FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET TIFFANY NOBLE

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Tiffany Noble, age 26

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

White, Korean, Indian German and Irish. Asian Pacific Islander from Hawaii.

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Houston, TX

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

Semi. I live in an urban area.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

Killeen, TX. Yes, it was extremely diverse because it is a military town. Everyone you met was either mixed or from some other part of the world. When I went to the University of Texas at Austin I was in shock at the lack of diversity.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

They met in a bar in Washington.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

Coming from my father's side, yes. They didn't like that fact that my mom was mixed half Korean and half white.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

Overtime they became more open to my mom but not necessarily supportive because we have only met one of his aunts who welcomed us. No we did not spend a lot of time with my dad's side. Most time has been spent with my moms.

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

Yes, when we did. We didn't celebrate too many cultural things in our household. We really only celebrate our culture food wise. We are part Korean so we always have a few Korean dishes at family gatherings or holidays.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

The food is amazing and the openness of my parents and family. Favorites: Golbi teriyaki, homemade egg rolls, homemade sushi bulgolgi.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

They always talked to us about respecting other cultures even if we didn't understand it. I don't remember any specific examples but they made sure we didn't judge a book by its cover.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

Not really because we grew up in such a diverse area it was hard to see race. We grew up knowing about each part of our culture equally.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

Yes I am mixed. I am not just white no matter what skin shows. People assume we are white and then are shocked to find out I'm not 100 percent and it makes me a tad mad every now and then because I have to justify and have to have proof for people to believe me.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE?

No. My partner is black.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

It means I can identify with so many things it's awesome. I don't use it to my advantage or disadvantage.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

Yes. They show me all different types of cultures and expose me to app the good things we can learn from each other.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

I hate the idea of white privilege no matter how prominent it may be somewhere. I've never tried to use it nor would I, but some assume it is used because I can pass for white.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

That everyone can stop blaming racism as the issue with society instead of the actions of people being the problem.

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET HEATHER NOBLE

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Heather Noble, age 26

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

Asian Pacific Islander, Hawaiian, Caucasian

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Manor, TX

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

Not really. It seems to be a more Hispanic/African-American area

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born in Germany but I grew up in Killeen, TX and yes it was as diverse as they come. Probably because it was a military town. Majority of my friends were mixed.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

I believe they met at a bar

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

It was rough when they had us. They didn’t make a lot of money and they had twins. My dad’s family had trouble accepting my mom because she didn’t “look” white enough. It’s part of the reason I don’t really know that side of my family.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

Yes, my family has always been supportive. My dad’s side didn’t really like that my mom was more than just white. Since I only know my mother’s side of the family they have always given support about being mixed. My grandma made a comment the other day to my cousin that she needed more color in her dating life.

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

We didn’t celebrate cultural holidays but we did learn to cook some of the traditional dishes. My favorite are Galbi and Teryaki (not like the sauce you buy at the store but real Teriyaki made with soy sauce and steak strips.)

DO YOU SPEAK MULTIPLE LANGUAGES?

No. My great-grandma spoke Korean but that was it.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

I didn’t learn much growing up about the music or religion but I enjoyed learning how to cook the food. My grandma taught me how to make Teryaki, Bulgogi, Galbi, Sticky rice, and Egg rolls.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

I can’t say that they really did. Because growing up we never talked about what our background was and how it affected the way we were looked at. As we got older and were able to understand more my mom would tell us about my dad’s family and how they disapproved of her because she has brown skin.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

Hardly ever. My grandma taught us some about our Hawaiian heritage. She is very proud and loves to show up videos and explain the dancing and what it all means.  I started talking about race probably in elementary school. I’ve always had friends from various cultures and backgrounds.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

Mixed

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE? 

I don’t think race plays a role in who I’ve dated but it seems to be a trend. I have usually dated black or Hispanic. My ex was black and Mexican.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

I see being mixed as positive thing. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It brings me joy to be able to broaden other people's horizons because of who I am and what my mom and grandma have taught me.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

Yes, I’ve learned that some are more tied to each side due to their upbringing and some are like me. Kind of just who we are and not defined by our mixture.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

I get “You’re Asian? I thought you were Hispanic.” a lot. And I get that I don’t look like it but there are plenty of people who don’t look a certain way.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

My wish is that everyone get along. There’s a lot of dispute about race and racism but growing up the way I did and where I did I never really saw it so it’s hard for me to comprehend. I hope that one day everyone will be able to look at each other and not see the skin tone or haircut and realize that we are all here together working toward our goals. We should be helping each other not fighting.

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Celebrate and acknowledge millions of multiracial Americans and families by making Loving Day a federal observance

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There are 22 million multiracial Americans (6.9% from Pew Research), comparable to the Asian American population (5.6%), and growing 3 times faster than the U.S. as a whole.

There are 32 million interracial or interethnic married couple households (10% from the U.S. Census). Those numbers have grown 28% over a decade.

Despite those numbers, we have struggled with racial discrimination from all sides. We have been underrepresented in public policy, health care issues, media, and more. We ask the federal government to lead the change by acknowledging us.

We honor Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 Supreme Court decision that ended laws against multiracial families. Please join our community, government leaders, and organizations by celebrating its June 12th anniversary as Loving Day.

Click HERE to sign the petition! 

It takes 2 seconds, just enter your name and email! You must sign before June 30th, 2016! They still need 97k signatures, so share, share, share! 

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PRAYED OUT

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I am tired. I hope you are too. I am tried of no action being taken by our senate on gun reform. The time is now people! How many more lives must be lost? My friend Timothy Ware nails it on the head in this jaw dropping, inspiring video. 

Timothy Ware (Book, Music & Lyrics) is currently on Broadway in the Tony Winning Musical KINKY BOOTS as the standby for Lola. He is a native of Montgomery, AL where he received a BA in Theater Arts from Alabama State University, under the direction of TV/Film actress, Dr.Tommie "Tonea" Stewart (In the Heat of the Night). He later studied at UCLA in the MFA Acting Program under Broadway's playwright/director Tony Winner, Mel Shapiro (Two Gentlemen of Verona). Some of his credits as a director includes, Ain't Misbehavin' & Jelly's Last Jam (Kuntu Rep./Pittsburg, PA); Dutchman & SHOUT! (Lelia Barlow Theatre/Montgomery, AL). Associate Choreographer for Godspell, Beehive, Guys & Dolls (Alabama Shakespeare Festival) and Ain't Misbehavin (South Bay Musical Theatre/ San Jose, CA). He worked as a dance instructor and choreographer in Los Angeles, CA at the Amazing Grace Conservatory with founder and TV/Film Star, Wendy Raquel-Robinson (The Steve Harvey Show & The Game). 

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WHY THE "OTHERS" IN ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK SEASON 4 MATTERS

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“I represent the ‘Others.’”

