READERS REACT:KARYN PARSONS BRINGS UP CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE “ONE DROP RULE”
In this POST, actress Karyn Parsons,who played Hillary Banks on syndicated television show the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, says that it is hard being biracial in America:
“Well, it’s hard. When I saw Barack’s speech on race, I cried and I felt like, there’s the speech I’ve been wanting to write. I’ve been thinking about writing about race for a long time. It’s very interesting how we feel about each other in terms of race. When I’m around Black or White people, I’m always in the middle. Especially when I am around Black people; they will really tell how they feel about White people regardless of the fact that I’m also White and have White relatives. It’s very interesting and can be really hard.”
Karyn’s comments incited some very interesting conversations among readers. Here are a few comments from dedicated readers:
Ummm… It’s hard because you make it hard.
Whether it is race or culture, one has to surpass the other. There is no place for both. When you or your kids walk in the street, they are identified as black.
You are black whether you have a white mother or father.
I don’t see any problems there. Once you accept your blackness, there is no problem. To me only when people have a problem saying “I am blackâ€, that is when things go wrong..
~CRANBERRY
Cranberry, clearly you are not mixed. One can’t understand what it’s like to be biracial in America unless one is actually biracial… in America. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as the “one drop of black blood (makes one black)†rule would imply. That concept was a way to discourage whites from having sexual relationships with blacks, as many Caucasians (1) feared that race mixing would render the white race instinct and (2) thought that blacks were so inferior that they were unfit as mates to whites. By implementing the one drop rule, whites who chose to cross the color lines romantically had to deal with the fact that their children would not be accepted in white society nor be afforded all the benefits it had to offer. So, this in addition to all the other ways in which blacks were treated and generally regarded as inferior in America, kept blacks “in their place†and whites with whites.
Simply put, the one drop rule is a social construct, originating from slavery, that does not reflect reality. Actually, if you are born from one black parent and one white parent, you are of both races, to the exclusion of neither (for example, Cameron Diez refers to herself as mixed and is accepted as a Caucasian even though she is of Cuban and Caucasian descent; why should it be any differently when one is of part African American descent?). Actually, if you come from a white mother and were raised by her and her white family in a white neighborhood, you probably identify with the white race more than the black, even though you might be darker than your close kin. Yet, because of people like you Cranberry, that person would be told to “accept his/her blackness†by some, not regarded as black by others, and viewed as “just another white person†by still others. This makes for a very confusing situation, especially for young children.
So Cranberry, you should really read up on your history and have a heart-to-heart with some mixed folks before you make such insensitive remarks.
~Marla
Well I happen to be “biracial†although I believe there is only one race–the human race. I identify as African-American because I was raised by my African-American mother. My father is Hispanic. Though at first glance people mistake me for Hispanic, even other Hispanics, when I inform them of my entire background they automatically then refer to me as black. I really don’t care because I don’t have a problem with being black or labeled as such. Just like I don’t mind when people mistake me for Hispanic. Race is a social concept with no truth in genetics. I do however clarify to people that because I was raised by my mother, culturally I am black. I don’t speak Spanish and I don’t know how to make Puerto Rican food. Blame my father.
I have no problem with what Karen Parsons said in the above interview, although just because she is biracial does not mean that African-Americans don’t have legitimate grievances against their white counterparts. Half of her family is white. That’s great. They may be the nicest, most race neutral people in the world, but she shouldn’t get upset if African-Americans express their legitimate grievances against those persons who have caused them harm. No intelligent, fair minded person–black or white–would argue that all “white people†are racists. So for her to get upset because some black people express legitimate grievances is unfair. Just because half of her family is white does not absolve or mitigate the racism African-Americans still experience in this country.
