuador is a powerhouse in soccer because all the players in their National Team are black, or at least partly black.
For sports, size and strength are important. Reason why so few Koisan, Pygmies, Australian Aborigines or South American Natives have made a name for themselves in any sport.
Like it or not, I do think there are biological differences, and they are obvious to the most casual observers.
In places where more mixing occurs, like in the USA, such differences are not so marked, though.
A little note about sports, and soccer in particular: truth is, South American Native Americans like myself are almost nonexistent in the sports world.
Taking soccer as an example, the Andean countries, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, have never amounted to anything when the team was made up of Native Americans. Only including white or black players made them strong.
Right now, Ecuador is a powerhouse in soccer because all the players in their National Team are black, or at least partly black.
For sports, size and strength are important. Reason why so few Koisan, Pygmies, Australian Aborigines or South American Natives have made a name for themselves in any sport.
Like it or not, I do think there are biological differences, and they are obvious to the most casual observers.
In places where more mixing occurs, like in the USA, such differences are not so marked, though.
Well, a cultural mismatch is exactly what happened in my situation, with an added element: the two groups hated each other.
So, in many ways, I grew up as an anomaly, hearing people around me (who were my "family") talking about the right way to exterminate those who _looked_ like me.
Talk about a difficult situation.
Perhaps a good deal of my pessimism in what respects human relationships, nay, in what respects the chances of human survival, stems from that.
I think racism is deeply rooted in an overwhelming majority of people. Further: sometimes people are attracted to those from other races not in spite of a racist upbringing, but because of it.
The fact that a person from a certain group is erotically interested in those from another group doesn't mean s/he doesn't think they are somehow inferior.
Attraction is a very complex phenomenon, and it can be based not just on a feeling of equality and respect, but on one of disparity, polarity and even hierarchy.
As you said, when you are a victim of race-culture mismatch, you do look from the outside. But you also have a chance to look inside the world of those who are very different from you--I mean both sides--and to see how they really look at each other.
I've seen them, and it was not a happy view.
Beanpie: It's not the USA that has serious racial issues. It's the entire planet. We're sitting on a powder keg ready to explode. I have seen the face of hatred. It's something I'll remember to the day I die.
Well, a cultural mismatch is exactly what happened in my situation, with an added element: the two groups hated each other.
So, in many ways, I grew up as an anomaly, hearing people around me (who were my "family") talking about the right way to exterminate those who _looked_ like me.
Talk about a difficult situation.
Perhaps a good deal of my pessimism in what respects human relationships, nay, in what respects the chances of human survival, stems from that.
I think racism is deeply rooted in an overwhelming majority of people. Further: sometimes people are attracted to those from other races not in spite of a racist upbringing, but because of it.
The fact that a person from a certain group is erotically interested in those from another group doesn't mean s/he doesn't think they are somehow inferior.
Attraction is a very complex phenomenon, and it can be based not just on a feeling of equality and respect, but on one of disparity, polarity and even hierarchy.
As you said, when you are a victim of race-culture mismatch, you do look from the outside. But you also have a chance to look inside the world of those who are very different from you--I mean both sides--and to see how they really look at each other.
I've seen them, and it was not a happy view.
Beanpie: It's not the USA that has serious racial issues. It's the entire planet. We're sitting on a powder keg ready to explode. I have seen the face of hatred. It's something I'll remember to the day I die.
I wasn't going to touch the athletic superiority question, but I will say that there are probably some genetic adaptations that our bodies remember from all that work our ancestors did out in the plantation fields that nowadays translates into athletic prowess. But do I think we're automatically athletically superior? No! Steve Nash's little behind can take anyone to the hoop. If you saw him on the street (and I have) you wouldn't think he could swat a fly.
**************** excellant response anewworld!! Physical or mental superiority is another generalized steriotype subscribed to by people looking for answers to their insecurities.
