Dear Kaden Brown (and all mixed kids),
You’ve recently been faced by one of the many obstacles that you will be thrown because you’re biracial; you were called a “mutt.” To add insult to injury, it was by an adult who you’ve been taught to trust: your teacher.
Many multiracial youth face the same struggles. The first is being confused about your self-identity. You may not see families who look like yours on TV. As children, we wonder why we don’t fit in with classmates. We might look different than our family members and our own parents. Books like “Black, White, Just Right” were stored away in your book cases.
Other people think it’s their business to know your racial identity, then challenge it. Hearing “But you don’t look (insert your racial identity)” has become a normal part of your daily life. You may have a void because it seems like there is no acceptance from either side of your race. Not black enough to be black, not white enough to be white. And the infamous not knowing what race to check off on standardized tests.
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However, there are many beautiful things about being biracial. Only you can decide how you identify; YOU are in charge of your identity. No one else. Your identity will grow as you grow. You get to challenge others' ideas of race. Even though the phrase “You get the best of both worlds” might annoy you, it’s true: you do. You have a unique perspective on the world, a perspective no one can understand. You will learn how to successfully call out anyone who does not respect your identity. You are unique, and no one can take that away from you.
