I didn’t capitalize Blacks and I don’t think it would have made a difference –
“What race do I identify as?
Well – a large number of African Americans know I’m mixed but they’re never sure with what.
White people never know either 😂
Latin Americans? Automatically. 🤣
I am Afro-Mexicana. My biggest issue is being fetishized – and most blacks disown me because of my skin color. I’ve gone my entire life, never wanting to change who I am though 🫶🏽🥰🇲🇽
Sincerely, an Aries 💋”
This is an original post from my threads account. I thought we’d all gather and discuss the difficulties about being multi-racial, and I was ridiculed and talked about.
“Just because you put on a curly lace front doesn’t mean you’re Mexican.”
“I’m lighter than you.”
It shows me that people don’t know more than the four walls of their home. First of all, why would I pretend to be some thing I’m not? It’s in my DNA. What does my hair have to do with being mixed? And my skin tone?
Some people understood. And quite frankly, I’m grateful for them. But for those who did not, it reminded me of exactly what I was talking about.
Black men fetishize me for my looks and background. Black women always have some type of issue with me. And exactly how does one “act Black.?” I have never fit in…the immediate comparison is that I’m trying to act white.
Except Latinos usually know I’m mixed and never make it a thing. In fact, it’s brief – “you are this?” That’s it. A lot of Latin American families came here to the US, adopted the language to survive but didn’t teach Espanol to their kids so they could fit in. Or are we forgetting how racism forced that on them as well?
So my abuela didn’t teach my dad. She was hiding it all her days. There’s so much to my family history, I could write five or more books. But none of it included self worth or security.
I have found peace with excepting what I am – on all fronts. I am proud of my heritage. And I love who I am. I accept all parts, and I know where I came from.
It would seem Americans don’t like hearing there were other passage ways to existing. If it isn’t pale with straight hair, it isn’t Mexican. Yet, people from all over Latin America approach me with rapid fire Spanish because I look just like them.
In fact – most of Latin America looks like me! What’s interesting here is…America wants change. But people are still racist and prejudice. Both Black and White. And unfortunately, my own father was racist and prejudice too.
It’s unfortunate I was received in this light, and I feel like people want you to shut up and play the part. Black people against America or something. But I’m not going to shut down because you don’t have a higher level of understanding.
There are so many pathways to one person existing. Many are stuck on generations of pain and cruelty from slavery – I am not. I’m not a slave and neither are you or anyone. So why linger there?
I grew up with zinnias out back, corn in the garden, and Spanish roses in the front. I was fed coffee ice cream and banana popsicles. Half of my grandmothers recipes are Mexican – the other half were her trying to fit in. I have most of them memorized.
My father took time to tell me who and what I am, and I wear that badge proudly. He only taught me commands in Spanish because that’s all he was taught. I felt a pull towards my heritage and researched it beyond what my father could tell me.
I am also Black. My mother discovered her roots to Nigeria. She didn’t divulge enough because she didn’t know enough. She was also multi racial – only 60% Nigerian.
It was a tough uphill battle – but I fully accept who I am.