Mixed is simply that. Unless your race was NEVER exposed to another, say if you lived in the rain forest inaccessable to others, then by this age EVERY one is mixed to some degree. The percentage is a non-issue, you are not of PURE heritage. Why it matters since you can't change it, or why others create issues with it is a waste of time, isn't it? Kids will say crazy things, but adults who dwell in this arena are in my opinion still searching for who they are. We're here, be happy with who you are. Thanks for the interesting topic!
I wasn't going to touch the athletic superiority question, but I will say that there are probably some genetic adaptations that our bodies remember from all that work our ancestors did out in the plantation fields that nowadays translates into athletic prowess. But do I think we're automatically athletically superior? No! Steve Nash's little behind can take anyone to the hoop. If you saw him on the street (and I have) you wouldn't think he could swat a fly.
****************
excellant response anewworld!! Physical or mental superiority is another generalized steriotype subscribed to by people looking for answers to their insecurities.
Mixed is simply that. Unless your race was NEVER exposed to another, say if you lived in the rain forest inaccessable to others, then by this age EVERY one is mixed to some degree. The percentage is a non-issue, you are not of PURE heritage. Why it matters since you can't change it, or why others create issues with it is a waste of time, isn't it? Kids will say crazy things, but adults who dwell in this arena are in my opinion still searching for who they are. We're here, be happy with who you are. Thanks for the interesting topic!
But in the end, what difference does it make? That's why I wasn't going to touch it.
I still say that african american athletes can learn a lot from the Nash's of the sports world. I still believe that they can compete fully. IF they get over the mind games that are played on them.
Making a list serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. Whoever is on it will be an arguable choice. A list also doesn't negate my enjoyment of watching all athletes, no matter what color they are. When I'm being entertained by sports, I don't frigging care who's playing. The only thing that matters is if it is an exciting competition. World Cup Soccer was exciting this year. I'd say that sport has got to be the most equal opportunity sport in the world. We've had huge black stars (Pele) and white stars (David Beckham). Just because we don't revere it in this country like the rest of the world does, doesn't mean that the athletes that participate in that sport could arguably be put on ANY greatest athletes list. The entire rest of the world would agree with their inclusion.
OK, I'm sure you'd probably put Kobe Bryant on this mythical list of yours. But do you know that Beckham made more money than Bryant, and is ranked above him on the Forbes 100 highest paid celebrities list last year? Only a few other athletes including seven time winning race car driver Michael Shumacher made more money than Beckham, but less than Tiger Woods. We all know that endorsement contracts are commensurate with the probability that the guy will be in the final competition for the championship of whatever sport he's playing. He's brought it home over and over again. That's why they are awarded those huge contracts.
Determining who the greatest athletes are happens at an event we know as the Olympics. Last time I checked, there were plenty of athletes of other races and nationalities standing on the podium listening to their country's anthem with a gold medal hanging around their neck. American professional sports aren't the be all and end all of the sports world. Your scope has too narrow of a view for decent debate.
But in the end, what difference does it make? That's why I wasn't going to touch it.
I still say that african american athletes can learn a lot from the Nash's of the sports world. I still believe that they can compete fully. IF they get over the mind games that are played on them.
Making a list serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. Whoever is on it will be an arguable choice. A list also doesn't negate my enjoyment of watching all athletes, no matter what color they are. When I'm being entertained by sports, I don't frigging care who's playing. The only thing that matters is if it is an exciting competition. World Cup Soccer was exciting this year. I'd say that sport has got to be the most equal opportunity sport in the world. We've had huge black stars (Pele) and white stars (David Beckham). Just because we don't revere it in this country like the rest of the world does, doesn't mean that the athletes that participate in that sport could arguably be put on ANY greatest athletes list. The entire rest of the world would agree with their inclusion.
OK, I'm sure you'd probably put Kobe Bryant on this mythical list of yours. But do you know that Beckham made more money than Bryant, and is ranked above him on the Forbes 100 highest paid celebrities list last year? Only a few other athletes including seven time winning race car driver Michael Shumacher made more money than Beckham, but less than Tiger Woods. We all know that endorsement contracts are commensurate with the probability that the guy will be in the final competition for the championship of whatever sport he's playing. He's brought it home over and over again. That's why they are awarded those huge contracts.
