Interracial marriage and the effects on children
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How does interracial marriage impact and affect the lives of children? The Supreme Courts ruling in Loving vs. Virginia opened the way for people to legally marry outside of their race in the United States. Since the legal barrier to interracial marriage has dropped, the rise of these unions has increased. However, some of these marriages have a spouse with children from other relationships. My research question is what kind of social, emotional and cultural issues do they face? I also wanted to know what kind of issues stepparents could encounter and what could they do to alleviate these problems.
Race is a socio-historical concept that was developed by dominant colonizing powers to help explain the reasons for the subjugation and slavery of minority populations. According to Omi & Winant (1994:23) “Racial categories and the meaning of race are given concrete expressions by the specific social relations and historical context in which they are embedded.” Although slavery has disappeared in the U.S. and laws against discrimination are in place, preconceived notions about race still exist. We are familiar with the struggles of race and equality on the macro level. What about on the micro level? In relationships, what preconceived notions that children hold about race could impact the relationship?
According to Chew, Eggebeen and Uhlenburg (1989:66) “In short, all else being equal, childhood in a multiracial household is altogether more complicated than childhood in a same-race childhood.” The study they conducted sought to compare the composition and attributes of multiracial households to same race households. They also measured cultural resources, economic resources and social resources. The results of their study found that over half of children in multiracial households live in six states, California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Washington and Hawaii (Chew et al. 1989:72). One thing that was interesting was that the findings indicated that most of these children resided in urban areas and not rural areas. This is probably because exposure to other cultures and races is more likely to occur in areas with large populations. This may also indicate that in urban areas the phenomenon of being in a mixed marriage is not that uncommon as compared to rural areas. At the time of the study most of the children in mixed race households were Asian-white, then Hispanic-white. The study also found children in multiracial households differ in race from one parent. Their findings also indicated that “multiracial households are more likely to have remarried parent(s) and working mothers than same-race households” (Chew et al. 1989:82). Children in Asian and Hispanic households are more likely to have a parent who speaks a foreign language in the household. This may also indicate that children in these households will be exposed to the cultural practices of either one or both of the parents in respect to their ethnicity. In the study the results also showed that Hispanic-white children and Black-white children suffer more poverty than their white counterparts, while Asian-white children tend to live above the poverty line. The data suggest multiracial households are more likely to be a result of marriage between people of different races. It also indicates that a significant number of these families, outside of Asian-white, will be near or below the poverty line. In addition to cultural considerations that the parents must take in raising children in a multiracial household, the economical well being of the household may also prove to be just as important.
What are the causal factors that could lead to the increase in the rates of interracial marriage? In a study conducted by Aldridge she found that “intermingling of young adults of different races at the high school and college levels is widely to be expected to be reflected over the long run in an increased rate of intermarriage” (1978:357). She also found that people living in close proximity, similar economic situations, people who have common experiences and recreational contacts increases the chances of interracial relationships and marriage. In this study Aldridge also corroborates the finding in the Chew article that people in urban areas engage in interracial relationships more than in rural areas (1978:360). She also found that people who get involved in interracial marriage were married previously. Aldridge also talks about the kind of obstacles and problems that these unions could pose for these couples. When blacks and whites are married to each other they “are shut out of social life in black circles being forced to seek friends and social intercourse in all white or other interracial environments” (1978:362). Although the adults experience a breakdown in their social circles, children of black white marriages are considered black by both white and black communities (1978:362). I believe that the factors causing interracial couples to leave old friendships to find others like them would result in a trickle down effect on the children. When kids have to stop playing with old friends because their parents don’t get along, they’re going find out why. The way that parents explain these sensitive issues may shape the way kids see race.
