In recent years, our nation has faced a tumultuous period filled with heightened racial tensions. The presidential primary has unleashed a wave of charged rhetoric unlike anything I have witnessed before. A recent advertisement from Old Navy featuring an interracial family ignited social media backlash over “miscegenation” and the notion of preserving “pure” lineages. Additionally, unsettling comments regarding Malia Obama’s acceptance into Harvard have infiltrated our news feeds. Like many, I find these developments deeply troubling.
However, for me, this issue hits home. My partner is Black, I am White, and we are proud parents to three vibrant biracial children—one of whom will soon be asking me difficult questions about race and identity.
Reflecting back to 2008, regardless of political alignment, my husband and I felt a surge of hope as we witnessed the election of a biracial president. We often discussed how we never imagined we would see such a moment in our lifetimes. I was elated that our son, who was just a toddler at the time, would grow up with a Black president and remain blissfully unaware of the historical significance.
While I cannot fully articulate the complexities of our nation’s racial history, I can share my personal narrative. The racial tensions that have surfaced over the past several years, especially during this election cycle, have been disheartening. I often find myself avoiding the news because it instills a deep-seated fear for my children’s future.
Fortunately, my children attend a welcoming school where diversity is celebrated, showcasing a range of backgrounds, including families with same-sex parents. Despite this, our home remains our refuge. Outside, we often encounter lingering stares or unsolicited questions. On occasions when I’m out with the kids alone, I have been asked about their birth mother. My response is always positive—I know everything about her! I understand the curiosity but am often taken aback by the bluntness of such inquiries.
One time, a close family friend chuckled nervously while confiding how her parents adore my husband but are uncomfortable with the idea of their granddaughter dating a Black boy. This scenario reflects a broader societal issue. Although I have never encountered a member of the KKK, I have interacted with countless individuals who appreciate my husband but would be uneasy if their child were to date someone of a different race.
I cannot change the hearts of those who hold prejudiced beliefs about racial superiority, and I suspect only a small number of individuals harbor such views. However, I wonder how many people, whether consciously or unconsciously, harbor negative assumptions about families like mine. Perhaps if we take a moment to visualize a child, we can find some common ground.
Imagine a young boy with brown skin and curly hair. You might jump to conclusions about his upbringing, behavior, or intelligence. Yet he is simply a child who delights in building with Legos and dreaming of Star Wars. He excels in school and is full of joy. His brother, who recently began styling his hair into an Afro, adores the “Little House on the Prairie” series, immersed in the stories of Laura and Mary Ingalls. And our little girl, with her lovely olive complexion and soft curls, thinks her brothers are the best. She enjoys playing with both brown and white dolls and is captivated by tales of Thomas the Tank Engine.
While we may differ on political issues or social policies, I believe we can all agree that childhood is a time of innocence and wonder. I hope my children remain unaware of harsh terms like “miscegenation” or “half-breed” for as long as possible. I wish for every adult they encounter to see them without preconceived notions. Ultimately, I hope they grow up in a world that values them based on their character rather than their appearance.
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In summary, I yearn for a brighter future where my biracial children can thrive without the weight of racial prejudice overshadowing their potential.