Determining who the greatest athletes are happens at an event we know as the Olympics. Last time I checked, there were plenty of athletes of other races and nationalities standing on the podium listening to their country's anthem with a gold medal hanging around their neck. American professional sports aren't the be all and end all of the sports world. Your scope has too narrow of a view for decent debate.
I think you have the right idea. Let's toss everything out and start a new term.
You're right about your example. That would be a difficult way to grow up, even though the child probably has the financial advantages and a physical comfort level a lot of Filipino kids in the Philippines don't have. You'd forever be on the outside looking in, and never belonging anywhere.
The great thing about growing up in a military family, was that there were always mixed race kids. So they were pretty much accepted for who they were. But they probably suffered from the cultural mismatch when around their families. I had a friend who was black/asian. He said that his black family was upset that he dated asian women. He was like, but my mom's asian. She's what I know and love.
I can relate to the cultural mismatch just on the military thing. I can't tell you how hard it was to re-enter civilian society after we returned to the States from the Philippines. It seemed to be a foreign land even though I was born here. I was educated in military schools, lived on a military base, had two parents that were in the military, and all my friends were in the same situation. I didn't know anything else. Talk about culture shock! There are still things I don't completely understand about American society, and I'm an American. In your example, an adopted child would probably never feel anchored in her adoptive country, or her birth country. We don't talk about cultural mismatches much, especially those concerning race, but it definitely is an issue.
Hi Cyupanqui,
I think you have the right idea. Let's toss everything out and start a new term.
You're right about your example. That would be a difficult way to grow up, even though the child probably has the financial advantages and a physical comfort level a lot of Filipino kids in the Philippines don't have. You'd forever be on the outside looking in, and never belonging anywhere.
The great thing about growing up in a military family, was that there were always mixed race kids. So they were pretty much accepted for who they were. But they probably suffered from the cultural mismatch when around their families. I had a friend who was black/asian. He said that his black family was upset that he dated asian women. He was like, but my mom's asian. She's what I know and love.
I can relate to the cultural mismatch just on the military thing. I can't tell you how hard it was to re-enter civilian society after we returned to the States from the Philippines. It seemed to be a foreign land even though I was born here. I was educated in military schools, lived on a military base, had two parents that were in the military, and all my friends were in the same situation. I didn't know anything else. Talk about culture shock! There are still things I don't completely understand about American society, and I'm an American. In your example, an adopted child would probably never feel anchored in her adoptive country, or her birth country. We don't talk about cultural mismatches much, especially those concerning race, but it definitely is an issue.
I'm LMAO!!! I had a feeling you'd pursue this to the end. What I think is that he is an exception only in the kind of determination he has. You can see it in his eyes. It really doesn't have anything to do with what kind of athlete he is physically. He's decided that there isn't anyone that's going to get between him and the hoop. That becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Most other 1 guards DON'T get between him and the hoop. If they somehow manage to, then he just comes back out to the top of the key and figures another way into the basket.
I think that other white athletes get psyched out by the popular perception that they aren't as good as we are. If they could learn to be as mentally tenacious as Nash, and not let the junk talk (you know ya'll diss their skills) in their heads, there would be a lot more just like him. I really don't think its physical. Its totally mental.
I also think the reverse is true. If brothers "played out of their heads" more, we'd see much longer careers. Being a student of the game, and playing smarter could probably keep you in the game years longer. I mean, instead of going for the highlight reel for a dunk in traffic, pass the ball to someone like Peja or Brent Barry who's standing on the three all alone. He's not going to miss, and traffic man could end up injured. That's what I mean by playing smarter. Both races could learn a lot by studying the strengths of the other.