As for the notion, that biracial kids have it rough in America…I guess it depends on where you are raised and how much emphasis the parents put on race. I grew up in a somewhat diverse, middle-class neighborhood in the mid-west, although there were more blacks than whites. Because African-Americans are diverse in terms of skin tone and hair texture I never felt like the odd ball in my family or in my community. I have an aunt–my mother’s sister–who has less melanin than I do. She’s downright pale! Because my mother instilled in me at an early age the idea that we are a family first and foremost, I never had any identity problems. I never felt confused or like I didn’t belong. Some girls at school were nasty to me because of my hair, but other African-American girls with long hair got teased so I never took the insults too seriously. This is not to say that other biracial kids don’t have it rough. I’m sure some do. But I think it depends a lot on where you are raised, the racial make-up of the community you live in, and the emphasis your parents put on race. My mother was not naive to race, but she didn’t allow it to permeate every aspect of our lives. Despite our outward differences, we were and are a family first and foremost, dealing with the same life issues as any other family–education, health care, job security etc. Race is just an added layer, but if you don’t obsess about it I think you can avoid some of the identity problems.
Just my opinion.
~black is black.
SOME RESEARCHED FACTS/OPINIONS:
- The one-drop rule is a historical colloquial term in the United States that holds that a person with any trace of African ancestry is considered black unless having an alternative non-white ancestry which he or she can claim, such as Native American, Asian, Arab, or Australian aboriginal.(wikipedia)
BCK Says: Let it be known that BCK does not believe in the one-drop rule. A person who is of mixed ancestry is exactly that:mixed. However,as long as any celebrity kid has a percentage of African ancestry in him,he or she will be featured on this site. On that note,do you believethat certain classifications(i.e, the one drop rule) make it hard for people like Karyn Parsons to live in America?
BTW, if you have no vested interest….why have you pretty much responded to EVERY other person in this thread???? Hypocrite AND a fence rider. It must be lonely out there.
To Kizzy:
I see you missed me again; I’m back (but only momentarily).
Again, your arguments are wack and they completely miss the mark. I thought we were talking about black and white people in America, not abroad. But, apparently you unilaterally took it there. Again, black Americans have cultures that are unique to them (although some don’t subscribe either consciously or subconsciously). Our conversations of course have to be in general terms, as there is no statement that will hold true for an entire group of people. If you disagree, that’s your OPINION.
And as for your claims that I need to travel, sweetheart please. I’ve had a passport for years and just got back from Paris a little bit ago. You don’t know me, so don’t make a fool of yourself by making such assumptions. Just because you think your OPINION is golden, doesn’t mean everyone else will. I disproved your point about Hollywood with the Paula Patton example; but, you want to skate around that. Ok. You can state that kid looks ethnic all you want. Point is, she had a white husband and a white child (regardless of his hair color…lol). Fact is, Paula P and other mixed actresses have more options in Hollywood and can choose being black, mixed or white on the big and small screens (if their features allow it). That’s no big secret. But, again Bitter Kizzy, if you disagree that’s your choice. I couldn’t care less.
Anyways, I’m bored with talking to you and I have way more important things that I need to be doing with my time.
By Kizzy.
Let me start by thanking you for vesting a little more interest in lil ole me:
Again, you have yet to address these cultural values that are unique to Black Americans ONLY and practiced by all. You’ve already implied that race and culture are virtually synonymous, but you have yet to explain how or why YOU think Black and White Americans are culturally different-especially since (as I pointed out) they live under the same economic and social systems. I already explained to you why they aren’t, but you thought that post was too long and you had too much to do to respond (but you’re still here, lmao). I’m waiting…
Girl, please. Who HASN’T gone to Paris? Lmao. That’s the first and usual place every American says they been when they want to sound “cultured”. That’s like saying you know America cuz you went to NY for a week. Lightweight.