So if you haven’t gotten a chance to binge watch Orange is the New Black on Netflix-don’t worry there are no spoilers here. If you are like me, you might have been hesitant or even pessimistic about this new season-because let’s be frank, it’s been a long journey since season one. Season one was explosive and pretty much revolutionized Netflix and the art of binge watching as we have come to know it. Seasons two and three were ‘bleh’ in my opinion, hard to get through and leaving me less enthused for the following summer’s season premiere. However; season four delivered in every possible. Finally, despite the very dark subject matter that the story explores ranging from racism, over-crowding, women’s rights, prisoner’s rights, and power dynamics, I was given a character I was able to connect to on a cultural level of understanding.

Being bi-racial I of course can identify with the differing struggles that both the blacks and Latino’s deal with throughout each season. It wasn’t until episode 12 of this new season when Piper’s roommate ‘Hapakuka’ states she is representing the “Other,” during a meeting headed by the respective leaders of the divided racial groups that I connected to it as a mixed individual. The groups are separated between their leaders reflecting their racial groups: Whites, Dominican’s (representing all Hispanic’s), and Blacks and this character happens to be as they state the “browns who are not brown,” or “the yellow’s.” I thought this was especially poignant given this season explore racial dynamics and conversations that mirror that of prison life which we hadn’t seen before. While Hapakuka’s specific heritage is never given it is alluded to when she refers to her previous prison in Honolulu.

To me, she represents the underrepresented demographics that either aren’t large enough to be key players in Litchfield’s fictional prison world or in fact the “Others,” of blended cultural backgrounds. The “Others,” that cannot check a specific box of racial ethnicity because there is more than one, cannot be easily identified by their genetic make-up, or don’t represent the cultural status-quo. Orange is the New Black will always get numerous praise for its progress in diverse casting and giving women of all backgrounds varying platforms in the prison world they created. Hapakuka was a reflection of a reality that we as multiracial people know all too well, especially when we combat finding our own voice or place amongst racial groups that don’t have blended backgrounds.

 It made me reflect on where biracial/multiracial people fit in clearly established sectors like prison where being a part of a group can be your saving grace. Her character played a small, but significant role in the mounting tensions growing amongst the inmates. I anticipate if they will be able to use her ethnic background to create more conversation on specific racial groups outside of the clear cut cultural backgrounds we are used to seeing as opposed to the “Others.”

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HAPA FOOD TRUCK IN STAMFORD, CT

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You guys! There’s a Hapa Food Truck! I was, and still am, so freaking excited about it! Not only is the food stupid good, but I love how they are combining the whole East meets West cuisines! Ergo Hapa!

It was a balls-hot Sunday afternoon, and two of my dear friends, Brian and Alison, and I were bored. So we decided to jump on a train and head for Stamford, Connecticut and try out the Hapa Food Truck I’ve been obsessing over. Total spur of the moment foodie adventure!

Between the 3 of us we ate:

Philippine Chicken Adobo Taco – Chicken Slow Cooked in Cane Vinegar and Soy Sauce, Shredded, topped with Pico de Gallo and our House Aioli.

Korean Short Rib Taco – Braised Beef Short Rib, Sesame Asian Slaw, and House Aioli.

The Adobe Chicken and the Short Rib Taco’s were so good! Bold flavors wrapped in a corn tortilla.

The Hapa Burger – Grass-Fed Beef Topped with Pork Belly, Vermont Cheddar, Caramelized Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, House Aioli, on our Signature Ube Bun.

Let’s just take a minute and admire this beauty. One of the best burgers I have ever had –  the Pork Belly melts in your mouth like candied pork goodness. Oh, and that Ube (Purple Yam) Bun, soft and sweet, and totally bringing umami to this gorgeous burger.

Furikaki Fries – Shoe String Fries, House Aioli, and Furikake (Japanese seasoning).

I have a jar of Furikake and am already planning on what else I can use it on!

Crispy Brussel Sprout Salad – Pico de Gallo, and Papaya Seed Dressing.

I love brussel sprouts. I think anyone who says “ew” to them obviously hasn’t had brussel sprouts properly prepared, and these were perfection. Nice and crispy just how I like them.

The lovely people of Hapa Food Truck were so nice! I even got to interview George who is one of the owners!

Good food and good friends. What more could a gal want? Oh, I know. How about Hapa Food Truck opening up a location in NYC so I don’t have to take a train and an Uber to get to them.

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET IVETTE GARZON

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Ivette Garzon, age 25

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

I mainly only say Panamanian and Colombian, as my mother is Panamanian and my father is Colombian. But if I were to give someone a full breakdown I am Panamanian, Colombian, Peruvian, and Chinese. My grandparents on my mother side is where the Peruvian and Chinese comes from. Grandmother is Panamanian and Chinese and my grandfather is of Peruvian descent.   

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Austin, TX

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

As Austin is constantly growing there are new people from all over the country moving to the fast growing and “cheap” living of Austin.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I am from Killeen, TX. Killeen is a military town that has soldiers and families from everywhere always passing through. This town is one the reasons why I am so in love with different cultures. Most of my friends were always mixed with one or two different races like myself.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

My mother and father met when my belated aunt passed away. My father was a close family member’s best friend at the time. When my aunt passed he came over to pay his respect and was introduced to my mother.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

There were no real obstacles related to their backgrounds. Panama and Colombia are border countries and Colombia once ruled over Panama, so at one moment in time we were one people.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

Yes, my extended family is extremely diverse itself. I have cousins who are Panamanian/Italian, Panamanian/Puerto Rican, Panamanian/Black, Colombian/Jamaican, Colombian/Venezuelan. My family has always believed in love and never in races or color.   

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

I do celebrate traditions more so from my Panamanian side only as a result of being raised mainly around my mother and her side. They are traditions that my mother celebrated when she was growing up and just have been passed down through the generations such as Panamanian Mother’s Day (which is celebrated in December instead of May).

WERE THERE MULTIPLE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?

Yes, being as we are mainly a military family it was passed down that Spanish would be spoken in the household and English outside. Since we were always moving around, my mother wanted to keep us fresh on our Spanish and to never lose it.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

I love everything about my cultures. The foods on both sides are to die for, and I have always enjoyed the bonding experience of learning new recipes along side my grandmother and mother. Pollera is the traditional dress of the woman in Panama that is used in cultural dances. Growing up I admired seeing pictures of my grandmother dressed in her traditional attire. I have always enjoyed the music and dancing, I believe the dances are beautiful and when watching older couples you are able to see the love and connection between them. In Killeen, they have an annual Panamanian Festival that celebrates the culture, country and I love being able to attend and see people.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

Both my parents made it a point to have me to pick one of the countries for any school projects so that I could learn things about the countries on my own. Individually they made sure that I spent as much time as I could with my grandparents to hear the stories and traditions that both have carried to the states.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

My mother emphasized on race more than my father, she never wanted me to see color. She had a hard time growing up and wanted to prevent me from being a close minded child that she had encountered growing up. When my grandparents arrived to the US segregation was at it’s peak. From the surface my grandfather appears black and my grandmother white. Needless to say it caused quite a few struggles as they go adjusted to the US. Those struggles trickled down to my mother and her siblings as they were grew up. My mother and her siblings are different shades, and while in school they were constantly asked whether they were black or white not many understood that they were simply Hispanic.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I definitely identify either as mixed or Panamanian/Colombian.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE?