Hi Beanpie,
I'm LMAO!!! I had a feeling you'd pursue this to the end. What I think is that he is an exception only in the kind of determination he has. You can see it in his eyes. It really doesn't have anything to do with what kind of athlete he is physically. He's decided that there isn't anyone that's going to get between him and the hoop. That becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Most other 1 guards DON'T get between him and the hoop. If they somehow manage to, then he just comes back out to the top of the key and figures another way into the basket.
I think that other white athletes get psyched out by the popular perception that they aren't as good as we are. If they could learn to be as mentally tenacious as Nash, and not let the junk talk (you know ya'll diss their skills) in their heads, there would be a lot more just like him. I really don't think its physical. Its totally mental.
I also think the reverse is true. If brothers "played out of their heads" more, we'd see much longer careers. Being a student of the game, and playing smarter could probably keep you in the game years longer. I mean, instead of going for the highlight reel for a dunk in traffic, pass the ball to someone like Peja or Brent Barry who's standing on the three all alone. He's not going to miss, and traffic man could end up injured. That's what I mean by playing smarter. Both races could learn a lot by studying the strengths of the other.
I think that is one of the things that I really love about us. We run the gamut of shades, and tone of skin. But you've answered my question of what other people think it is. When I see a profile from a black man saying that he's looking for a mixed race woman, he probably is referring to the parents being of different races.
It really does hinge on who you believe yourself to be. Its always unfortunate to run into people who are in denial about who they are. I'm a director, and one of my actresses actually told me that she didn't have anything to do with Africa. Her family didn't come from there, and she didn't know why anyone claimed to have African roots. This child was a cute little thing, but she was also one of the darkest berries there could be. I just didn't understand her position.
Hi OpenMinded,
I think that is one of the things that I really love about us. We run the gamut of shades, and tone of skin. But you've answered my question of what other people think it is. When I see a profile from a black man saying that he's looking for a mixed race woman, he probably is referring to the parents being of different races.
It really does hinge on who you believe yourself to be. Its always unfortunate to run into people who are in denial about who they are. I'm a director, and one of my actresses actually told me that she didn't have anything to do with Africa. Her family didn't come from there, and she didn't know why anyone claimed to have African roots. This child was a cute little thing, but she was also one of the darkest berries there could be. I just didn't understand her position.
I think most anyone that is African-American could find traces of both Caucasion and Indian in their blood and when referring to skin color, we definitely run the gamut. In my family for example, I am by far the darkest, I have a twin who is the color of Smoky Robinson. My mother's father looked like an Irish man and her cousins were everything from the lightest hue to a polished burnt umber to the deepest ebony but in the end, we are all still, by heritage african-american and all that it implies. However, with that said, when I hear the term mixed race, genetically, I assume 1 immediate parent is of a different race than the other. But even in those cases, part of the categorization is how that person views themself. Halle Berry is technically of mixed race but identifies herself as Black again, more so culturally. So to me mixed race is more about self-perception, as one of the other posters wrote, if you research all of our bloodlines, practically everyone (at least here in the States) is mixed (whether by marriage, after-effects of slavery, etc).
I think most anyone that is African-American could find traces of both Caucasion and Indian in their blood and when referring to skin color, we definitely run the gamut. In my family for example, I am by far the darkest, I have a twin who is the color of Smoky Robinson. My mother's father looked like an Irish man and her cousins were everything from the lightest hue to a polished burnt umber to the deepest ebony but in the end, we are all still, by heritage african-american and all that it implies. However, with that said, when I hear the term mixed race, genetically, I assume 1 immediate parent is of a different race than the other. But even in those cases, part of the categorization is how that person views themself. Halle Berry is technically of mixed race but identifies herself as Black again, more so culturally. So to me mixed race is more about self-perception, as one of the other posters wrote, if you research all of our bloodlines, practically everyone (at least here in the States) is mixed (whether by marriage, after-effects of slavery, etc).
I propose an entirely new category, close to mixed-race but no cigar: race-culture mismatch.
As when, for example, a Filipino kid is adopted by a white Australian couple and she lives all her life among white Australians.
For all effects, such a person will find it hard to adapt to life in the Philippines--even though she will always be asked "where are you from?" in Australia.