Plus, you never responded to ANY of my other points, and apparently other people in this thread see what a joke you are too. If Karyn doesn’t want to be called Black, stop pretending to be black when you think it pays, then whining about it later. IF you think I skated around that response, I’ll post it again:
Umm Paula NEVER plaid a white woman’s role. She plaid a role that was UNSPECIFIED, hence crossover capability. I don’t see why this is hard! How old are you? Just like Halle in the Rich Man’s Wife (since you STILL don’t get it), NONE of those roles implicitly or explicitly called for a white woman. The inclusion of her in a movie with a white husband is no different than the inclusion of Naomi Harris in 28 Days Later or Angela Bassett with Robert DeNiro in The score. Again, this is VERY different from Karyn “playing black†because that’s the only way she gets acting roles. The role called for a black woman with 2 black parents and black brothers and sisters (which resembled the least). None of Paula’s roles were race specified. So what the child in her latest movie was “white� (mind you dark haired and arguably ethnic looking) That’s what might happen if she has a child with a white man. How is that any different from Garcelle Beauvais ANY OTHER BLACK WOMAN with white looking kids. “Crossover roles†fundamentally mean that someone of ANY color could play that character because *no reference to race is made*. That was NOT the case in Fresh Prince of BelAirm where they were supposed to be black. Try again Sara Jane. You REALLY need to step your analytical game up.
See you again real soon Tragica Mulatta-I know you can’t help it. PS, last I checked, Paula called herself a Black woman. Take that up with her…
Someone’s gotta pay attention to you; so I’ll do it, for now. But, not for long.
As for Karyn, I say to her, pretend she’s black when it pays. Scoop those roles up as well as roles that other ethnicities could play. I don’t think she was mad about taking that role at all; you completely miss the point. Yet again.
And as for my vacation choices… well I couldn’t care less what you think of them. You sound very out of touch with reality (and probably yours) by saying that everyone gets the opportunity to travel to Europe. I refuse to run down the list of my excursions. You’re a virtual nobody; so why should I? But, trust I’ve been to places you probably could only dream of going.
Traggic mulatto, I’m not. Beautiful mulatto, for sure. And believe me, I laugh all the way to the bank like Karyn and others similarly situated.
Alright Kizzy, go do something with yourself. Instead of fantasizing that you’ve won a virtual debate; go work. I don’t want to find out my tax dollars are going to pay for your light bill.
Welcome back Sara Jane…
At least you’ve conceded my point about Karyn, she’s a racial mercenary and as I said-be what you want, but I don’t have to respect it, and don’t whine when others follow my line of thinking. NOW YOU’RE getting it.
As for your “vacation choices”, like I said, get a passport, interact with people who aren’t like you. I can tell by your definition of race and culture that you really have no idea how define them. And don’t you find it interesting that you’re paying SO much attention to a virtual nobody. You consistently contradict yourself. Don’t worry about my dreams, stick to the content of my posts (which I’ve noticed you have yet to address).
Yes. You laugh to the bank like Karyn (when was the last time she worked, lmao). Awesome. Describe your “wealth” to a virtual nobody online lmao. I believe you girl…you so well traveled! And BTW, the most successful blacks in Hollywood call themselves blacks. Maybe a few years and a few experiences under your belt will help you understand what you’re clearly mixed up about.
You’re obviously very hostile to the idea that everyone doesn’t conceptualize the world the way you do-including people “like you”. Get over it. Like me and most folks on this thread have stated several times, you’re creating your own drama and I don’t respect it.
Now here is where you claim you’re going to post ONE last time, and start rambling about how wonderful your life is and how you don’t have time to post….while you post. Enjoy!
Alright, Kizzy this is the last time I’m going to address you because for one you’re delusional. You’ve not read or comprehended any of my past posts (and I refuse to reiterate points I’ve already made). On top of that, you’re very one track minded, as you consistently deem your OPINIONS as facts.
Let’s take your claim that I’m hostile towards the idea of mixed people claiming to be black, for instance. I have absolutely no problem with any mixed person claiming to be black. And never have I said that I do. What I have taken issue with is black people forcing their views on mixed people. I know what I am and everyone else is put on this earth to find who they are, and I’m comfortable with that.