Not all interracial marriages are intercultural. In the articled written by Baptiste, JR. he identifies the differences. He states that marriages can be racial (black-white), cultural (Taiwanese born Chinese married to an American born Chinese), or both cultural/racial (a black Nigerian married to a white American) (1984:374). In this article the author outlines specific problems related to culturally/racially different partners in stepfamilies. The differences that seem to cause significant problems are cultural, children’s difficulty in accepting and identifying with stepparent and negative attitudes and beliefs about race learned before the marriage (1984:374). He goes on to address additional factors that contribute to the problems faced by intramarried stepfamilies. The author has found that all major ethnic, racial and religious groups in our society find homogeneous marriage the most favorable arrangement (1984:374). He states “Unless partners in intermarried stepfamilies are able to sort out their differences…they face a situation that is more conflict prone than is true for their racially/culturally homogenous counterparts” (1984:374). The author has also found that because children do not have a role in the selection of the stepparent of their same race or background, that they may feel animosity towards their biological parent. This animosity could cause the child to make it difficult for the stepparent. There is a network that influences the remarried family, and it’s called the Rem Suprasytem (1984:376). This system is comprised of different people and relationships that could potentially impact the marriage. This includes but not limited to friends, grandparents, ex-spouses and other relatives. This system has the potential to be negative or positive. In addition to the potential negative influences of the Rem Suprasystem, children may also introduce problems into the relationship because of their feelings about the marriage. If that wasn’t enough pressure for interracial marriages to endure, then there are peers who could also affect the way children see the union. In our society race is a stigmatizing feature, so children in multiracial families are more susceptible to the comments and effects of race than kids in homogenous families. With all the potential pitfalls to interracial marriage, what are strategies that could help families and therapists deal with these crises? The author has come up with ten guidelines; however, I’ve narrowed it down to five that could apply to individuals and families:
1. Resist ethnocentric biases
2. Gain exposure to functional intermarried stepfamilies and a variety of members from racial/cultural groups.
3. Be sensitive to societal pressures against intermarriage.
4. Be accepting of intrafamilial culture differences.
5. Learn about the family’s culture from the family. (1984:379).
By weaving these guidelines into the fabric of the interracial family some of the problems that arise could be tackled and dealt with. However, if problems persist it is advisable to seek professional counseling so that these issues can be worked out with a professional therapist.
The prospect of entering an interracial marriage with children seems daunting indeed. However, in spite of the challenges this kind of relationship can bring, there are ways in which a potential stepfather can gain the trust and acceptance. According to Marsiglio, “a father, either biological or step, can contribute to his child’s well being indirectly by providing the child with what sociologists call social capital.” (2004: 318). When fathers and or stepfathers participate actively in the child’s life, they build social capital. This could entail visits to school teachers, coaches, neighbors and the child’s friends. By actively participating in the child’s life, the stepfather demonstrates through actions that he wishes to be a part of their lives. The stepfather also builds social capital by maintaining “relationship with the mother based on trust, mutual respect, and a sense of loyalty.” (2004:319). Being a stepfather isn’t easy, and if the biological father is still active in the child’s life, it could pose challenges. In some instances there may be no or little contact with the biological father. If the biological father does visit the children, then the stepdad may feel that his actions will be scrutinized. One way to reduce some friction is for the stepdad to work with the biological father so that he remains a part of the children’s life. Often the stepfather may intercede on behalf of the biological father, helping children come to grips with their anger and abandonment issues. In doing so they may earn the respect and trust of the biological father, thereby gaining an ally. All these factors build trust and social capital with the stepchildren. Building social capital may be one of the most powerful means of gaining acceptance from children. As the old adage goes “actions speak louder than words”.
There are many reasons for the increase in interracial marriage. People from different ethnicities, cultures, and similar backgrounds who live in close proximity to each other are more likely to date and marry. The likelihood increases in urban areas as compared to rural areas. A significant number of these are remarriages involve children from a previous relationship. Of these marriages, children of Asian-white marriages happen to live above the poverty line, with children from black-white and Hispanic-white living at or below the poverty line. Potential problems could arise from children in interracial families. Strategies to help work out these issues include making the Rem Suprasytem a positive influence in the child’s life. The stepfather could become a positive influence in the child’s life by creating social capital. By infusing himself into all aspects of the child environment he demonstrates that he’s not just there for the mommy, but for the kid’s as well.
©2010 Augustine A. Zavala
Bibliography
Aldridge, Delores P. 1978. “Interracial Marriages: Empirical and Theoretical Considerations.” Journal of Black Studies , 8: 355-368.
Baptiste, David A. Jr. 1984. “Marital and Family Therapy with Racially/Culturally Intermarried Stepfamilies: Issues and Guidelines.” Family Relations , 33:373-380.
Chew, Kenneth S. .Y, David J Eggebeen, Peter R. Ulenberg. 1989. “American Children in Multiracial Households.” Sociological Perspectives , 32: 65-85.