Race does not weigh into who I date, I just vibe with who I vibe with. It always helps if my partner knows some Spanish simply because I have older members who still are not very fluent in English, but it has never been a deal breaker. I have always been open minded, I don’t have a particular type when it comes to looks. My past few boyfriends have been black, but it was simply because that was who I connected with at the time.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

Being mixed means a combination, the joining of different “ingredients” to produce something unique and valuable. My heritage, my cultures, and my traditions are things that can never be taken away from me. They have been embedded and intertwined to the roots of who I am, I could never strip them from me if I wanted to. It is what makes me, me.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

I do have a lot of friends/family of mixed backgrounds, so growing up I was able to learn how to blend both sides of my cultures. When I was younger I associated with one side more than the other because I grew up around it more, but my friends showed me that I can make my own connection and discovery of the culture that I wasn’t as tied to. It led me explore and connect to my cultures on my own and learn what they meant to me individually and combined.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

My biggest pet peeve is when people ask “What are you mixed with?”, which on it’s own does not bother me. From first glance you can’t tell my race by my features because I am such a blend of many. The issue follows that once I tell them they respond with “are you sure you aren’t mixed with _____?”. I’ll politely smile and confirm that I am sure that I am of the races I stated previously. To which the question then turns into them laying a case in front of me of why they believe that I am wrong and they are correct. No matter how much I confirm my races they continue to defend why they believe I am mixed with more.

Another would be once they have finally believed my races and hear that I am of Spanish speaking races. They’ll ask if I can speak Spanish, which there is nothing wrong with because it’s something I ask people all the time as well. It’s when I confirm that I can that the pet peeve arises, they again need some sort of validation in my truth and respond with, “Say something in Spanish then”. I should not have to prove to you that I can speak the language, just know that I am what I say I am.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

My dream and hope is that America will become more open to biracial and multiracial individuals. That there will be more representation not only on tv but in the ads that we see everyday and the role models that are society promotes. I want my future children to see images of people who look like them and know they are unique and smart enough to be just like those people. They should be able to see images of families that look like theirs and see that it is normal. I dream of a more open minded and accepting America.  

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You can connect with Ivette on Instagram and Snapchat @Amariah105

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET KIMMI CUPCAKES

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Kimmi Cupcakes, on-air radio and TV personality and I’m in my early 30s (stop being so damn nosey:)

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

My mother is from a small town near Yeosu, South Korea and my father is from San Lorenzo, Panama

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Brooklyn, NY baby!!

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

When I first moved to Brooklyn from Hawaii 10 years ago, my neighborhood was majorly Carib/ Afro-American (few Chinese here and there at the restaurants and Middle Eastern people working the corner stores). Since then we have experienced a gentrification boom and there is a decent mix of ethnicities here.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I grew up a “military brat” and have lived all over the world- Japan, the Carolinas, Alabama, Hawaii; I studied in Lansing, Michigan, call the South home but have lived in New York for the longest. The typical military duty station is 3 years so we moved around a lot. In my opinion, the largest communities of multi-racial / blasian are a result of military parents. I don’t think I’ve met one blasian person that father was not in the Marines or Army!! Growing up, most of my friends were mixed with Korean since our mothers all stuck together since they were first-generation.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

My father was on the United States Marine Corps boxing team and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. The boxing team would often get to travel to other Far East military bases and he met my mother through her brother, who was a Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

As with any new union of different cultures there are always be some obstacles- there was definitely a language barrier since my father wasn’t fluent in Korean and my mother wasn’t fluent in English or Spanish but they made it work. When my mother first moved to the states, my father was stationed in North Carolina and it was still a little segregated in towns outside of the base.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING BIRACIAL?

My father’s side preferred he not marry my mother and made that clear. It created a separation in his family and he was estranged from them for +30 years. He obviously didn’t listen to them; my parents have been married over 30 years.

Me with my cousins

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

Since we weren’t raised around my father’s side of the family, my younger brother and I didn’t learn to speak Spanish or Panamanian traditions. We do, however, speak Korean, regularly eat Korean food and know the culture.

WERE THERE MULTIPLE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?

Yes, I speak Korean, understand Spanish and since we lived in Japan- speak conversational Japanese.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

What I enjoy the most about being bi-racial is the individuality of each culture- everything from the traditional dress and customs to the food.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

When my mother moved to the states, she was not fluent in English so, of course, we learned to communicate in Korean. My father was almost always deployed being in the Marines so my mom- for long periods of time- raised my brother and me by herself. It’s interesting thinking about it now, but how do you teach your kids that they are no different from other kids because they’re bi-racial but make them feel special because they are unique.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

We did not talk about race a lot in my household, with exception of when we lived in the Deep South where we had to remain mindful that we will encounter people who have hate towards any race other than Caucasian.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I proudly identify myself as mixed/ bi-racial.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE? OR IF YOU HAVE A PARTNER WHAT RACE ARE THEY?

Everyone has their own preferences.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

Being mixed to me means I am unique.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED? IF SO WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THEM?

I think in this day in age, being mixed is more prevalent than not.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE? TELL US YOUR PET PEEVES:)

It’s annoying when people classify all Asians as being Chinese. No, fool- not every Asian is Chinese.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

As I mentioned before, in this day in age you will find that most people are mixed. We are no longer the minority.

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Follow Kimmi on Twitter and Instagram 

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET ASHLEY ROBINSON

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Ashley Robinson, 25

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

I am African American and Mexican/Spanish. My dad is from De Ridder, LA and my mom is from Albuquerque, NM.

