Challenges of Bi-Racial Individuals in American Society - Essay Example

Challenges of Bi-racial individuals in the American society In the United s alone there are over 4.5 million married and unmarried couples that comprise of two members from different racial or ethnic groups (2000 Census). Multiracial children in the US are rapidly increasing; with 2.4 percent of the American population endorsing two racial categories, which makes 42 percent of these 6.8 million people under the age of eighteen. Despite the rapid growth of bi-racial Americans there are many challenges that these individuals face, namely, identity development, racism, family dynamics and raising children, societal pressure, stereotyping and work place discrimination, which not only affect their daily lives but also have an impact on their self-esteem and social interactions. Ever since the rendering of the anti-miscegenation laws as unconstitutional due to the 1967 decision taken by the Supreme Court, there has been an exponential increase in the amount of interracial couples as well as mixed-race children. However one consistent challenge faced by bi-racial Americans even today is that of identity development, more specifically biracial identity development. Identity development can clearly be defined as a lifelong process, which initiates from an individuals childhood and continues well into one’s adulthood. The key goal of this process is primarily to answer “Who am I?” As simple as this question sounds, one must not forget the fact that the identity of an individual is complex and consists of a number of aspects and domains. Bi-racial identity development is dependent on a number of factors that can rightly be categorized as cultural, historical and social (Tatum, 2003). According to Tatum the formulation of one’s identity is also dependant on individual characteristics, the dynamics of one’s family, factors to do with history, as well as social and political context. These comprise of one’s race, gender, age, environment, exposure, family setup, religion, sexual preference and the social and political climate one is surrounded by. Research shows that highly dependant on the development of identity development is the habits that the bi-racial youth adopts; where an unhealthy and confused identity would lead to engagement in more problematic behavior, such as substance abuse, poor academic performance or even a high school absence (Cloud, 2009). Being picked on, discriminated, and socially isolated due to their differentiated physical characteristics is another challenge that bi-racial Americans, even today, face. It was in the 18th Century that the concept of race became prominent in the US in order to describe the different populations in colonial America. It was on the bases of race that prejudicial attitudes and treatment of the enslaved people was justified. It was then that notions of superiority and inferiority were attached to race, with the enslaved considered negative and the Europeans considered superior. It was during this time that the attitude became ingrained in American society (AAA, 2008). Research shows that even today there are undercurrents of these notions associated primarily with bi-racial individuals. More specifically bi-racial children have a tendency to develop self-esteem and racial identity confusion due to these notions based particularly on the fixation with race. A key issue for bi racial Americans, has to do with the development of families and raising bi racial children. This is where several factors that constitute to this problem. Some of these are due to a basic lack of understanding and knowledge about one’s heritage being incorporated as part of a family setup. Research shows that a major flaw that bi-racial families make is that of ignoring racial differences. It is pointless to deny that no matter how much America advances as a society it will still be based on the ‘black and white’ principle, and children who fail to understand this, and hence raised to be ill equipped to handle this fact will never thrive in the society. This is where the importance of a family setup for bi-racial individuals comes in; Family relationships are a critical part of combating racial conflicts mostly because a bi-racial couple’s daily interaction frequently segregates them through the constant choices that they have to make regards what communities to be a part of, whereas multiracial children are constantly and frequently faced by questions of cultural as well as racial identity. Furthermore the implications relating to bi-racial identity by the tendency of bi-racial parents to fixate on one half of the child’s heritage so that he would be more acceptable is a major flaw and one that is as a challenge complicated to overcome; this is mainly because if a biracial individual does not come to a clear understanding of their own identity their confusion would translate into the perception of him that the society develops (Korgen, 1999). In order to overcome the key challenge, the development of a bi racial identity that isn’t confused or unaccepted by the child and hence leads to an individual facing social difficulties along with psychological challenges; parents of biracial children should focus efforts on acknowledging their child’s differences and helping them develop a sense of pride which they associate with