LOL is Me!

After reading   many many forums and blogs about mixed race children. I find it very annoying when people obsess when a mixed child’s phenotype favors one parent. Especially if the child looks caucasian.  If the child looks like the non-white parent theres no surprise there.  This even happens to parents who appear to be of the same race as well, when their children come out significantly darker or lighter. People are so surprised, and the first question they ask: oh, is the child mixed?

Why are many sets of twins where both are  opposite in complexion are they deemed “white” and the other “black”…Is that true? They have the same parents why do people have to make them into separate races.  I feel sorry for these children and families who are put in this position and given all of this media attention.  They say mixed children are confused and have a hard time figuring out who they are already. Now imagine what these children are going to go through when people are constantly telling them they are different races than their TWIN! So basically, people are saying that these twins are more similar in race to the people whom they share the same phenotype, than the  person whom they share the same genetics and womb for 9 months?! 

Genes are not like paint you do not take parental phenotypes mix them and get a baby.  Genes are very very random and your phenotype is more complex than that.  Yes I know when things like this happening are very interesting, Ill admit.  But people do not have to deem these events as something so miraculous.. If you knew the basics as to how genes and development work it wouldn’t be that surprising.

To those other than the executive board of The Multiracial Biracial Student Association(MBSA) it is known as Mixed Madness Month.  March marks the beginning of a new and ever growing tradition at the University Of Maryland. Our Month.. yes MONTH is dedicated to celebrating the multi-cultural/racial heritage.  For those of us who are multicultural/racial we know that we are not necessarily represented during the celebrations of the individual heritage months.  So why not create one where every one can join in regardless of race/culture?  A fusion of all heritage months into one!  

And so a group of amazing students have set forth on this journey to bring forth cultural/racial unity on campus and abroad. So if you have not already attended our events/meetings please do.  I leave this short message by shouting what has become one of our favorite slogans: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE MIXED TO JOIN!

Yes, the name of our group is the Multiracial Biracial Student Association (a mouthful to repeat).No I personally do not scream from the mountain tops that I am racially mixed (even though technically I am). Why? Are you denying part of who you are?  Well, personally I do not feel like the color of my skin tells you anything about who I am, where I have been, or where I will be. Yes my beloved grandmother is Indian and my grandfather is Black but that tells you nothing about who they are.  Hearing that you may think that my grandmother has all the culture and customs of someone from India and that my grandfather has all of those of an American.  But that isnt true at all.  Actually both of my grandparents are Jamaican and have more in common with each other than those of their race.  For me culture plays a more important factor in who I identify as.  Both of my grandparents cook and eat the same foods because they are Jamaican. So who am I? I am Jamaican American!  I do not know if that is a technical term used to describe some one of my background, but that better describes who I am.  My moms Jamaican and my dads American.  So there you go Jamaican American.  That way all parts of me are acknowledged.

Soo, if you do not identify as mixed then why did you join?  Well, I personally wanted a place where all parts of me could be acknowledged, not just one part at a time.  Our group is a unique place where people of all races and cultures gather and discuss issues/topics that cater to everyone.  A great place to experience new people with different mosaics of backgrounds.  Being multi-cultural can mean that your parents are from a different country but you have lived and grown up here, you are from a different country but you are now living and adapting to life in a new place, or you can even be of the same race but have parents from different places.  Are you not mixed? Yes, being multi-cultural is just like being multi-racial.  So, do not be fooled by the name!

Ive realized that the best way to relieve a day of stress is to just laugh… Simple RIGHT? Being a 20 something college student comes with its own stress… But then add in the stress of school, family and boys…OMG things will build up.  After talking with my friend (the person who I bake, drink, and throw 2 person dance parties with) Ive realized that its great to open up and share things with the people you care about. Its not bad to need to talk to someone.  We are social creatures and thats just how we work!  So people may say I am crazy because I laugh a lot and may be very Very loud at it!  But it helps me stay calm cool and collected :)