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Austin, TX

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

It’s becoming less and less diverse each day. Austin is unique in that it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, yet it’s quickly losing it’s African American population. Spaces that were very diverse are becoming more and more white. East Austin in particular is and has been gentrified to the point where black and brown residents are having to pick-up and move to the suburbs to combat high rents. This even affects recreational spaces, like 6th street. When I moved here my freshman year, there were plenty of places that played majorily hip-hop, R&B, and trap, but those spaces have been phased out or djs have made the move to play more mainstream music. It’s sad to see some areas lose the culture that dominated them for years.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I’m from Albuquerque, NM, but I grew up in Killeen, TX, a military town. Because one of the largest military bases is the sister city to Killeen, there was plenty of different people and cultures to experience. I knew a lot more mixed people here than any other place I’ve lived, and I think that’s because of the military base. While there weren’t a lot of people of Mexican descent in the area, there were tons of people who were black or mixed with black, and I think that played a heavy role in shaping my identity.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

My father was active military and stationed in Albuquerque, NM, when he met my mom. It was love at first sight. At the club.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

Albuquerque has a very low population of African American men, so my mom being out and seen with him was an issue. In fact, she was part of a majority white sorority, ΔΔΔ, when she brought him to a party. She was removed from the organization 2 weeks later. She has told me before that dating a black man had a lot to do with it. There were also time constraints as my mom was in college and my dad was active duty, so they couldn’t see each other as often as they’d like.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

No. My mom’s side of the family shunned her for a long time for dating outside her race. She was the first, and only to do it, so my sister and I are the only biracial members of that side of the family. She was also the youngest of 11, and the first to attend college, so dating outside her race was a blow to the image my family had of her. Unfortunately, one of my uncles called me a racial slur, which led to more strife. Because of the abhorration to accept my mom’s relationship and myself, when my dad got stationed in Texas, my mom decided to pack up and we moved with him. I don’t think she spoke with some of my uncles for 5 years. Eventually, my grandma came to live with us, and my some of my aunts came to visit us, and my mom and the rest of her family reconciled.

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

My elementary school had ballet folklorico, and my grandma spoke Spanish, some English, so I learned the language, watched telenovelas with her, and read Spanish books. I learned to cook recipes for both cultures, such as pozole, empanadas, enchiladas (red and green), red beans and rice, gumbo, crawfish boil, ox tails, rice and gravy, and much, much more. My dad also introduced me to all kinds of music created and cultivated for and by black people, and also educated me on black history. As for traditions, I wouldn’t say we celebrated any particular holidays associated with my background besides Christian ones.

WERE THERE MULTIPLE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?

My grandmother spoke Spanish, so I caught on as well. Conversationally, I can get my point across, but I wouldn’t say I’m fluid. I do regret not learning more when I was younger. Because my grandmother couldn’t speak English very well, I sometimes played the role of translator. I wish I had done more actual speaking in Spanish with her though. I feel a little less sometimes when I can participate in a Spanish conversation, and I’m sure many other Hispanic people have felt too.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

I think I love the food most of all (though music and history is a close second and third). I love the idea that I’m making something that is explicitly related to someone in my family who may not be around anymore. For example, my Daddy’s gumbo recipe goes all the way back to when our ancestors were first freed, maybe even before. I feel like it’s so good because the recipe is basic; it hasn’t changed. And that’s what I love about family recipes, because everyone loves food, so there’s little chance the tradition of cooking what our ancestors did will die.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

Besides various anecdotes about our family members and putting me in activities that were related to my cultural background, I often read and watched stories that were related to my culture to educate myself.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

We didn’t until I started asking questions myself. I don’t think my parents noticed they did it, but I could tell they kind of ignored the topic for a long time, and I think that’s because they didn’t want to have to explain certain things about my family. But I did talk to my grandparents about it when I could because it was so gratifying to hear their stories. My grandmother on my mother’s side told me about her experiences leaving her family and moving to America because of the war. She spoke a lot about the issues she faced because she couldn’t speak English very well. But then again, I remember times she spent with my granny, on my dad’s side, and they couldn’t speak much to each other, but they enjoyed each other’s company immensely. It was beautiful to see them interact, to see people of two different races, and languages, laugh and enjoy things together.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I do identify as mixed. But I also feel I have equal stakes in the cultures that make-up my background. I don’t think it’s fair to box mixed people in a corner and say they’re not fully apart of a culture if they’re not fully made up of that culture. So I do consider myself black AND Hispanic, and I do feel I’m an equal member of those communities as separate entities.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU DATE?

No, I’ve dated men of all races. I don’t really think I have a type. My last partner was a black man.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

Being mixed means having to do a tireless, unnecessary amount of explaining: Explaining your background, where you’re from, why you do/don’t speak certain languages, defending if you’re “really” part of that culture, etc. But there’s also the beauty of being able to experience more than one culture, and having a rich history from more than one background.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

Because of where I grew up, yes. However, it’s very rare to meet other mixed people when I moved away from home. It was refreshing to learn that the issues I faced as a mixed person was felt by others of the same background. Particularly, I found it refreshing to meet other mixed people who identify as black and discuss the issues they’ve faced, which were most times similar to the ones I have.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

As I said earlier, explaining is a big part of being mixed. But I am really tired of hearing that I’m not really part of the cultures that make up my genetic code. Just because I don’t speak Spanish doesn’t make me any less Hispanic, and just because I’m mixed, doesn’t make me any less black. While my experiences are different, I’ve often had to face obstacles that stand in the way of success for both cultures because of my race, and have had to overcome them on my own. I think it’s very belittling to erase someone’s identity just because they don’t fully fit into the narrative. I’ve come to face this issue a lot, specially since I joined and lead an African American student government-type organization, Black Student Alliance, while at UT.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

I’m one of those people who do not want to see a post racial America, because race is beautiful. Having different cultures is beautiful. And to turn a blind eye to that is a slap in the face of all the people that put in work to make people of different races equal and accepted (or at least as much as we can be). I do want to see a time where people of all races are treated equally, socially, economically, physically, and emotionally. We need to recognize as a nation that we are not here yet, and simply saying “we should stop talking about race” is ignorant, because our cultures and the colors of our skins aren’t going to change. Attitude and respect is what needs to change.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

As all women of color do, I want a line of hair care products for my hair that doesn’t involve me buying 457893478 different products and make-up that can match my weird skin tone. A girl can dream, right?

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You can find Ashley on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter  / Snapchat @Ashpalooooza and on the upcoming podcast Snapularity

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GETTING TO HANG WITH MI GENTE IN CHICAGO: REVIVING MY SPANISH

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So in one of my first posts with Swirl Nation Blog I discussed how within my graduate program I felt very stifled in terms of how to use my Spanish. While I am still finding different ways to combat that in the short time I have left in the program, I received an olive branch elsewhere. When I started working as a fine dining hostess at here in Chicago, I was surprised to see a primarily male staff that was Hispanic. A majority Hispanic kitchen staff was familiar from my previous dining experience, but the lack of women was not. Outside of a few cooks and hostesses, we were unable to hire a waitress, which made for an interesting dynamic.

Now being with an eighty percent male staff has its perks and downsides depending on how you want to look at it, but it ended up being a very rewarding experience. Almost all of the back waiter staff spoke Spanish primarily as their first language so I was once again revisited with the old notion of getting an educational exchange. As a child I got to learn Spanish from my grandmother who in turn learned English from my sister and me so with my co-workers I encountered the same experience. I was extremely deprived of speaking Spanish on a regular basis here in Chicago so I relished going to work and getting to practice, learn, and get insight into the Latino culture in Chicago.