As far as Karyn, I’ll let you count her bank account; but I’m sure its longer than yours as her few endeavers were quite profitable (success that, from the sounds of it, you’ll never be able to obtain… for one you’re one of the most unlikeable people I’ve come across online). But, again that’s neither here nor there. You love to dwell on the irrelevant; unfortunately (or fortunately) I don’t have time to.
You sound very young and naive to think that if one were to be well traveled they would hold your opinions as true. I am proof of that fallacy, for I disagree with almost every sloppy point you’ve asserted on this board. In fact, I’m inclined to believe your a teeny bopper from your naivete. And so I’m disengaging myself from this conversation, a convo that is going nowhere fast.
And now, I leave you in your eternal misery. Smootches Kizzy.
Here’s my question-if you DO NOT have a problem, why are you sitting her arguing with EVERYONE? Our opinions conflict, yet you’ve decided to try to prove (unsuccessfully) that you’re right by saying culture is synonymous with race (wrong) and that you are genetically different (wrong). What exactly have you said that made ANY SENSE? You’re literally arguing for the heck of it, and you’re mad that I have the time to call you out on your BS. Sorry boo, just sit back and take it. I disagree with you and most importantly your LOGIC. That won’t change.
You just told me not to judge you, and yet you’re assuming that I’m not and cannot be successful. Reinforcing your hypocritical nature. I’m not going to tell you about my trip to Paris (lmao), imma let you believe what you like. As far as being unlikeable, YOU seem to be the agitator in this thread…the common denominator. Not me. I see you also lack the ability to be self reflective. Not good. This is your THIRD time saying you don’t have time….but here you are =). Need I go on? Take a stand, STICK to it. That’s been a reoccurring theme in my posts here.
Sara Jane, I pray in these hard times you actually do get to interact with different kinds of people, and more importantly RECENT scientific literature. You KNOW you’re wrong and you’re ACTING like it. As I said before, I await your “final response”. When you show me where 1. Race is genetic and 2. Culture equates to race I might decide you aren’t as stupid as everyone has witnessed.
Awaiting your response, lmao….
Oh and this is for anyone who use the term tragic mulatto. I haven’t met any tragic mulattos but I have met a lot of tragic sistahs who refuse to leave the house without their cancer inducing relaxers and/or weaves, wigs and hair extensions. And don’t forget those who bleach their skin. They’re all tragic (and I’m sure Kizzy is among them), as they can’t accept themselves for who they are.
Now that’s sorry, sad and truely tragic.
LMAO, you couldn’t even wait an hour to forfeit your busy schedule and come back with your generalizations. Tragic mulatto indeed. And since I like to think at a more analytical level, it amazes me that tragic mulattos love to point to black women as the source of all these pathologically anti-black. I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen a wave of sistas going natural and ESPECIALLY rockin’ dreads. Moving AWAY from the white supremacist views of themselves. That’s called progress. No longer begging white people to accept them…not even half of them. So yeah, you see that with SOME black women. You see it with white ones and “mulatto” ones too. In fact, ain’t seen a single “mulatto” woman in Hollywood who doesn’t use a flat iron or straight out try to BE white (Nicole Richie, Carol Channing, Jennifer Beil). Please go to bed, you sound desperate….and TRAGIC, lmao. Those same cancer inducing products are being used by women all over the world. We just don’t use our genetic makeup to try to justify that stupidity. Try again Sara Jane.
Sara Jane,
Please google your brother Leo Felton for more info on why I don’t support your kind and your logic.
If balck & white is mixed then why doesn’t the courts sentence WHITE cocain users HARSHER than it sentences BLACK crack users? BCK can you Find out?
Carol Channing is/was part black?? For REAL??? I’d never heard THAT one before! BTW, is Ms. Channing still alive or deceased?
Hello, I am a new reader of the blog (and am really enjoying all of the thought-provoking posts!) and would like to add my thoughts to the conversation here.
