In recent times, our nation has faced a wave of intense discussions surrounding race and identity. The political climate has been charged with rhetoric that is often divisive and painful. An advertisement from Old Navy featuring an interracial family sparked outrage from some who expressed disdain for “miscegenation” and lamented the loss of so-called “pure breeds.” Additionally, troubling remarks about Malia Obama’s acceptance to Harvard have surfaced, further fueling my concern. These developments are disheartening, but they resonate with me on a deeply personal level.
As a white woman married to a Black man, we are raising three spirited multiracial children. The oldest will soon be asking tough questions about the world—a reality I both dread and anticipate. Reflecting on 2008, the election of a biracial president filled us with hope. My husband and I often discussed how we never thought we’d witness such a historic moment. I felt elated that my son, then just 18 months old, would grow up during a time when a Black president was in office, blissfully unaware of the significance.
The racial dynamics in our country are complex, and I can only share my perspective. The racial tensions that have emerged, especially during this election cycle, have been unsettling. I find myself avoiding news reports, as they instill a profound fear for my children’s future.
Fortunately, our children attend a diverse local school where they experience a range of cultural backgrounds, including families with two dads and two moms. Yet, home remains our sanctuary. Outside, we often encounter questioning glances and, at times, intrusive inquiries. When I am out alone with the kids, I have been asked if I know their birth mother. My response is always, “Absolutely! I know everything about her!” While I understand the curiosity, the lack of discretion can be surprising.
A close friend once shared her discomfort about introducing her daughter’s Black boyfriend to her parents, who adore my husband. This highlights a disturbing truth: while many people appreciate my husband, they might secretly disapprove of their own child dating someone of a different race. I have never met a member of the KKK, but I have encountered numerous individuals who harbor subconscious biases against interracial relationships.
I cannot change the hearts of those who believe one race is superior to another; I believe such views are held by a minority. However, I suspect a larger segment of society harbors negative assumptions about families that look like mine. It may help to pause and imagine a child.
Consider a young boy with brown skin and curly hair. You may jump to conclusions about his background, behavior, or intelligence. But he is simply a child who enjoys Legos and Star Wars and excels in school. His brother, who recently decided to grow an Afro, loves the Little House on the Prairie series and knows the characters’ adventures by heart. And that little girl with olive skin and soft curls? She adores her brothers and enjoys playing with her dolls, both brown and white, along with her Thomas the Tank Engine books.
Regardless of our differing views on politics or social issues, we can all agree on the innocence and magic of childhood. I hope it will be many years before my children encounter terms like “miscegenation” or “half-breed.” I wish for every adult they meet to regard them without biases. Ultimately, I hope they grow up in a world that evaluates them based on their character rather than their appearance. That is my hope.
For those interested in exploring more about family planning, check out our post on home insemination kits for a comprehensive guide. And if you’re curious about pregnancy and its various aspects, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development offers an excellent resource on pregnancy.
In summary, as parents of multiracial children, we hope for a future where they are judged by their character and not their race. Our experiences reflect a larger societal challenge, underscoring the need for awareness and understanding in a diverse world.