The guys talked to me about where to find authentic food in the city around the various neighborhoods and even brought in home cooked dishes we shared during break time. I got to eat carne asada, corn tortillas fresh off our kitchen grill, mole, and queso fresco that was sprinkled on everything we ate. During pre-shift time we played Selena, danced Bachata, I learned the musical genre of Corrido and felt invigorated by being able to be immersed in my culture once again.  I developed and formed friendships with each of them that ranged from platonic friendships to a real familial kinship that I revered in the workplace. My one co-worker Miguel was never sufficed until he knew I ate a good meal before our shift and made sure I had a full plate of food in front of me.  In various discussions we had, I learned about what their views were on women, family, and they in turn got to be rattled by my non-traditional opinion on marriage and children.

It was most interesting because unlike when I was sixteen and still trying to figure out what type of woman I wanted to be in a relationship, at twenty-five I could articulate my views in a confident manner. They didn’t always agree with me just as I didn’t agree with their patriarchal opinions on a women’s place in the home, but we educated and respected each other.  I loved getting to practice my Spanish and they were more than happy to correct me or answer my questions when I had a brain lapse on pronunciation or verbiage.  I remember picking up some slang words and telling them to my own mother who reminded me I was a lady and shouldn’t repeat everything the men told me. Being exposed to my culture here in Chicago through an intimate environment like work has helped me with my writing and overall appreciation for the language as a whole that I was in desperate need of.

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SO OBSESSED...

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Don't miss out on everything we love in the Obsessed section! Every week we share on a different topic! This week is You Tube Channels we are obsessed with, click the links below for more! 

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Growing up Half Mexican and Half Chinese

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Photo by Kierston Clark

So I’ve been working on my documentary, Mixed Up, a little bit over a year. The film is centered on parenting someone of a different race. We’ve conducted over 70 interviews with interracial couples and their bi/multiracial children, as well as interracial families brought together by adoption, to ask about their understanding of their racial identity.

When talking about multiethnicity, most of the existing literature focuses on the experience of folks who are half black and half white. We had the opportunity to speak with Joseph Acez on his experience growing up half Mexican and half Chinese. In this interview he speaks on what it is like growing up as a second generation immigrant,  assimilation, and other observations related to race   relations. Double minority is the term for someone who is mixed with two minority races in the United States.  

Q: Do you feel like you have more diluted sense of culture because you are biracial?

Joseph: I feel like my sense of being Mexican or Chinese are both diluted because I live in America. My parents also didn’t want me to stick out like a sore thumb so they really wanted me to embrace the American culture and fit in. Any interest I had in my culture mostly came from me being interested in the things about being Mexican and Chinese, rather than my parents instilling it in me.

Q: What challenges have you come across in relation to your multiethnicity?

Joseph: I was with my black friend the other day and we went somewhere and we were with a lot of black people and he said ‘this is great. We’re with a lot of black people; I’m comfortable.’ In that moment I realized I’m never going to run into a bunch of people who are half Mexican and half Chinese and feel “comfortable”.

Q: Do your parents have any opinions about your dating life?

Joseph: Growing up, my parents made sure that I knew I could date anyone outside of my race. They also let me know that they had troubles being together and that people didn’t want them to be together. Not just each other’s family, but people in general would think it was strange. They told me that I should be able to date whoever I wanted to date so it was never a thing for me.

Q: Is it possible to assimilate and hold onto your culture?

Joseph: My parents came from Mexico and China. They were poor so they came here to try to make a better life for themselves and they did which was great but while they were doing it they didn’t have fun because they were both immigrants and they didn’t fit in. You go to America and it’s your new home but it doesn’t feel like home. It’s interesting my dad has a Spanish accent when he speaks English but he has an English accent when he speaks Spanish because he’s lived here for so long. Same thing with my mom. What they wanted was for me to be very comfortable wherever I grew up, that’s why they didn’t teach me Spanish or Chinese, which I wish they did. Their hope was that I wouldn’t have to deal with any of the feelings of being an outsider.

About the Author.

Mixed Up: The Documentary is an interactive investigation into the parental influence of racial identity development in children of interracial families. Follow us to keep up with our progress FB: Mixed Up Documentary  @mixedupdocu  

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET RAMU MURAKAMI GUTIERREZ

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Ramu Murakami Gutierrez, 20 years old

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

Colombian (Hispanic) and Japanese (Asian)

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Tallahassee, Florida (USA)

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

It is pretty diverse because it is a college town

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born and raised in Gran Canaria (Spain). It is not a very diverse island, we do have people from another country, but you are more likely to be surrounded by people that are originally from there (including their parents)

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

They met in Gran Canaria, my mother used to work in a restaurant and my father is a captain fisherman. His port would be in Gran Canaria so he would come every 4 months or so.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?  

Language was the first obstacle. My mother ended up learning Japanese for him. They are no longer together so I believe there was a very big cultural difference. Japanese people are more patriarchy and they are more conservative.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

I have not have a problem with my family for being biracial, it is something they embrace, and they are proud.

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

When I was small I used to go to a Japanese school so I was more in contact with my Asian culture. At the same time I was living in Spain so I would also celebrate the Spanish traditions. When I grew up and changed from school, I stopped celebrating a lot of the traditional celebrations.

WERE THERE MULTIPLE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?

When my father was home we would talk Japanese all the time. My first language was Japanese because I went to a Japanese school. After that I started learning English and developed my Spanish.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

I enjoy the fact that I have two races because I take the good side of every culture. I love the food from both of my backgrounds. They are very different, and use completely different spices. I feel like food brings people together, and the fact that I can connect with both cultures through food is great. I have days where I feel more Asian than Hispanic, and I will cook Asian food to reconnect with my culture.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

I do not know exactly why, but every time I spoke to my father I would use a totally different approach than with my mother. He is very conservative when it comes to his culture so every action he did would show me how different it was to talk to him compared to my mother. It was also very fun. I feel like Asian parents are more about teaching their kids how to do things. He would always find a fun way to teach me things. On the otherhand my mother was more the person that disciplined me.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

I did not talk a lot about race at my household. I did not realize I was two different races until I grew up and moved out of my house to come to college.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

I identify myself as mixed.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE?

I do not see people based in race, and it would not stop me from dating people from different countries. I had a white boyfriend, and I have also dated black men.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

Being mixed could be confusing at times. When they ask me about culture I sometimes come to a conclusion that I do not have a specific culture. It also has a lot of advantages because I always try to take the best characteristics of each race.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

I do not have a lot of friends that are mixed, but I do have some. I have learned that we have a lot in common when it comes to how people view us.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

People would automatically assume I am fully Asian. There are also a lot of stereotypes. They would always choose the worst side of one of my races to make a negative comment (ex: Colombians do cocaine or Japanese people are workaholics).

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

A perfect world where there is no racism. It would be so easy if people could stop discriminating, and maybe try to learn about different cultures.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

I love being biracial, and I feel that this has shaped my personally. I love learning about other cultures, and I am really curious about other races and their experiences.