I myself am a person of mixed background (Black mother, White father) and I consider myself African-American. As regarding what is frequently referred to as “the one-drop rule”, I think it can make it hard for people of mixed-race (only of certain mindsets) to live in America. I tend to view a common identity for all people of African descent as a good thing, for I feel it binds us together, provides a strong community base for us to stand upon and not to mention, provides invaluable support for countless children of black & white mixed-race who eventually come into contact with the ugly prejudices of society that most of us (of African descent) inevitably experience at some point in our lives. Every person of mixed-race has the choice and right to identity as something other than African-American if they so wish of course, but I feel for the many Biracial people who are comfortable and content being a part of the Black community, that this common racial/cultural bond is a very positive thing. In my opinion, strength, [i.e. social, political and economic] is in numbers.
I know for me personally, I am very happy and proud to be of African descent and to identify as a light-skinned Black woman. In my own Black family on my mother’s side, my relatives vary in their looks from high-yellow and deep brown to Japanese and white-appearing (myself). The African-American community is rich, complex, and beautiful.
she’s absolutely correct, If i were half white and had a white parent I’d feel insulted if you diss them to.
I don’t understand when “biracial” people state that they are white also, as Ms. Parsons states. African Americans didn’t make the “one drop” rule. The people that you claim that you are one of, purposely excluded you out of their race and gave you and all of your confusion to us. There is no biracial box on anything that I’ve ever seen, so whether you like it or not, we are stuck with you.
I agree with everything Marla said. The one drop rule is very out dated. We do not have to identify ourselves as belonging to any particular group unless we choose to do so. All the boxes that identify race on applications should be abolished along with one that asked a persons age. They don’t do that one anymore. Imagine the outrage if those applications started asking people their weight?
Children should be brought up to be proud of who they are, there is no shame in that unless you are ashamed of who you sleep with. I feel that unless I marry you or give birth to you, my bloodline is none of your business.
The one-drop rule was coined by racist white people, back when America was extremly racist…remember their were hundreds of bi-racial slaves! House -you fill in the blank- it wasn’t right, it carried from then until now, and I say that because if you, rather white or black, look at Halle Berry/Faith Evans/Barack Obama, you just think they’re light skin black folks. In addition, when you look at the people of Africa, from Kenya to Egypt, Morrocco to Madagascar you see an array of shades…the point being, BLACK IS A RACE, you have Black-Latinos, Black-Asians, Black-Jews. My family is composed of a variety of ETHNICITIES, and how you feel about fitting in is up to you! Of course ppl in the str are going to have their opinions-
BUT GET A GRIP THEY ALSO HAVE OPINION ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT, YOUR CLOTHES, THE WAY YOU SPEAK, THE SOUND OF YOUR VOICE, THE SHAPE OF YOUR EYES ETC…
People have opinions, and so do YOU! Opinions only mean what you let them mean, go where the love is…and you’ll find when you stop distracting yourself with all the negativity the world can offer!
.
It is often a surprise for people to learn
that, in reality, there is actually No Such
Thing As a “Light Skinned Black” person.
The term “Light Skinned Black” is really nothing
more than a racist oxymoron that was created by
White Supremacists in an effort to forcibly
deny those Mixed-Race individuals, who are
of a Multi-Generational Multiracially-Mixed
(MGM-Mixed) Lineage, the right to fully
embrace and to also receive public support
in choosing to acknowledge the truth
regarding their full ancestral heritage.
The people who have been slapped with the
false label and oxymoronic misnomer of
“Light Skinned Black” person are simply
Mixed-Race individuals whose family has
been continually Mixed-Race throughout
their multiple generations.
How is there no such think as a light skinned black person, but there are such thing as tall dark and handsome whites, olive toned white, or dark skinned whites (Italians)? More BS multiracial HYPOCRITICAL rhetoric. You CAN be a light skinned Black person and you CAN be a darker skinned White person. light is a adverb not a race (not that race is even something we should believe in).