From the KKK, to Archie Bunker, to…”

“They say I shouldn’t date anyone darker than a paper bag,” he tells her.

SAY WHAT???   So I read this article from CNN (by way of The Frisky) today.  If the above sentence doesn’t get your attention, than you’re definitely reading the wrong blog.

Anyway, as I read the article, I wasn’t particularly shocked.  I live in California and have a number of Filipino friends and I’ve met a lot of their parents and yes, there is a HUGE amount of racism in that community, primarily amongst the elders.  Funny thing is, I think it’s more of wanting their children to marry White than it is to have them NOT marry Black.  Does that make sense?

My question is this, “is it still the belief that being White or looking Caucasian, gives you an edge in life?”  It got me thinking, times might not have changed as much as we think.  I do believe interracial relationships are more readily accepted than 30 years ago, but has the overall mentality changed?

At times, I get the feeling that even if my marriage is accepted to some people, they secretly think it will fail and my life will be filled with strife. That somehow, I’ve downgraded myself, my life and my kids by marrying outside of my race and in particular, marrying a Black man.

Of course, this isn’t what I think or most of my friends, but I’ve had people ask me straight out, “is it hard”?  Well, yes, marriage is hard.  Kids are hard.   Times are hard.  But overall, my life is easy and that has nothing to do with the color of my husband’s skin, but what’s inside his heart and the hearts of my children.  Maybe I’m just in denial.  Doubtful!

What do you think?  Have we gone from KKK, to Archie Bunker and now to skin tone upgrading?

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1 Comment Posted in Diversity (general), Family Life, Family [general]
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Wow! It’s been a LONG time….

Ok, I know, I know.  I haven’t written in a LONG time.  I can tell you all the reasons why and make every excuse, but really, it boils down to the simple fact…it’s been MAD crazy around my house.  From long term house guests, to newborn babies (not mine), to car selling and replacing, to tending an 18 month old, potty training (yes, mine), to travel and holidays and yet more house guests.

Wait!!!!  Did I seriously just tell you all the reasons?  Well, whatever!  As of today, I’m back!  Although, don’t hold your breath or anything.  Today’s post is not about anything profound, but just to let you all know that I didn’t fully fall of the face of the earth. I am definitely getting things ready to write again, daily, I hope!

SO….if you have suggestions, ideas, issues or comments, shoot them on over.  Let’s talk, discuss and be open with our Mixtkids culture.  We are growing, proud and taking over!  :)

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2 Comments Posted in Diversity (general), Family Life, Just for fun, MixtKids News, Raising MixtKids
RED RIBBON WEEK!

“No use of illegal drugs.  No illegal use of legal drugs.”  This is the mantra for the Red Ribbon Coalition, a website created for parent, teacher, student, counselor and other volunteers responsible for coordinating and hosting Red Ribbon Week at their school site or in their community.

Remember; teachers, counselors and volunteers, be careful with what you say, reference to and discuss in your classroom.  It is NOT your place to scare the daylights out of children, but to bring awareness about drugs and drug abuse.  Keep in mind the age with whom you are speaking.  What a 1st grader understands is far different than that of an 8th grader. 

Red Ribbon Week is not an intervention program, but an awareness campaign observed annually and is designed to bring early awareness of drug use and abuse.   Remember to focus on this year’s Red Ribbon Celebration Theme, “Dream, Believe, Achieve, Succeed”. 2009’s theme goes beyond drug awareness and into self esteem, hard work and perseverance and gives us all a great opportunity to discuss many of the issues facing our youth today.  Let’s all make this a fun and successful Red Ribbon Week and keep our kids and schools drug free!

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1 Comment Posted in Education, Raising MixtKids
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