their “doubly rich” heritage (Wardle, 1987). Opportunities in shape of cultural activities of both parents should be a key part of the child’s life, giving them a sense of normalcy as well as comfort. Development of a healthy identity development can also be through exposure of persons, books, toys, pictures etc which represent all races and cultures. It is imperative to point out that another challenge that biracial family in America today face is that of finding an acceptable name. Research shows that even in today’s society, biracial families are often forced to choose a classification which may be in defiance of half of their heritage. This often takes place as a child is forced to pick one side with the aim being so that they are more socially acceptable. This might take a toll on the child emotionally if he is fond and attached to both parents. Studies show that biracial children who are raised with a true biracial identity are much happier and tend to do better socially than biracial children who tend to grow up with a single race identity (Nash, 1995). Some of the further social challenges which a biracial individual tends to face despite being raised with a firm base for their identity are the pressures that they face from their environment. These take shape in form of societal opposition, stereotyping, biased assumptions, and being taunted or not accepted by the society at large. Despite the fact that as a society, America is at a confused place; this being mainly because of the unraveling of the old ideas to do with race and racial categorization and the fact that they are being replaced by notions based on scientific basis. In other words despite not being bound by a ‘one-drop rule,’ which relies on a classification of mixed race children according to a racial group of the lower status parent. Despite racial identity reaching a more flexible perception, there are undeniable challenges that biracial individuals still face; Racism, embarrassment and family problems being on top of the list. Furthermore they tend to also have limited social networks largely due to societal pressures. This leads to social isolation that they have to face due to racism. Studies also go to show that this isolation extends towards family, work and leisure. This in turn effects the biracial youth, which remains in danger of growing up with feelings of isolationism and low self esteem. With a closer look at the network analysis of biracial individuals we look at their numerous associations. In order to be linked to their society it is imperative that relationships with other people, peers, family, and acquaintances are effective. Biracial couples who frequently have to deal with situations of racism, discrimination, and prejudice even within their own families have to deal with the challenge of social isolation not just from others but also their own family members. This lack of familial support can result in a long lasting, negative impact on the lives of biracial couples. Racism at the workplace is another challenge, one that can play a major role since work is a constant and critical part of one’s life. Biracial couples can face hurtful and discriminatory situations simply because of their background. A study which looked at women, middle class and college educated, heavily invested in their careers. It was found that they were ostracized at their workplace simply because of who they chose to marry. Research also shows that couples are sometimes cautions about letting their peers know about their involvement in an interracial relationship mainly because they fear some kind of a negative response and discrimination from resulting. This in turn hinders opportunities to extend their social circles through work activity. Bi-racial Americans face numerous challenges even today despite the fact that America as a society has progressed towards a culture that is more accepting of individuals who are from diverse backgrounds, mixed races and divergent heritages. The key challenges that Bi-racial American families face is facilitating their child to formulate a bi-racial identity that is based on a firm and clear understanding of one’s double-heritage; and hence being able to cope with external challenges such as racism, stereotyping, discrimination, societal pressure and prejudice. Bi-racial adults and couples also face these challenges as part of their daily lives, namely work environment and in their other numerous social interactions. References US Bureau of the Census. Mapping Census 2000: The Geography of U.S. Diversity. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office; 2001 Tatum D. The Complexity of Identity: “Who am I?” Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race. 2003. New York: Basis Books; 18–28. American Anthropological Association. Statement on race. [October 16, 2008].http://www.aaanet.org/stmts/racepp.htm. Wardle F. Are you sensitive to interracial childrens special identity needs? Young Children. 1987.42(2)53–59. Nash R. Everything You Need to Know About Being a Biracial/Bi-ethnic Teen. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group; 1995. Kathleen, K. From Black to Biracial: Transforming Racial Identity Among Americans. Greenwood publishing group. 1999. Cloud, John. “Are Mixed Race Children Better Adjusted?.” Time Science [New York] 21 Feb 2009: Science Section. Read More