AMY HODGEPODGE BOOK SERIES: GIVING A VOICE TO MULTIRACIAL CHILDREN
Submitted by admin on October 1, 2009 at 12:04 pm 61 Comments
“My husband and I have 38 nieces and nephews, many of whom are Multiracial. We created Amy Hodgepodge because we felt it was really important that they see themselves reflected positively in children’s literature. They were our main source of inspiration, but looking around we see that the world has become increasingly multiracial. It’s just the way things are(Source).”~Actress Kim Wayans
What: Amy HodgePodge book series by Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts
Description: Amy HodgePodge book series is about a girl named Amy Hodges who gets nicknamed Amy HodgePodge because she is of mixed race:
Product Highlight(s): Educational
Price:$4.99
Where to Buy: AmyHodgePodge.com or Amazon.com
Click here to buy All Mixed Up! (Amy Hodgepodge, No. 1)
I’ll be picking up this book for my children. Growing up I was “insulted” by the kids at school and called Pocahantas. As if that was really going to hurt. It was a compliment!
My kids are a blend of so many different races, they’re asked about where they’re from all of the time.
When they’re with my Mom, who’s black, if they are adopted it hurts their feelings.
It’ll be sweet to give them something to read, to see they arent alone in being of mixed race.
And how to respect everything, regardless of differences.
Being bi-racial is not that big of a deal in today’s society or at least most places. It’s very common now for one to have a black and non-black parent. Kids will always tease each other in school about something, that’s the way kids are.. And frankly pure black kids will catch ridicule over their skin complexions and hair before mixed ones will.. So what’s the point?
It is a big deal. I have lived being multiracial in America and at 26 I still get asked what I’m mixed with.
It is still an unacceptable question.
I see what your saying.. Umm I don’t know how to put this exactly but think of this, people ask you what nationality you are quite frequently I’m assuming, they ask because their curious right? As rude as it may be to ask one such a question, they may either 1.Be fascinated (and is their ignorant way of showing it) 2.Be jealous 3.Be a jerk 4.Don’t understand (kids teasing).. But you know who you are.. Pure black people are not at all questionable as to their identities because people can visibly see them for who they are, so when they get questioned about hair, complexion, or even called a name then it’s a pretty reasonable assumption that people are’nt fascinated or jealous nor is there anything to understand, no it’s pretty safe to say that they are just being jerks..
Judd, I have to agree with you on this. I will not diminish the struggles of mixed raced people, but I must say that people are definitely more accepting and in awe of them than they are with black people (those w/two black parents). I’m sorry if people get mad, but it’s true. So many black children have many identity problems, especially dark skinned ones because our society has never really evolved with it’s views on skin color, hair, etc. We celebrate “exoticness” and those who possess it. Clearly studies have shown that black children have major identity problems, hence the doll test that was conducted years ago and recently.
To the mixed raced people out there, I, by no means, am attempting to say that you don’t have your issues or face challenges. We all do. This book was written for that particular market, but being a black woman, I am concerned not only of the self-esteem of all children, but black children because they will definitely face more issues as they get older. JMO, so if anyone is mad - sorry.
In my country (Guyana) we call someone like Amy a cook-up…ppl are most proud when you hear them speak about the fact that they have all five races (Portuguese,African, Amerindian,Chinese and East Indian). Some my say my country is ethnically divided when it’s time to vote for a new President but there is nothing more special than when you’re referred too as a cook-up
I agree with Judd. Now a days, its good to be mixed cuz you’ll look lightskinned which is highly praised in our society. Its when you’re a full pure race that you get the ridicule. Especially for black children.
Huh? Wha? Excuse me?…..
WOW!
On another note, does anybody know if Kim Wayans has any children of her own?
What an ignorant comment to make!? I know so many all Black gorgeous (that’s right gorgeous)people that I believe that you must live under a rock. People it’s 2009, please THINK b4 you speak (type).