Marsiglio, William. 2004. “Overlooked Aspects of Stepfathering.” In Public and Private Families , edited by Andrew J. Cherlin. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Omi, Michael, Howard Winant. 1994. “Racial Formations” In Rethinking the Color Line, edited by Charles A. Gallagher. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
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Thank you for the comment and link. THanks!
First off...wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your interview in the newsletter this week. You and Laura did a very nice job on getting down to the nuts and bolts in that one. Congrats and I hope it pulls some traffic your way. This particular article addresses a subject that I have wrestled with in my own mind over the years. My bone of contention in discouraging it was always the impact of the children who had no choice about entering into the world. You article confirms much of what I suspected at least in the black/white arena. I think the impact is lessened as it become more difficult to visually differentiate between the races/cultures. I wonder if the impact on the child has shifted as much as our culture has relative to the subject. For example, what would a child endure in the 1950's versus today in terms of the way our culture has changed over the years. Thanks for an interesting and well-researched article. WB
The interview was fun and your interview of Laura really got me going in the right direction. As for the article, in some cultures it can still be difficult for children of these relationships. In 1950's America depending on where these couples resided it could be very dangerous for these kids. Thanks again for your comment.
The topic and the way it is researched and explained is catchy. I felt the step father problem was the one that made me upset. I feel there is an advantage in being a son or daughter of parents with different races ..you get the best of both ..of course only when society accepts it..my experience showed me that these children prove to be different and special.As you said it is a problem in the US i felt concerned ..thanks for putting light
Akulkarni, thank you for the comment. Children of interracial relationships face challenges, but also have some advantages. Thanks for visiting.
Hi
The article with the report that children from African American-Caucasian and Hispanic Caucasian interracial marriages have a higher tendency to live below the poverty line is from 1989 (Chew et al.). 21 years ago is a long time, I wonder if the findings would be the same today. In this study on how biracial students are perceived by African-American school counselors ( follow the link) http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic548403.
the counselors with the more negative perceptions were those who had the most years of experience (16 or more). The authors point out that this can be interpreted in two ways: 1) these counselors knew better what they were talking about, as they were more experienced, or 2) these counselors were victims of the racial bias in American society when they were growing up themselves.
I think that given a chance by society and a firm but nurturing family environment, ALL children can grow up to be well-adjusted adults.
Nettraveller, thank you for the comment and link. I also believe that a nurturing family structure with discipline is one of the major attributes of well adjusted children.
The link and study mentioned is fascinating in regards to perceptions of biracial children by African American counselors. I think that more detailed research into these instances could help us understand where we've been and where were going into multi-cultural relations. Thanks again.
Enjoyed your hub. There is a lot about interracial marriage and relationship that I can speak on first hand. Not only is my son's wife white and of course my grandchildren are mixed (whom I love with all my heart as well as my daughter-in-law) also both of my grandmothers were mixed. I too plan to write on this soon, as I am researching my ancestors. By the way, my grandchildren asks me lots of questions. We talk about it quite a bit. Their ages are 8 and 5.
Betty, thank you for the comment. I'm feel that times have changed enough where there isn't any animosity towards anyone of mixed heritage. I'm sure though, as your aware, we not there yet. Thanks again for visiting. Good luck on the research, and I hope you share your findings here on the hub.
Children from interracial marriages have a major challenge which is identity crisis.They don't know if they should act like whites or blacks.The white people call them blacks but here in Africa we call them coloureds because they are not black enough to be called blacks.
LOveness, thank you for the comment. Identity is one of the major factors facing interracial children. Thank you again for the comment.
Good article and great information.
It can be a challenge but the parents attitude makes all the difference in the stability and well being of the child.
Pamela, thank you for the comment. Yes, the parents can make a big difference to the well being and resilency of the children.
Extremely thorough and informative. I feel that some of the statistics quoted or suggested may not be 100% applicable today. As time passes and we are exposed to many and varied life styles, living situations, family composition; as with anything else, we grow used to change; and we adapt. This is an incredibly well written article, AA. Your research, use of quotes to back up inferences, examples and references are exemplary. Very studious! And good! Enjoyable and educational. I do, though, believe that today, 2011, there is even more acceptance and a wider area in which one finds interracial coupling. In SE Kansas; extremely rural, agricultural and primarily conservative, there exist an inordinate percentage of interracial marriages resulting in biracial children. I was so surprised, coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, that, here, mixed marriages seem to be less 'questioned,' less seen as abnormal than in the more, supposedly, enlightened W. Coast...maybe just my initial reaction to something I did not expect to see but, honestly, am very pleased about. Having been in an interracial relationship while living in N. Ca...and experiencing that; then coming here to America's Heartland and witnessing the same; I found myself watching old stereotypes fall away. The times, they are a changin'
UP AWESOME USEFUL!!!