Similarly to mixed-race people, such individuals won't easily fit in either their biological ethnic group nor in their cultural ethnic group.
I propose an entirely new category, close to mixed-race but no cigar: race-culture mismatch.
As when, for example, a Filipino kid is adopted by a white Australian couple and she lives all her life among white Australians.
For all effects, such a person will find it hard to adapt to life in the Philippines--even though she will always be asked "where are you from?" in Australia.
Similarly to mixed-race people, such individuals won't easily fit in either their biological ethnic group nor in their cultural ethnic group.
Its nice to know I'm not the only one. My father is the only dark skinned person in his family. His mother and sister could definitely be mistaken as white, and his brother would make you think about it. But you make my point about it really being about what other people think you are. What I know I am is one thing. The assumptions someone else makes about me is another thing. The Rastas thought you were one of them. That would be a good thing if you wanted to hang with them. There wouldn't be any issues, just acceptance. I keep wondering if this country has evolved enough to get to the point of just accepting other races that are lower on the socio/economic ladder. You said it yourself, "this is a very prejudice country...and if you're not lily white(or can pass yourself off as one)...then forever you will be a minority..." That being the case, will someone who wants an "Ebony Princess" really be inclined to treat women like me as princesses or as minorities. Just something I'm trying to get a handle on. I'm really and truly not trying to be political. I ask because I understand human nature. It takes real effort to toss out long held beliefs.
Hi Mcguyverguy,
Its nice to know I'm not the only one. My father is the only dark skinned person in his family. His mother and sister could definitely be mistaken as white, and his brother would make you think about it. But you make my point about it really being about what other people think you are. What I know I am is one thing. The assumptions someone else makes about me is another thing. The Rastas thought you were one of them. That would be a good thing if you wanted to hang with them. There wouldn't be any issues, just acceptance. I keep wondering if this country has evolved enough to get to the point of just accepting other races that are lower on the socio/economic ladder. You said it yourself, "this is a very prejudice country...and if you're not lily white(or can pass yourself off as one)...then forever you will be a minority..." That being the case, will someone who wants an "Ebony Princess" really be inclined to treat women like me as princesses or as minorities. Just something I'm trying to get a handle on. I'm really and truly not trying to be political. I ask because I understand human nature. It takes real effort to toss out long held beliefs.
Its the categorizing that I'm not sure about. Who is it making it easier for? That's my question. Unfortunately, there are always expectations. I've read that you're from Europe. In this country, there has been a long held view that black women are "easy, and free with their sexual favors". I'm trying to put this in words so that people understand where I'm coming from. I'm not opposed to sex AT ALL. Its the what goes on before we get busy that I'm questioning. I'm wondering if there are certain expectations that non-black men have that black men know better than to have. This all came up for me when I started reading those "categories" in the profiles. I started wondering what do they mean, and what do they expect?
Of course everyone on this site is after the same thing. What is unchartered water for me is the way the conquest (for lack of a better word) is accomplished. I'm used to certain approaches, and I'm trying to feel my way as to if those approaches will be different from men of other races. But what the hell, in the end men are just men.
Hi Luliana,
Its the categorizing that I'm not sure about. Who is it making it easier for? That's my question. Unfortunately, there are always expectations. I've read that you're from Europe. In this country, there has been a long held view that black women are "easy, and free with their sexual favors". I'm trying to put this in words so that people understand where I'm coming from. I'm not opposed to sex AT ALL. Its the what goes on before we get busy that I'm questioning. I'm wondering if there are certain expectations that non-black men have that black men know better than to have. This all came up for me when I started reading those "categories" in the profiles. I started wondering what do they mean, and what do they expect?
Of course everyone on this site is after the same thing. What is unchartered water for me is the way the conquest (for lack of a better word) is accomplished. I'm used to certain approaches, and I'm trying to feel my way as to if those approaches will be different from men of other races. But what the hell, in the end men are just men.