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You can connect with Ramu on Instagram 

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FEATURED MULTIRACIAL INDIVIDUAL: MEET VERO GASKEY

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My name is Veronica Gaskey, but my Korean name is Han Byul. Here in Tacolandia USA (San Antonio, Texas), I’m known as Vero.

WHAT MIX ARE YOU?

When you break down all the ingredients that make up Vero, you get a healthy heaping mixing pot of Korean, Mongolian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Yugoslavian. My mother is Korean with some traces of Mongolian (most Asians have some mongolian in them somewhere) and my father is an exchange of European countries. In a nutshell, I am Eurasian.

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE?

Good Ol’ Texas… San Antonio to be exact.

IS THE COMMUNITY YOU LIVE IN NOW DIVERSE?

There is a heavy Latino/Hispanic/Mexican (yes there is a difference) population here primarily, but San Antonio is also known as a military city with three Air Force bases and four Army Bases, the military brings people from all areas to our lovely city.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

This question plagues all military brats. I was born in Taegu, South Korea, but due to my father being in the military I had the opportunity to grow up all over the world. For example, in high school alone each year was in a different country or state. Freshman year was in Seattle, which was very diverse. Sophomore year was in Sparta, Wisconsin… that was not diverse at all, but culturally unique, something I had never experienced before. Then Junior year was in Korea, but on a military base, so it was pretty well mixed and being across the world from Wisconsin, the culture was a complete 180. And then Senior Year was in Texas where I have the pleasure of currently residing… and that’s just the traveling I did in high school.

HOW DID YOUR PARENTS MEET?

The story varies depending on who you ask. But from what they tell me… my father saw my mother and was immediately in love and followed her all over Korea for two years. My mother says that she thought my dad was very ugly and wore high waters and had a weird mustache. That’s code for she actually really liked him but won’t admit it.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP CORRELATED TO YOUR BACKGROUNDS?

None that I am aware of. Even though they came from two completely different cultures, their love for each other and us was strong.

HAS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY ALWAYS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF YOU BEING MULTIRACIAL/BIRACIAL?

Yes. At the end of the day, I am American.

DID YOU CELEBRATE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF YOUR FAMILY?

Even though we do not celebrate Christmas, every December we do something as a family and will go visit my dad’s side in Dallas. When we were in Korea we participated in Chuseok, which is a celebration of Harvest in the Fall. Some compare it to a “Thanksgiving” essentially because, you eat a lot, drink, and be with family.

WERE THERE MULTIPLE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?

Korean was actually my first language, but then my mother had stopped speaking it fluently to me when I was young due to some racism I experienced in Korea being a half white baby. I understand Korean better than I can relay it back, but i know somewhere deep down it’s still in me. Oddly enough it comes back clear as day when my mother is very upset with me.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CULTURAL BACKGROUND?

Koreans & Texans (thank the Gods) eat GOOD. In Korean culture, hospitality is a huge deal. The biggest way to display this is by feeding each other and offering food at gatherings etc. I love the spices and customs and culture of Korea & Korean cuisine.

Texans, I’ve found, have a charming Southern hospitality as well AND they love food just as much, especially BBQ. In San Antonio we have this weird and delicious obsession with tacos. I’m not mad at it. In fact, I feel it’s my duty as a Texan to embrace it full on.

Something that I have recently have fallen in love with is Korean Skin care. I think that their skin is beautiful and youthful, something I think is cool to be a part of.

I love how in our culture they value science and art and history and take pride in where they are from. In Korea there is great value in education and that is something I find very impressive, if not, motivating. In many Asian cultures the women are subservient. Korea has a woman as their president. While I do not get involved in political affairs, I am proud to know my birth country has educated women in positions of power. That is inspiring for all cultures.

WHAT ACTIONS DID YOUR PARENTS TAKE TO TEACH YOU ABOUT YOUR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS?

They physically took me to where I was from to live there. That’s probably the best thing they could have done for me.

DID YOU TALK ABOUT RACE A LOT IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP?

Race doesn’t matter to them. My father would always say, “It starts at home.” They don’t see race, just their kids.

DO YOU IDENTIFY AS MIXED OR SOMETHING ELSE?

When I was younger I would identify with being half Korean, half white… then I did some high school in Korea and decided to be more embracing of my Korean roots; all about the motherland and identified myself as such. Then I moved to Texas, where my father is from and for a bit I identified more with my Euro side and decided I was a proud Texan from the South. Now, I have matured to the mindset and reality that I am indeed multiracial so I check the “other” box haha. Very proud and thankful of being mixed.

DOES RACE WEIGH INTO WHO YOU CHOOSE TO DATE?

Absolutely not. I do not eliminate a potential partner because of their race. That would be absolutely ridiculous.

WHAT DOES BEING MIXED MEAN TO YOU?

To be honest, while opposition does come with being multiracial as it does with being primarily one race, any race, I don’t sit and think too much about what it means to be mixed. It’s a part of me, but not WHO I am… which I suppose is odd to say, but for example it is like asking, “what does it mean to be black”... every single black person has their own perspective on what it means to be black. People are indeed their OWN individuals, sooo for me to really answer this is internally weird. To be mixed is to be human. Simply.

DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS WHO ARE MIXED?

Of course. From my friends I learn how to open my thinking and broaden my understanding of the struggles and pasts of others. I learn that life is serious and not all that serious at the same time. I learn to be ambitious and to compete. I learned to push the limitations of standard education and not to take no for an answer when my own dreams are being threatened. I learned to be deliberate in my success and impact on others. I learned to be confident and stand tall while keeping my softness and emotion. I learned to give and give not to expect a return. I learned to have love for others and myself… all of which I have learned, not because of their race, but experience.

ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU ARE REALLY TIRED OF HEARING FROM PEOPLE IN REGARDS TO RACE/CULTURE?

Psssshhh, oh my goodness where do I even begin haha. Let’s start with the stereotypes that come with being an Asian woman: “Do you eat dog, do you do nails, do you do hair, ching chong ling long- what did I say, you must naturally be very smart, are your parents super strict, did you want to be a doctor, I bet you couldn’t bring home B’s on your report card, your vagina must be super small, Asian women are freaks, love me long time, Asian women are very catering so you’ll make a great wife, how come you don’t have an accent, are you Chinese (cause all Asians are…), and that is just to name a few.

Now let’s start with the white stereotypes… is your dad a redneck, must be so easy to be white, you must be well off, I bet you have never had to work for anything, you’re lucky to have white privilege, I bet you could never date a black guy, is your dad racist, you listen to only country music huh… The list goes on… I remember once when we moved to a small town in Wisconsin, I got mistaken for the foreign exchange student followed with a “do you speak English”. I am tired of people thinking that America is the center of the universe and that America is only White or Black. There is a beautiful diverse world out there and everyone should have the opportunity to explore it for themselves.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IN REGARDS TO RACE?