Kathy, thank you for the comment. The increase in interracial relationships in that part of Kansas could be due to the military families that lived in Ft. Leavenworth. Or it could be due to changing demographics. Times have changed, but multi-racial children may face problems from a group you may not expect. The biggest problems I encountered in my past interracial marriage was from hispanics. My ex-wife was anglo, and we caught flack from my dad and older hispanics. My wife would eat out with me in San Antonio, and some hispanic women would give her dirty looks. One time they wouldn't take her order, but they would take mine. My dad told me I should marry within my race, but I told him I was going to marry a woman who loved me. When I lived in Germany, I dated German girls, had a Turkish American girlfriend, and dated a black woman also. I dated based on attraction, and didn't care what my family thought.
My hometown family also gave me trouble, but I had no qualms about ignoring them and not seeing them again. I will date and see women that are intelligent and thoughtful, as long as they're human they're game. Please have nice legs and hips! Kathy, thank you for finding the time to visit.
Interesting article. It gives a person something to think about. The data provides an opinion others may compare with their own personal opinions regarding interracial marriages and the children in these marriages.
6hotfingers, thank you for the comment. I'm not an authority on interracial relationships, although all of mine have been. My experiences may and will differ from others. I hope the article gives you enough information and resources so that you could research on your own. Thank you again for the visit.
AA, you have pointed out something which I did not consider when writing my earlier comment; that of interracial marriages of Hispanics and whites. How could I have been so bereft in my consideration of your excellent work? Coming from Napa Valley, Ca..I should have been more than aware of this aspect of your topic as many many immigrants are in the valley due to the grape crops; from El Salvador, Guatamala, Mexico. I hadn't thought about an issue w/white/hispanic couples...you have further enlightened me. I'm with you, Augustine; if I find a man attractive and interesting and fun; I do not care what nationality he is..
Kathy, most people aren't aware because it isn't such a big issue in many places. My experiences may be different than others. The women that hated on my ex wanted my attention, and they played the race card in attempt to shame me into dating my own. The fact of the matter is, I see myself as American, I lived around the world, and I have varied interests. My father never approved or liked any of the choices in life I made because they were beyond his sphere of understanding. He never could understand me, even as a child; he thought I wasn't his kid.
I only dated a couple of girls in high school, and dated women older than myself once I graduated. None of these women chose me because of race, they chose me because of my looks and body. I was a stud! But my self esteem didn't allow me to exploit this. I never felt attractive. My quiet and introverted manner coupled with my appearance drove women crazy. I can date women who place high value in culture, but I will not be hobbled with that yoke. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but I'm a free spirit. Kathy, thank you so much for the visit.
I have to admit, I am colour-blind. I did not even consider Hispanics to be a race. It's true that children from black-white unions are considered to be black, but I met one man my (our) age who was a mix and he told me at when he was a child he was considered neither. For whites, he was black (or not white enough), for blacks he was white (not black enough). I don't remember the details he told me, but now he is pretty cocky - he could not care less one way or the other. In high school, he played hockey, got all the girls he wanted (he looked confident enough so I believe his story whether it was true or not).
There is a little boy Daniel's age - his mother is Croatian (or something like that) and his father is Indian (from India) - he was four when parents teased him "Are you Croatian? or Indian?" (bad idea to tease a four-year old). He would get mad and say "I'm Canadian!"
I did not do a research, but I see enough interracial unions (children or nor, marriage or not) here in Toronto and I frankly do not care about race or colour. There is enough mixing goes in the world, as well.
For example, in Cuba - there is every hue of white and black. In France, as well.
My grandparents intermarried - they were from different nationalities.
In the end - I have to agree with you - it is the culture that defines nationality. I am not Russian by my blood combination, but who cares about my blood? I am Russian by culture.
I think the same goes for adopted children - when the whole family is white and only a child looks Chinese. But is she/he any longer Chinese?
Svetlana, that's a good point. Children from Asia and Africa and other points of the world, do they retain their cultural and racial ties? Do the adoptive parents have an obligation to educate their adopted children about the country they came from?