Shumaine, I wouldn’t waste my breath. I think this is a made up post or troll. If not, feel so sorry for the superficiality which is she/he/it.
That’s the thing nothings wrong with being black but society still has it’s issues with it and negative associations and stereo-types that come with it. And people are always going to look at that black person first before someone who dose’nt look as “black” so we speak because it is the essence of being black.. If anyone gets offended oh well, I feel like the struggle for pure blacks is harder. We have ignorant society to thank for that with their ideals of beauty.. For mixed race people, I understand what your saying as well, but people are gonna talk.. That’s the way the world works, nobody minds their business anymore..
As a mother of four bi-racial daughters this book is definitely on my piority list. It hurts when I always have to explain that my children are infact my chldren just because they have blonde hair, green eyes, or a combination of both.
I completely agree with Serafina it’ll be sweet to give them something to read that will let them know they are know they are not alone being bi-racial.
this is cute, i hope they do a series
I think this is a great positive book. Mixed race/light skinned children find it difficult through their school years as they find it hard to know where they fit in. one minute they are too black to hang with the white children and then too white to hang with the black children. hopefully this book would help children to enjoy and appreciate their multicultural background.
Sounds like a positive book for children of ANY race. Maybe it will teach children that teasing one another children is wrong no matter what they look like. Its always good to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and take their feelings into consideration thats a lesson that should be taught EARLY.
Kim Wayans think it’s really important that multiracial children see themselves reflected positively in children’s literature. I can’t believe a black woman said these things. She is one of those black women who probably had to marry a white man because she don’t appeal to the men in her community and she has the nerve to try and advocate this. Come on, she should try to have positive images for black children because like Shaylaa and Judd said those children will catch more heat than those that she wants to represent.
Black people created this out of their love for white people or any other people who aren’t black like them, so if these mixed race children have problems with fitting in they have their black parent to blame. I think it’s really important for black children to see themselves reflected positively in society so this book really don’t appeal to me. I’m with Shaylaa and Judd.
BCKay,
Everyone has a right to be represented in some way. There are many afro-centric books, why not have this kind of book for multi-racial children.
Both my parents i.d. as black, but I was treated as such growing up because of the way I looked. I got teased and was called names like Casper and white girl. I don’t feel I needed a book necessarily, but there were some issues. Kids will pick on anything they deem as different, or just pick to get their jollies or exercise their own insecurities.
Unfortunately I think most children have been teased at some point, some more excessively than others. Lets not pit “my whoa, is bigger than your whoa” or become dismissive of anothers issues…
I will admit that the cynical part of me says this book is just a way to make someone else rich and “dialog” something to death when a simple conversation between parent and child would suffice, but another part of me does see the value such a book can have.
BCKay, click on the “source” after Kim’s quote, and you’ll read her reasoning on why these books are so important. You are correct.
To be honest with you, you wrote exactly what I wanted to say, but you know some people on this website can be a bit sensitive and take things the wrong way, but I agree with you, Judd, and Shayla. I think many will take Shayla’s comment wrong. I don’t think Shayla was saying that she AGREED that light skin is better. I think her point was that in society, they are seen at a highler level. The problem is when you mention these things, people think you are jealous or a hater (I hate that term).
I really love people regardless of race, nationality, etc., but I do have to say that as black people, we have a long way to go.
Teri, I know you are replying more than me, but I will say this..
My post was about the fact that such a book has a right to exist along side all of the other afrocentric books. These multiracial children will be considered black or if mixed w/something else–the non-white other race anyway by the larger society –just look at how the media, etc don’t hesitate to refer to our bi-racial president as black–not mixed race, not the son of white woman etc. So in the end, it really is all in the family—why not uplift ALL.
There are many books out there addressing the “black pride/heritage” thing of our children and many more to come.
Also, as Vanessa so well put it, it is a matter of belonging to two worlds–acceptance etc. Whites or other races do not fully accept these mixed raced kids. Also, it is not nice to be called a mongrel, a mutt, “white girl” in derogative tones and so forth.