I hope that we can at the very least reduce ignorance and increase education about various cultures, ethnicities and races. I think that this is the first step to tolerance and acceptance. Some people simply do not know or receive information from biased sources. Broaden your mental understanding of people, America. We never seem to question the keeper of keys and the guardians of information and I feel, we will start. Be beyond your curriculum and beyond your own standard and explore. Let down opinions and prejudice and actually immerse yourself in new experiences.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?

If you happened upon this article, thank you for reading about me.

I would like to close by saying that whatever it is you want to do in life, you can and will if you have enough nerve. Be deliberate in your success and never allow being a woman or minority to hinder your growth and mental power. Impact society with an open innovative mind positively. You never have to be just one thing. I have had the blessing of walking New York Fashion Week as a size 8. I have had the opportunity to have my artwork feature on the cover of two books. Early, my passions were in the arts & writing, but my calling is in health, fitness, community & empowering women.

Find me, say hello. Let’s network, especially if you are in healthcare and in the San Antonio Area. Website / Article / 

If you are a young woman seeking a mentor, please, message me or email me anytime.

My Instagram / LinkedIn / SnapChat @veronicagaskey

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WHAT IS REPRESENTATION AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

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An online definition describes representation as: 

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented. The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way or as being of a certain nature.

Ok cool. Big whoop. Well, let’s examine the first part of that definition, “the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone”. Doesn’t seem too bad, right? Why are people always harping about this? Imagine, for a second that you have an overbearing mom who must speak for you at all times. Someone asks you if you’d like another slice of cake and your mother chimes in, “No, she doesn’t really like cake. And she’s watching her figure. You know how girls are about their bodies.”. WAIT, WHAT?! NOOOO!!! That’s not how you feel, AT ALL! 

Now on to the second part of the definition, “the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way or as being of a certain nature.”. This time let’s use an example that pertains a little more to race. Someone offers you a taco with guacamole, you politely decline because you are allergic and they respond, “What? You can't be allergic to guacamole, you’re Mexican!” Or, you’re at a party and someone looks to you and asks you to demonstrate the latest dance craze, but when you tell them you don’t know it and you’re not a very good dancer they say, “But, you’re Black.”. 

These my friends are what we call stereotypes. And they are why representation matters! Stereotypes are perpetuated through media. 

We often get information and form our opinions based on things that we see on television, in movies, and in other media. When we see the same sort of things represented over and over, we start to believe that to be the only way things can be. It’s not to say that people do not exist who do indeed fit the stereotype. Yes, a lot of Mexican people DO like guacamole, and a lot of Black people CAN dance. However, the truth is, real people are so much more diverse than a couple of stereotypes and portrayls seen on the screen. A person is not any less of something, simply because they can’t check off all of the stereotype boxes on your survey. 

Today I saw a video featuring actors Kerry Washington and Aziz Ansari. In the video they were discussing diversity in Hollywood and how minorities (people of color, women, LGBT, etc) are often pigeon-holed into certain ideals. Aziz summed it up when he said “...you end up with other people’s perceptions of what certain people are like. “. 

Kerry Washington, who is a great actress and has held the lead role on one of television's most successful series, for several seasons, has found herself on the losing end as well. She was recast in two different pilot series because she was not “hood” (a.k.a. Black) enough. Of course, not everyone sees the point or even believes that this is a valid example of racism and misrepresentation. If you look at the comments the video received on Variety’s Facebook page, you will see that people felt Kerry was crying wolf and being a spoiled actor. 

But is she just reading too much into it? Maybe. But chances are, no. I personally have experienced this, and know a lot of other actors who have as well. I’ve been told I wasn’t “Black” enough for a role, asked if I could be more “urban” and also told that I couldn’t play a Latina, because no one would believe it. :: insert infinite side eye:: 

It’s a common phenomenon. People basically being told they are not Black enough, Asian enough, Latino enough, gay enough. Even when they in fact, are literally members of those groups. 

This is why proper representation matters. Because, we are told that Americans won’t believe that people are actually, WHAT THEY ARE! 

Check out the video below and the article in Variety. 

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RAW BEAUTY OBSESSION: MARY'S MARIPOSA

So I'll start with the disclaimer: this article is centered around a raw beauty product line that my cousin Maryam created 13 years ago. My family in Michigan has been raving about it and I've tried things here and there but Maryam and I lived on opposites sides of the country and I was into the lux lines we all see in the blogs, magazines, etc. 

A few months after we moved back east, I took a quick trip from Michigan to New York and stopped by Maryam's to pick up an item or two. $200+ later I had a car full of Mary's Mariposa products.  

A few weeks after my trip, I had a tragic haircut from my salon owner's daughter. I was devastated (ask my husband and kids) but then went full throttle to grow my hair back as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, my almost 50 year-old hormones don't work like they used to and my hair has been thinning, slowly but surely.

When I bought Mariposa's Hair Growth Formula, Maryam warned me "Don't put this anywhere you don't want hair to grow." I heeded her advice--a hairy neck and temples doesn't look good on anyone.

Four months later (last week) I returned to the salon that committed the cut crime (I was so mad, I'd switched salons). The owner handled my entire appointment. Throughout my services, she kept saying, "You have a lot of new growth." When she got to the styling stage she said, "OK, you have a LOT of new growth, like, a lot, a lot, a lot. Don't put any heat on your hair unless you come here. You have so many new hairs coming in!"  

I had noticed the baby hair filling in my thinning temples but to hear my stylist affirm my regime was working was a whole new ballgame. Which is why I'm sharing my story. Here's the scoop: I use Raw Black Shampoo, condition with whatever I have (Maryam was sold out of her conditioner), apply Hair Growth Formula to my scalp and pin it up for 20 minutes (no hairy neck!) After moisturizing the rest of my body, I put the light and delicious smelling Hair Oil on my ends and work it all the way through and then do a protective style. 

Have a couple other favorites--love, love, love the Powder Deodorant. And years of spots and scars on my face have faded after using the Raw Face Cream and Brazilian Body Balm. Body Butters moisturize and smooth skin (Monoi scent is yummy). And yep, my initial $200 got me all of this and more...

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CELEBRATE MULTIRACIAL HERITAGE WEEK JUNE 7-14!

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Our friends at Project RACE have put together this great video for Multiracial Heritage Week which kicks off today (June 7th)! The Multiracial population is the fastest growing in America and deserves to be recognized as a group. 

Project RACE advocates for multiracial children, multiracial adults, and their families primarily through multiracial education and community awareness. They do not advocate for racial classifications, but are committed to the appropriate inclusion of multiracial people on any forms that require racial identification. They also support policies that make a positive impact on people of multiracial heritage at local, state, and national levels.

Enjoy their video and please share it in support of their message!