All cultures and races are impacted by racial profiling and catagorizations, even anglo ones. In Black cultures, your judged by the shade of your color. In Hispanic cultures it is the same. I've had some Mexicans tell me that I'm not Mexican, as if I should be ashamed of myself. I'm not, and wasn't born there, my father wasn't born there, and I do not identify with the country. My nationality is American, my race is Hispanic. We have some Mexican, Yaqui indian, and Apache indian blood on my fathers side. On my mothers side we have French and Spanish blood. Now, if you say I'm not Heinz57 enough, then I may consider that a slight against me.
You know what happens in Canada? Not sometimes... It is a trend: parents from poor countries manage to put their children on a plane (they probably pay for the service) - the child arrives - no name, where from?
What language does he speak? I can imagine the horror the child goes through - it is meant to send a child like someone in a basket down the river, only the destination is known - for a better life. I read an article about this phenomenon.
This is a funny tidbit - from the battle ground - I am joking - from Daniel's class:
A boy comes home (age 7)
- Mom, the boys told me I am Chinese.
- But you are Chinese.
- Why?
Parents are Chinese in the first generation and they speak Chinese, but their son is already Canadian, he does not speak the language. It is not the same to grow up in a Chinese family in Canada and in China or Taiwan or Hong Kong.
I can imagine how difficult it is to figure out how to handle the identity dilemma for parents who adopt children from different races. But as I told you, I am colour blind (as far as race goes). I am not Russian, I am not Canadian - I am cosmopolitan.
Cosmopolitan, that's what I was thinking. I think you son has a humorous view of the world. He wants a sugar mama, and will not abide by rules. Your should write a hub about more Danielisms, the world according to Daniel.
That's terrible, how children are sent to Canada by themselves. Traumatizing kids can never be good for their well being. How are these kids taken care of? Wards of the state?
I like that -- "Danielisms".
I read about kids being sent like that only once - but maybe if I have time I might look it up again. It was a shock to me, too. Those children are taken care of, but I don't know how - they are placed in the foster care.
But as far as I know there are too many children in Canada for adoption that are not being adopted. It is easier to bring a child (usually a girl) from China. Again, there was a story about a family, they seemed to have everything - both were educators and their application was denied time after time after time. This problem with children in the country like Canada - it is just ridiculous.
I can understand Africa ... Russia, but Canada? And this hub is not the place and I don't want to begin a discussion, but again I came across some information about special Police Unit in Canada that was dealing with child pornography - I did not see or read any specifics - but the cops said they were going through depression and post-traumatic syndrome. Grown-up men - I would not be able to deal with it.
This is also part of human nature.
But, of course, I prefer to live in Canada than in Russia. I hope Daniel would have a better life - oh, my God, such a cliche.
A.A. I am so happy you wrote this and it is awesome..I don't know how I missed it. I can only say in my only family it has been a positive issue. I have two children that were adopted who are mixed race..black and caucasian..I have two son inlaws, one black, one Asian and black, my grandson being mixed of black and caucasian. Granted we live in a military community and the diversity is great. This makes such a difference. There are always challenges but if the couple face these challenges in a positive way and instill that in their children, they grow up very strong and can face most anything, even prejudices. We as adopted parents have the responsibility of making sure the children keep their black roots. One way is not pretending they are white or trying to make them fit in an all white community. Eveything we do is about diversity. Of course, we were open and talked about things they may face concerning ignorances out there. Thank you for writing about his issue, it is one very close to my heart..Our family is so diverse and I love it!
Sunnie
Svetlana, you need to mine Daniel's mind, and share his humor and wisdom with us. I think it should be an ongoing series.
The plight of children in the time and age is horrendous. You spoke to exploitation through pornography, but drugs have exacerbated the problem. War is being waged against children, and the conditioning begins television and music available to them. There was an instance in which I witnessed this first hand in public. I was at a Texas Rangers ballgame, and music was playing during a play of the game. It was "Candy Shop" by the artist Fifty Cent. Song is about a man receiving oral sex from a woman. The song used different euphemisms to describe the act, it didn't just state it outright. There were a group of boys and girls togethor that were about 8-10 years old lip syncing the lyrics and dancing. Behind them were their parents, laughing at the kids, because they knew the hidden meaning of the songs. We're conditioning our children to become sexual at an early age. Living in the West is a bit better than living in other countries, but not much. A generation of kids are being lost in these battles.