In my own case as again, I am a light black not bi-racial so I don’t know all the i.d. and other issues they may struggle with, it wasn’t until I was older that I found out light might not be so bad and maybe even coveted (sadly).
It is not about anyone being sensitive. It is about sharing an opinion and being able to try to walk in another shoes, despite my own woes, real or imagined.
Also, I do hope Shayla did not mean for her comment to be taken at face value or an expression of her own views—do I see another tragic figure like the protagonist in Toni Morrison’s the Bluest Eye–that would be sad.
BB, I hear exactly what you are saying, but as far as our president is concerned, HE considers himself black. I’ve heard him say it countless of times and have read it as well. Now how he wants to identify is his business, so I’m not going to argue about that. We all know his mother is white, and as you can see, he still gets treated like an “N” word.
Like I said before, obviously there is a market for mixed raced/multiracial people and that’s fine. I sympathize with anyone who is given hell because of their color, race, nationality, religion, etc., however, because I’m a black woman, I have enough to deal with, especially the self-hatred that stinks up our own race. I’m more concerned about that because we (the black community) have some very pressing issues. I can’t relate to the plight of mixed raced people because I don’t walk in their shoes. We all have our struggles. Hopefully books like this and others will help.
BB,
I didn’t say there shouldn’t be a book for multiracial kids but i think a book and many other images geared toward black children are more important besides like u said many of these biracial children would be veiwed as black in the larger society and will be seen as such regardless of what they actually are. In society, there are biracial people and people that aren’t biracial that look alike many and u can’t tell one from the other.
Teri,
I don’t care what the people on this website say to me and they can call me a hater, jealous or whatever. I say what i have to say not caring if anyone agrees or not. Many times i think that they know people are telling the truth and someone may say something that they’ve never really thought about and then they come to some realizations.
Jingle Jangle,
I don’t care what color her husband is if she’s happy, fine. Yeah i said she had to marry a white man because she did not appeal to black men. Wow, That’s ashame isn’t it? She’s writing books for a group of people that she isn’t even apart of, she should be writing a book about how black men don’t find women like her appealing. There are many young black girls that represent all of the things she represent and dating will be just as hard for them as it is for her. She’s trying to uplift biracial people like Judd and shaylaa said, these people aren’t the ones who needs this. It’s black people like her that needs more positive representation. Ask black men whether or not she was a loss to them? Her husband may have gained but i can assure u not many black men would say they lost anything by not being with her.
And Teri, i read the source she’s talking about promoting tolerance and encouraging kids to feel good about themselves. If anyone needs that it’s the Kims, Shawns, Marlons, Keenans and Damons Wayans of the WORLD. What’s this about supporting multiracial legislation in California and increasing awareness of multiracial issues? That state is basically broke and besides this is not an real issue that should require any type of legislation.
if you can read, she said a LOT of her nieces and nephews were multiracial, thats why she did the book, and whats with you assuming black men dont want her and thats why she had to go to the white man? lol…
Wow. Again to you I say “Wow!” “She’s writing for a group of people she isn’t even part of”…well isn’t she, since she helped to birth the multiracial child, she is a mother that the child gets it’s African American heritage from her!
As far as the black children that need uplifting…Kim never said that they don’t. The point I was trying to make is we have uplifting books out there for us and if more books come out the better but all races, whole or mixed, deserve to have a book. But books aside the uplifting needs to start at home, that where it started for me. In my youth I read uplifting black books by black authors, and did not stop there I expanded it to all books of all genres across the world; and still do.
Last time I checked, everyone could use some uplifting. Yes Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, etc, because in another races eyes they may view an opposite race as beneath their own so all races get it.
I acknowledge there are many light bright women in the Hollywood industry but we don’t know their struggles but what I do know is there are just as many black women of cinnamon, nutmeg, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and so forth in Hollywood too! But never doubt that the light skin women or multiracial children could have possibly came from a black parent.