I know that most of us with dark skin are probably mixed race. My last name is actually British in origin. I've had friends who went to Africa, and Africans there told them definitely that they were mixed race. We just don't think of ourselves that way.
I wasn't going to touch the athletic superiority question, but I will say that there are probably some genetic adaptations that our bodies remember from all that work our ancestors did out in the plantation fields that nowadays translates into athletic prowess. But do I think we're automatically athletically superior? No! Steve Nash's little behind can take anyone to the hoop. If you saw him on the street (and I have) you wouldn't think he could swat a fly.
Hello Beanpie,
I know that most of us with dark skin are probably mixed race. My last name is actually British in origin. I've had friends who went to Africa, and Africans there told them definitely that they were mixed race. We just don't think of ourselves that way.
I wasn't going to touch the athletic superiority question, but I will say that there are probably some genetic adaptations that our bodies remember from all that work our ancestors did out in the plantation fields that nowadays translates into athletic prowess. But do I think we're automatically athletically superior? No! Steve Nash's little behind can take anyone to the hoop. If you saw him on the street (and I have) you wouldn't think he could swat a fly.
and here I thought I was the only one like that!... lol... I know exactly how you feel and what you're saying Anewworld... I to am (PC terms) A native american.. and I to only have one really black bloodline that goes back to africa(my grandfather was a runaway slave)... but the rest of my ancestry is all indian... I know all to well about the cheek bones,the red skin and the straight hair... for years I have always associated myself as a blackman... even tho' I knew that I am an indian... but it made it easy for people to categorize me... I just recently got back from Jamaica W.I. and while over there they thought I was Rasta... when I would tell them of my blood line they would say .."no way mon!"...even my sir name is from Scottland(grandfather on the other side was a white man)... so my feelings on being of a mixed race are this... there are so many of us in this country that have been mixed for many years... and to hold a mirror in front of any one of us and say you are this or I am that, would be a exercise in futility... we are here and that is all that matters... now what are you going to do with your time... now that you are here...this is a very prejudice country... and if you're not lily white(or can pass yourself off as one)... then forever you will be a minority... I was married to a woman that to every one else seemed like a white woman... but she would always tell me... you see me as white(she was very,very fair skinned, and she had white grandmothers on both sides and one of her grandfathers were a member of the Yuruba tribe in Africa)... but believe it or not white people see me as black... so I would call her a gray girl...(it was a joke between us)... and that to is a true story!
and here I thought I was the only one like that!... lol... I know exactly how you feel and what you're saying Anewworld... I to am (PC terms) A native american.. and I to only have one really black bloodline that goes back to africa(my grandfather was a runaway slave)... but the rest of my ancestry is all indian... I know all to well about the cheek bones,the red skin and the straight hair... for years I have always associated myself as a blackman... even tho' I knew that I am an indian... but it made it easy for people to categorize me... I just recently got back from Jamaica W.I. and while over there they thought I was Rasta... when I would tell them of my blood line they would say .."no way mon!"...even my sir name is from Scottland(grandfather on the other side was a white man)... so my feelings on being of a mixed race are this... there are so many of us in this country that have been mixed for many years... and to hold a mirror in front of any one of us and say you are this or I am that, would be a exercise in futility... we are here and that is all that matters... now what are you going to do with your time... now that you are here...this is a very prejudice country... and if you're not lily white(or can pass yourself off as one)... then forever you will be a minority... I was married to a woman that to every one else seemed like a white woman... but she would always tell me... you see me as white(she was very,very fair skinned, and she had white grandmothers on both sides and one of her grandfathers were a member of the Yuruba tribe in Africa)... but believe it or not white people see me as black... so I would call her a gray girl...(it was a joke between us)... and that to is a true story!
Your comments are about assumptions. That's what I'm trying to get to the bottom of. I'm real clear on who I am. I'm wondering if there are certain assumptions going on that I'm just not aware of. Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, so I'm trying to determine if we're all working from the same dictionary.
