As my son becomes more self-aware he’s beginning to realize that he’s not quite like other kids. It’s funny, that although we have a biracial family, the topic of ethnicity is seldom acknowledged. My wife and I are both proud of our heritage and expose Miles to as many facets of his varied background as possible. Yet, we never allow our differences nor our mixed-race relationship to be a point of focus. To him, we are just two loving parents who are unified in his well-being and not a hotbed of racially charged viewpoints or distinctions. But, as he grows and begins to question his own identity. We now owe it to him to provide some answers, the best we can.
Teaching Kids About Race
My hometown of Toronto is a bastion of cultural diversity and acceptance. I say this simply because being a biracial child, in this city, is nothing exceptional. Our multiculturalism has spawned a level of tolerance that (frankly) should be mirrored globally. My boy doesn’t experience the curious stares and uninformed questions that so many other mixed-race individuals (throughout the world) have to endure daily. Not to say that he hasn’t had to suffer the odd perplexed glance from onlookers. But, generally, his being the product of crossed cultures isn’t such an issue. This is no more apparent than at his own school, where a high representation of racially ambiguous kids inhabits. I’d like to hope that all of his social encounters will continue to be as inclusive. But sadly, his race will undoubtedly come into consideration one day.
The Perils of Being Black
Growing up as a black male of Jamaican descent in Canada, I’ve luckily had very few racially motivated altercations. Sure, I’ve had run-ins with police often as a result of, “loitering while black”, “being black in the wrong place and time”, “fitting the description” or, my personal favourite, “being black while amongst other blacks”. These rendezvouses normally resulted in harassing warnings with some exchanged epithets, but thankfully, never any arrests. I’ve had brushes with the paranoia of those who felt threatened by my proximity and skin colour. Often proceeding to distance themselves due to insecurity and ignorance. Also, these episodes are very infrequent and mildly comical. Overall, I’ve suffered a smidgen of bigotry so many confront, and for that I’m grateful. All that said, I then have to consider what may await Miles and, will his circumstances be so palatable?
What Is In a Colour?
The exploration of race; how it separates, unites, and defines us all, is a concept no child should have to undertake. All they should be considering is the content of the character of those they wish to associate with and call friends. My hope is that he is never prejudged solely based on his appearance. I hope that he’ll be scrutinized for his actions rather than his genetic makeup. I hope that in turn, he too will grow to recognize quality over the colour of others, for as long as he may live. I hope for a lot of things, but truthfully, I have my fears. All I can do is imbue him with a pride of self. Arming him, intellectually, with a robust knowledge of ancestry (both Asian and Caribbean), while praying that his life is unfettered by discrimination. Race and racism are constructs of man that have gone on to benefit no one. “Only laundry is meant to be separated by colour”.