And at the end of the day if you still feel strongly about it then go protest the book or snatch the book from buyers hands. God bless!
Lets not look at the BLACK AND WHITE MIXES. What about the Asian and WHITE MIXES OR HISPANIC AND WHITE MIXES. Do THESE races Go through many Problems In their communities. I THINK ANY MIXTURE with BLACK becomes a racial problem.I THINK BEING BLACK,ONE ISN’T ACCEPTED ANYWHERE ESPECIALLY IN THE U.S.
THEREFORE MORE BLACK MEN ARE MATING WITH WHITES. THESE MEN FEEL THAT THEIR BLACK FEATURES IS A HORRIBLE LOOK TO THE HUMAN EYE.. TRUST ME!!!Inferiority complex really sucks…
@Grace…I agree with some of your comment particularly about the treatment of Blacks in the U.S. I hope that on some level, this book can convey to young people that in the United States, anti-miscegenation laws (ban of interracial marriages, couplings) were only reversed in the middle of the 20th century, in 1967 to be exact, being reversed by a Supreme Court Decision.
Prior to 1967, a majority of WHITE AMERICANS approved the ILLEGALIZATION of interracial marriages. And what was meant by interracial encompassed anyone non White with White, meaning not just Blacks but Asians, Mexicans, Indians, etc. Before 1967 it could be legal for mixed races to be married in Washington, DC, but if they moved to Virginia, they could and would get arrested for the CRIME of being an interracial couple.
Interracial marriages as opposed to people just hooking up and having babies together is still taboo though becoming more acceptable. In the US today only 2.4% of marriages are interracial which translates to 1.6 million people.
I just stated these facts because it seems the argument that some mixed race people have is with negativity against the Black race, but it is a historical fact that in the U.S., WHITE people who give the mixed ones their fair pigment of skin which they adore, were and still are the main perpetrators of hate against them and any mixing of the races. So much so that it was made a crime to mix races to insure the purity of the White race.
I hope no one reading my comment takes offense, I’m just citing historical and legal facts that relate to the topic of interracial marriages.
I know from previous stories related to the topic on this site, that when the ugliness of White racism raises it’s head, there always are a few self-righteous ogres, that take offense because they want to continue to malign and slight the African American ethnicity while exalting themselves.
Well to those few, the Black gene is strong and very evident throughout the world.
I understand what everyone on this page is saying. Having a book to cater to your child is a blessing, especially in today’s world where ALL children are forced to deal with harsh criticism.
I have a very light skinned grandmother and my cousins were very light skinned, as a darker skinned person I always felt unappreciated by strangers because people always told my grandmother that my cousins looked so much like her.
People have to understand we all get it hard, whether we are light, dark, or whatever but we have to sometimes let our own biases go and just appreciated something for what is it. I might not understand the need for this book in its entirety because I suffered the opposite and as a child probably wished I had these problems that mixed people suffer, but we have our own struggles and i’m glad these kids have something to read to relate to.
For the person who made the remark that Kim had to marry a white man because she did not appeal to black men. Wow just wow. Guess you didn’t stop to consider that it is one man’s lose and another man’s gain (that man being her husband) who was blessed enough to realize she was special and loved her.
Kevin Knotts is her husband and he is a white man so what.
I have dated men of all races and the reason being is I date based on personality not race. It is wrong to think I am only worthy of love from a black man. So does that mean if no black man loves me I should stay single. Just because a woman or man dates or marries another race doesn’t mean they don’t love their own people.
Anywhooooo I think the book is great. All races should be able to be expressed in media, literature, etc. We have wonderful black characters in published books (I don’t have children as of yet but I buy black children’s book to add to my collection for the day I have a child or children). So why the big stink that there is a multiracial character in a book now. We as black people were mad when there were only white books, and then we got books written and drawn to represent us, so why can’t multiracial people have their books. It’s not like they said we cannot read them or buy them.