My youngest niece came home crying when she was in kindergarten because the kids said that she was white. The other kids were assuming that she was white because she only has a bare minimum of melanin. It upset her because she interpreted the kid's comments to mean that she was adopted, and her parents really weren't her parents. It took awhile to convince her that she really wasn't adopted. She doesn't look anything like her older brother and sister who are dark skinned, and have different facial features.
This is what I mean by assumptions being dangerous. I like to be clear about other people's expectations.
BTW - you have a great looking family.
Hi Booklover,
Your comments are about assumptions. That's what I'm trying to get to the bottom of. I'm real clear on who I am. I'm wondering if there are certain assumptions going on that I'm just not aware of. Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, so I'm trying to determine if we're all working from the same dictionary.
My youngest niece came home crying when she was in kindergarten because the kids said that she was white. The other kids were assuming that she was white because she only has a bare minimum of melanin. It upset her because she interpreted the kid's comments to mean that she was adopted, and her parents really weren't her parents. It took awhile to convince her that she really wasn't adopted. She doesn't look anything like her older brother and sister who are dark skinned, and have different facial features.
This is what I mean by assumptions being dangerous. I like to be clear about other people's expectations.
I've pretty much gotten to the point that I finally understand that it doesn't matter. Obviously there is a precedent in my family for interracial mixing. I've had to get the voices of my parents out of my head who just weren't trying to hear it. But now, they've mellowed to the point that I don't think they'd have a problem. We really should be free to enjoy the company of whoever we want to spend time with. Appreciate your comments.
Hi Rumpelstiltskin,
I've pretty much gotten to the point that I finally understand that it doesn't matter. Obviously there is a precedent in my family for interracial mixing. I've had to get the voices of my parents out of my head who just weren't trying to hear it. But now, they've mellowed to the point that I don't think they'd have a problem. We really should be free to enjoy the company of whoever we want to spend time with. Appreciate your comments.
When I think of 'mixed race,' I'm generally thinking of anyone that has a mixture of one or more of the 'generic' races, i.e. white, black, asian, indian, etc. If you really want to get technical, just about everyone in the US, except for first or second generation immigrants, are a mix of more than one. It's funny, what you say about the one person telling you that you aren't black. My mom takes my nephew to soccer practice, see my pics. She told me that the coach kept looking at her and Darius kinda funny. After several practices, he finally came and asked her about Darius, who looks totally black. He told her that he just couldn't see the mix in him. My brother is adopted, so if Darius has any white blood in him, it's pretty far back.
When I think of 'mixed race,' I'm generally thinking of anyone that has a mixture of one or more of the 'generic' races, i.e. white, black, asian, indian, etc. If you really want to get technical, just about everyone in the US, except for first or second generation immigrants, are a mix of more than one. It's funny, what you say about the one person telling you that you aren't black. My mom takes my nephew to soccer practice, see my pics. She told me that the coach kept looking at her and Darius kinda funny. After several practices, he finally came and asked her about Darius, who looks totally black. He told her that he just couldn't see the mix in him. My brother is adopted, so if Darius has any white blood in him, it's pretty far back.
lineage can be and is a wonderous thing...... nice to know where we come from......sometimes not.... but good to know where we might be going... there are those who get together that enjoy the mixing/interlacing..... and those that look to keep the lineage pure. nothing wrong with that as long as it doesn't start a riot or a war.....hmmmmmm.... these days it's nice just to be with someone that is just happy to see you. all the good stuff that could come with that is a bonus......
food for thought........ i evolved in an atmosphere that in reality there is only one race........ human...... and only one color..... free..... G_d Bless M&D...........
lineage can be and is a wonderous thing...... nice to know where we come from......sometimes not.... but good to know where we might be going... there are those who get together that enjoy the mixing/interlacing..... and those that look to keep the lineage pure. nothing wrong with that as long as it doesn't start a riot or a war.....hmmmmmm.... these days it's nice just to be with someone that is just happy to see you. all the good stuff that could come with that is a bonus......
food for thought........ i evolved in an atmosphere that in reality there is only one race........ human......
and only one color..... free.....
G_d Bless M&D...........
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