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My Aspirations for My Biracial Children
It’s been quite a ride in our country lately. The political climate has stirred up more racially charged tension than I can recall in my lifetime. An Old Navy commercial featuring an interracial family and their biracial children ignited a flurry of social media backlash, with some critics expressing disgust over “miscegenation” and lamenting the loss of “pure breeds.” Meanwhile, unsettling comments about the achievements of individuals like Malia Obama are making their way into our daily conversations. Like many, I find these developments deeply troubling.
But for me, this isn’t just a headline—it’s personal. My husband is Black, I’m white, and we have three spirited biracial kids, the oldest of whom will soon start asking those tough questions.
Reflecting on Change
Let’s rewind to 2008. Politics aside, we were thrilled to witness our nation on the verge of electing a biracial president. My husband and I often discussed how we never thought we’d see that day. I was overjoyed that my son, then just a toddler, would grow up seeing a Black president in office—naively blissful about the significance of it all.
I can’t claim to fully understand our nation’s complex racial history, but I can share my experience. The racial tensions that have surfaced over the last several years, especially during this election cycle, have been alarming. I often find myself tuning out the news, overwhelmed with fear for my children’s future.
A Supportive Environment
Fortunately, my kids have a supportive environment at their school, a welcoming place filled with children of different backgrounds, including those with two dads and two moms. Yet home remains our sanctuary. Outside, we often encounter curious stares and sometimes blunt questions. When I’m out with the kids without my husband, I’ve been asked if I know much about their birth mom. (I have the perfect response: YES! I know everything about her!) I get the curiosity; people want to understand how our family works. But the lack of subtlety can be astounding.
A close friend once joked that her parents adore my husband but aren’t sure how to tell them their granddaughter is dating a Black boy. That’s what really gets to me. While I may never meet a card-carrying member of the KKK, I’ve certainly encountered many who love my husband but would be quietly upset if their child dated someone Black.
Challenging Assumptions
I can’t change the minds of those who believe one race is superior to another; I believe that’s a small minority. However, I do wonder if a larger group, knowingly or unknowingly, makes negative assumptions about families like mine. If we could all take a moment to consider a child, we might gain some clarity.
Imagine a young boy with curly hair and brown skin. You might jump to conclusions about his life, behavior, or intellect. But he’s just a kid who loves Legos and Star Wars and is excelling academically. His brother, who recently decided to grow out his Afro, is engrossed in “Little House on the Prairie,” and his baby sister, with her olive skin and soft brown curls, adores her brothers and her diverse collection of dolls.
Hopes for the Future
No matter where we stand on politics or social issues, I believe we can all agree that childhood is a magical time. I hope it’s many years before my kids learn about terms like “miscegenation” or “half-breed.” I wish for every adult they meet to see them without bias. Ultimately, I hope they grow up in a world where they are judged primarily by their character.
For more information on this topic, check out Home Insemination Kit or learn about the At-Home Insemination Kit. Also, don’t forget to visit the CDC’s website for an excellent resource on pregnancy.