I agree with all of your statement. Also I’m thinking about getting this book for my future children, but my minds not set yet.
I would just like to share that people of different religions, ethnicities, backgrounds and cultures have before/are marrying or having offspring and it will continue to happen. The same as some people think they need to stay/be with/have offspring with the people they are “grouped” with by society (even though I disagree with them to an extent). That’s just how it is folks..let it sink in, think of it, and move on.
There is nothing set in stone that says you have to be with the people you mostly share features with, the people in the same country as you, the same religion as you or any of that! Just US stupid human’s making big deals about stupid shit! Of course if two people are similar in anyway to the aspects above would like to be together because that’s purely what they prefer then fine do it. Just as it’s fine that two people that doesn’t share similarities genuinely want to be each other because thats what they prefer.
**Love knows no race, complexion, age, gender and religion** -Moi
BrwnSantiLove>>>Some people are not against IR relationship, but want to preserve the declining black race. That’s the way some people feel. Even though I love to see black love just like some people love to see IR love. I, for one, don’t have a problem with anyone and who they choose to date/marry. As a matter of fact, I suggest more black women think outside that dang box and be open to non-black men. There are millions of men on the planet, and while I love and am attracted to black men, I sure in h-e-double hockey sticks not going to sit around waiting for one, thus my current man is white. I live in the Pacific NW and trust and believe, the black men here don’t date nor want to date black women. Talk about self-hatred. It’s amazing because so many of them look at black women with more disdain than a racist of another culture. It’s not all about who they love in many cases - it’s about remaining ideals that anything that doesn’t look like you is more superior. Whatever.
Trust me the same mentality is prevalent in Puerto Rico where the dark-skinned Puerto Rico with kinky hair is not accepted by Puerto Rican society. Puerto Rico is a very colorist island. And the dark puerto Ricans are not accepted by the larger Hispanic groups in America and elsewhere. So it is going on in many places. I think it is a wonderful idea to have books geared to a positive ideal for mixed raced children.
Stories like this drives the troll crazy don’t it! LOL!!! I love it. Get use to it because this is only going to increase so I guess you just have to vent and vent and vent your anger while life goes on in spite of you. I know you have dedicated your life to this kind of negativity, but guess what? In the end you will lose and I love it. Kudos to Miss. Wayans for making a positive contribution in the lives of her family members and biracial children everywhere. All children need to believe that they matter in whatever color, shape or form they come to this earth in and we welcome them with open arms.
@Amber..don’t know who you’re referring to with your negativity and you have been the only rude writer posting. The truth really hurts sometimes.
Amber…Shut up! I think I told you this before, you need to further your formal education and go to a website that is more appealing to you to spew your intolerance and ignorance about American legal history.
Now, BCK has featured a book for kids that you like, but that’s still not good enough for you. All you saw was a comment with the TRUTH of racism wrought by White society and it killed you to face it.
You have no intelligent answer or retort so as always, you resort to name calling. Sticks and stones!
I agree with Amber. There is a troll who frequents this blog and her modus operandi is always the same: talk about how everybody is supposed to be against blacks and not other races. I guess Grace/Pisces didn’t get the memo about the country being against the Hispanics, she doesn’t like to talk about that but Mike did. The truth hurts the troll which is why she is so upset. You see more self-hatred amongst the Hispanics encouraging their children to marry white, than in any other group and I know that the disdain against the darker Hispanics like Puerto Ricans and Dominicans is real. Some people just like to keep bringing up the past to keep folks mired in what happened yesterday (decades ago) but times have changed and there are just some people of color who hate to see society advance in matters such as this. Everybody knows about racism and white society you aren’t tellin us anything we don’t know, we just chose to rise above it. We are living in 2009 with different laws today and that is what counts. You are also owned on bgrit
@Truth..again another stupid comment with no supporting facts. It’s not society’s fault that you are in denial about what is a reality.