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How two Persian millennials remain culturally connected while playing by their own rules

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So I’ve been working on my documentary, Mixed Up, a little bit over a year. The film is centered on parenting someone of a different race. We’ve conducted over 70 interviews with interracial couples and their bi/multiracial children, as well as interracial families brought together by adoption, to ask about their understanding of their racial identity. Over the course of this year, I’ve become extremely interested in racial identity as a whole. Who are you? How do other people see you? Are the two related?

Every now and again I like to take my camera and rome the streets of Los Angeles to explore people’s experience in relation to identity and race. On this particular trip, I had a chance to talk to two Canadians visiting L.A., Silver Lucia (right) and Jay Changizi (left). They speak on remaining culturally connected and not allowing themselves to be defined by mainstream stereotypes.

Q: How do you feel you’re portrayed in the media?

JC: I hate how people talk about Muslims. I mean we are such an easy scapegoat everytime something happens. I remember when 9/11 happened I was in college and first I freaked out because, even though we are in Canada we all feel like we are on one soil. My second fear was they are going to stick this on us and I knew right away that my life as a Middle Eastern would never be the same .

SL: When you meet people and you tell them your Persian they are like ‘people are crazy over there.’ That’s always the only thing people say. People are not crazy they just put everyone in the same boat. It’s who is on top. It’s the government. It’s the dictator. It’s not us and people just don’t see the difference.

JC: You’re taking the most impoverished area and saying that is what represents the entire country. Imagine taking the most impoverished backwoods hillbilly Americans and saying ‘this is what represents all of the U.S. so don’t go there or don’t deal with them.’

Q: Do you feel the pressure to assimilate?

SL: I’m so proud to tell people I am Iranian, I am Persian and people like it. Most of the time it’s like omgosh your Persian and it’s only stupid people who are like ‘aww your Arabic well you guys are all the same to me.’ I will never lie about who I am to different people ever.

JG: I think there’s different experiences because living through 9/11 as an adult and trying to travel and trying to get around, I felt that there was pressure to make a little bit of a concession on who I was at times. Before coming here, one of the first things my mother told me is “shave your beard. Don’t try to pass the border with a beard.  Don’t say anything. Don’t get in anyone’s way.” There is always this idea of we will be the first to be pegged or pulled to the side and put into some kind of trouble.

SL: I’m never gonna change for anyone and I’m never going to lie for anyone. I feel like I integrate well. I’m not causing trouble to anyone. I’m really open minded. I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong. So if people want to judge me because I am Persian that’s their issue not mine.

JG: I think they judge you because you have tattoos.

Q: Do you think there’s a cultural generational gap between younger Persians, growing up in America and those who have immigrated here at an older age?

JG: I think it’s really funny because I have a younger cousin about 10 or 12 years younger than me and he speaks better farcy than I do and listens to Persian music. Where as me growing up, we were first generation immigrants and I tried to assimilate as much as possible. My cousin, being born here, he’s like I am Canadian so the prime objective is to become persian.

About the Author.

Mixed Up: The Documentary is an interactive investigation into the parental influence of racial identity development in children of interracial families. Follow us to keep up with our progress FB: Mixed Up Documentary  @mixedupdocu

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THE UNITED STATE OF WOMEN

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Some of the most accomplished women in our country, led by the First Lady Michelle Obama, have come together to launch a movement, a summit, The United State of Women. The website states:

There’s a lot that’s been done by and for women and girls, but there’s still plenty to do. Convened by the White House, this Summit will rally all of us together to celebrate what we’ve achieved, and how we’re going to take action moving forward. Covering key gender equality issues, we’ll make a powerful difference in our collective future.

Watch this video starring heavyweights from Hollywood and the business world to learn more about The Summit which is scheduled for June 14 and it will delve into topics like education opportunity, violence against women and civic leadership.

There will also be a campaign leading up to the summit also invites people to pledge to fight wage inequality and sexism in other forms. Regional events will also be held for people not able to travel to the event in Washington D.C. 

The core focus of The Summit is eliminating structural sexism.

TOGETHER, we got this. 

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WHY MY BEST FRIEND SHAPED MY ATTITUDE ON CULTURES OUTSIDE MY OWN

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My admiration for best friend is the stuff of legends where we come from in Killeen, Texas where it followed us to college in San Antonio and now lives amongst my boasting here in Chicago. Though she will be mildly embarrassed by a post that is dedicated to the awesomeness that is her and our friendship, it would be an injustice for me not to share how she’s impacted my cultural outlook on the world.  Having one best friend to call your own was always a dream of mine coming from a childhood where I was always someone’s friend, but no one’s best friend. Low and behold when I met Christina at the age of twelve in Killeen my life would be forever changed for the better.

When I met Christina, I was happy to befriend this piano playing, bubbly young girl who happened to be Korean/Puerto Rican. I had come from a small town with no Asian ethnicities at all and my only knowledge of them at this point was Mulan, so needless to say I was bursting with questions. Luckily for me, Christina and her family were open to sharing their culture with me that started when I walked through the door.  I remember being in high school when I had my first sit down meal of Korean food with them that consisted of Bulgogi and traditional Korean side dishes.  I learned how to use chopsticks, appreciate the versatility of vegetables in many forms, and appreciate the beautiful dishware that accompanied the meal.

I don’t remember being scared or even hesitant to try the food, I just had questions on what an item was and then I would just eat it. Christina taught me about what was customary food specific to their culture and the difference between various Asian ethnicities. Between the two of us we had this nice exchange when we got older where she could enjoy junk food, bbq, and fried seafood at my house and I could enjoy Korean food at hers. We truly got different cultural experiences amongst each other’s households that we were both open to and really helped grow my perspective on other cultures. I have a very deep respect for cultural practices, foods, and custom’s outside of my own and love to learn about them. My experience with my best friend and her family’s openness to share, teach and answer my questions about their culture gave me exposure I would have never had otherwise.

As we grew up I also had the opportunity to grow to their local church, which was attended by a majority Korean population and taught in Korean. I enjoyed listening to the preacher speak and choir sing even if I couldn’t understand them because it was an honor to be exposed to such a beautiful language. The church provided headsets for non-Korean speakers that translated the sermon into English that gave my ears a dual treat of languages. In Killeen we have an all-Korean grocer called Omart where we would get to shop for favorite snacks like ramen or seaweed and even dine at their in house eatery.  Christina’s mom loves to say “I’ll eat anything” because to this day there is nothing she can put in front of my face that I won’t eat or at least try, but most of the time I will devour it.

It’s been over ten years since we’ve been friends and I can now call her sister, neighbor, roommate and best friend amongst the thousand other titles we’ve amassed in our time together. I love that within our friendship we respect each other’s heritage and can celebrate that together whether it’s going to church, eating, or just inquiring about what’s going on in the world. It adds a different component to our friendship and to my life that I’m happy to have acquired because it makes me value other cultures and have open mind to a world outside of my comfort zone.

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