You refer to people posting as trolls because you don’t like the TRUTH of what you read.
You have a lot of nerve posting on a site that is called BLACK Celebrity Kids such negative remarks about Black people. You are racist against Blacks and their physical appearance.
You accuse people of posting with different names well that’s what you just did and always do when there is a topic on interracial couples, AMBER/THE TRUTH. You are the same angry, hostile little person posting and agreeing with yourself.
Pathetic.
I would love to get this book. I think this is good for mixed children. I was a military child and when my dad retired and I reached civillian life it was HELL! My parents are from Lousiana, my mother is that very high(almost white) yellow and my father is “red”. I have indian, black, and white down the line and I was teased by blacks that my hair is too nice so it must be weave and white kids said how come I live behind the country club my skin is too dark, how can i afford that? I am glad this book is there for children dealing with these jealousy issues of ignorant people.
I’m Tunisian, and never had a problem fitting in with black or whites. I am darker now but as a child I could have passed for white but I still hung out with both races.
An example of a mixed race troll is featured on the front page of BCK today. The name is Maya Rudolph. Her father is White and her mother was a light skinned African American.
So much for the myth that all biracial unions create beautiful offspring!
I too think Amber hits the nail on the head and that partly explains the excited reaction to her revelations. We all racism exist in this country and around the world at it is directed at all people who are not white. But times have changed and we are not living in a time where folks were forbidden to marry the person they loved, anybody can get married today because we don’t live in the past. Amber was simply writing about the negative comments of other people (i believe it is one person as well) who constantly has an axe to grind against mixed raced couples. As you can see she came back to totally obscure what Amber so correctly pointed out. I have read the comments from top to bottom and if you read them too you will come to the same conclusion as Amber. I have many mixed race people in my family and I know many more, they have no negative feelings against one half of themselves, they simply want to be accepted in their entirety and that makes sense. I have seen and heard more negative comments made against dark skinned Hispanics by light skinned Hispanics more than anything else. Black people are beautiful in all of our manifestations and the biracial people are simple a branch emanating from the trunk of the African tree and grace/Pisces and all of her alias will never alter the facts.
@Yoki..I’m not using this forum to prove anything to you or anybody else on this site. YOU (meaning that you are probably yet a third alias that is being used for AMBER and THE TRUTH)need to stop trying to put words in my mouth to sway opinion against me and my right to express my thoughts and opinions
You’re not the only one who has mixed people in their family, I do too, and they love me and I love them.
I have no issues with mixed people, it’s with people like you ( Amber, The Truth and Yoki) who malign African American women by name calling and acting superior, which you are not by any stretch of the imagination.
And I, (I can’t speak for Grace because she is not me and can speak for herself) will continue to call you on it whenever I see it, whatever your name is.
Do people read the comments on this blog before jumping to conclusion? Amber said nothing negative about anybody, she was simply pointing out how this silly woman comes on this black blog all the time speaking ill of mixed race people. Pisces, there is something seriously wrong with you and you definitely protest too much which leaves one to think that you are the troll. Please, stop making a fool of yourself because cunning is something you have never picked out. I have read and re-read the comments and there were some very tasteless comments made before Amber and the others came on to expose what was happening. You have too much time on your hands, you need a copy besides living in the past.
Lord, I made so many grammatical mistakes, I’m trying to type and clear my desk at the same time, I hate to leave work until Monday. I meant that the Pisces woman needs a hobby, but I’m sure folks understood what I meant. Have a blessed weekend everyone and attend your favorite house of worship on Sunday.
This is my hobby..pissing you off, fraud!
It is amazing the sick minds that some blogs attract. You are obviously so crazy and I am so grateful that I am safely away from you because of the anonymous nature of this medium.
Although at times I wish I could find out your identity so that I could sue you for your attempts to smear me online.
Because you’re absolutely nobody in the scheme of things and I’m sure you’re poor as dirt with as much time you obviously have on your hands to write the crazy messages you convey here at this family themed website.
One thing for sure, based on your writings your full of mad hate for me but you best believe it’s mutual.
This is a PERFECT book for me im MultiRacial im Italian,Black,Brazilian,and Jamacian. WE NEED A VOICE .! im gonna go buy. and my mom was gonna make me anywaay.
This is a great book & though I don’t have Biracial kids I will still buy it. For me it doesn’t just touch on the mixed race child but also on acceptance & understanding people & their differences. Thumbs up on this book.
Pisces dear, sweetie pie, you piss no one off but yourself because you cannot change what is happening no matter how much you shriek and wail and that is the beauty of it all…you fail. No mad hate honey, just happiness over your anger. LOL!!!!!! On a positive note, I love the Wayan family, good that they are so inclusive for all of our people.
SMH. Sick, crazy and mean. Not a mutt or mongrel, just an ugly pit bull.
I’m not angry, just afraid of people like you. SCARY!
Pisces, I feel so bad for you, I really do. I feel so sorry for the memory of your mom(RIP). I think this is a great affirmation for biracial kids in America. They need to be represented as a part of the African diaspora because as someone already mentioned, we as a people, come in all colors and shades. We live in the present and although we know where we came from and our history in the United States, it is vitally important for us to move forward in thought and deeds.
Whoever you are, you don’t know me to feel sorry for me. Save it and stuff it. I never criticized this book at all in any of my comments though I have a right to if I feel like it. Just take care of yourself and all the biracial kids in the world, okay? I know you don’t care about me and I sure as hell don’t care about you or your Mama.
You don’t know me to feel sorry for me. This comment you made makes more sense than previous ones.
It sucks being so close to 40 with so very little to show for it. Sigh.
oh my god…just shut up. just go away, you and your negative comments are soo annoying. So save it for yourself or someone who need it. I personally dont care about you but you are not even worth if you are trying to call me out.
Who the hell are you people? Believe me I’m out because These have to be children writing here now!
I did not write this comment saying anyone is close to 40. Someone wrote in PISCES and a comment. I don’t know how old people are writing here but today’s comments prove to me that very, very, young children are writing here.
I am so through with this topic so if the name Pisces comes up it’s not me.
@Pisces
U dont know me to feel sorry for me.
What kind of dumb remark was that? Wow, i really do feel sorry for you now.
MY HUSBAND IS JAPANESE AND I AM MIXED…TOGETHER WE HAVE 6 BEAUTIFUL
AND YES EXOTIC CHILDREN. THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ACCEPTED BY FRIENDS
OF DIFFERENT ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS. NEVER A PROBLEM. WE TOLD THEM TO
EMBRACE THEIR DIFFERENCES AND TO CARELESS ABOUT ANYONE ELSE’S
NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF THEM. I THINK THAT IF ANYTHING THEY HAVE
BEEN SPOILED BY PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY JUST SHOW UP AND HAVE THE DOORS
OPENED. MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IS STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY BECAUSE
PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS STARING AT HER AND TELLING HER SHE IS
SO GORGEOUS. IT IS SOMETIMES UNSETTLING. IS NOT GOOD EITHER FOR SO
MUCH PRAISE FOR JUST SHOWING UP. WE STRESS TO GET GOOD
MARKS IN SCHOOL AND STIVE FOR SUCCESS AND TO BE RESPECTFUL OF
THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. LOOKS FADE OVER TIME.
First of all I’d like to say that I’m really glad there is a book like this around. I, myself am multiracial and wish there was something like this when I was a child. I have experienced hardships in my life because im mixed. I know a lot of people think that we don’t have it as hard as full-blooded blacks but in my opinion I beg to differ. I’ve always been told you’re too black to be white and too white to be black and then expected to choose which side I identify more with. It’s confusing for a young child and I’m glad that now I am at peace with myself and understand that I am 50/50 and it’s beautiful that way.