So much to discuss, sounds like we have more hub topics to share and publish. Get ready to make your chore list larger. As always, thank you for the visit.
Good morning Sunny! It takes a special person to accept children who are not your own. Children know when they're not wanted, and do what they can to cope with being discarded. Your children can grow knowing that they were truly blessed to be chosen by you.
There are challenges to being bi-racial still in this age. My grandkids are Native American and Anglo. When they relocated to Temple, they were treated a bit differently. MY granddaughter is very white with dark hair and green eyes. All the kids thought she was Irish or castilian Spanish. My grandson looks Spanish and Anglo. They were shocked at the level of racial intolerance they experienced in Temple. They lived in the DFW area, and never experienced any trouble with anyone regarding race. In Temple, they witnessed outright racism against Blacks in school, and they were bothered by it. It's important to innocculate children against hatred, and it can be done with knowledge and support from parents like yourself.
As your aware, even in this time and age, you will experience ignorance regarding race still. It's my hope that your family and kids will ignore and grow beyond it. They must.
As always, thank you so much for the visit.
I learnt a lot from your hub, it was very intelligently written. I hope you do not mind, but i would love to share your hub link with my facebook followers, I think that they would get a lot out of this.
Augustine, one of my rules is to show gratitude by returning a comment given to me. This often gives me the wonderful opportunity to read older hubs like this one.
Interracial marriage and the effects on children is such a sensitive issue, I’m actually afraid to touch it. Down here in SA multi-racial marriages are still by far the minority, but the adoption of black children by white parents is becoming the order of the day. In fact, friends of mine waiting for a baby to adopt, just heard that only black babies may be adopted now. I cannot see any fair sense in this, but that is another topic.
All the adopted black children I know, and/or know of, excluding babies and toddlers, who are still under the warm protection of their parents and step-siblings, are facing major identity problems. They are shut off by blacks as well as by whites, they don’t feel comfortable in any of these two circles. Fortunately we do have an entire ‘brown’ race – since multi-racial marriages were allowed from the beginning – the 17th century – when whites started to occupy this country until it was declared illegal in the 1950’s by Apartheid laws. But still, the Brown-race (or Coloreds, as they were actually called until the word ‘colored’ had become associated with racism) is as good as foreign for the black adopted child of white parents. Their lonesomeness is absolutely heartbreaking, and many of them are rebellious teenagers going out of their way to break the hearts of parents and teachers who really love them.
This is a great, thoroughly researched article, Augustine, and really a topic of concern.
Break up books, absolutely! I'm glad you like the hub, and appreciate that you wish to share it. Thank you aghain for the visit.
Martie, I always look forward ot your visits and insight. South Africa's racial history is well known and documented. Are the children available for adoption because of the aids epidemic?
I'm sure there's a study regarding the social issues these children face. It sounds like these children face difficult obstacles and circumstances. It wasn't enough to be abandoned, but they're still unwanted as they get older. Tragic.
A.A., I am pretty sure statistics will determine The Virus as the main reason, though another alarming issue is the rape and impregnation of black teenage girls. However, the latter merely seems to be higher among blacks, but if one look at the percentage-column according to the total number of white-blacks in the country, it is not. Then the real alarm lies with the browns. Down here each and every nation is unique with distinct social issues, but, of course, this is the case all over the world. Cultures are unique, though the 'are' is rapidly changing to 'were' due to globalization. Well, I guess Mother Earth regards Homo sapiens as a complicated virus.
That is terrible. I know in certain cultures rape isn't seen as a crime. I wonder if this is the case there in South Africa? I wonder what the root causes are to this specific crime? I'm sure living under apartheid may be one of them, but it goes deeper than that. How tragic.
Race is a social construct, and every culture hopes to be near the top in the categories that are created. I wonder, with the browns increasing in population, will they create their own society? Businesses? Culture? Will they gather and work to gain their own voice in South African society?
A.A, you will not believe this. Here are black traditional doctors, also called samgomas, who practice the methods of ancient witchdoctors. Meaning, inter alia, that they offer as ‘medicine’ to their patients the body organs of animals and humans (which have to be removed while the donor is still alive.) Now they promote (of course against the law and all intelligent reasoning) that sex with virgins (including babies) and white women cure Aids. Now this is but only one of the bizarre reasons of teenage pregnancies leading to the adoption of black babies by white parents. Fortunately the doctors face serious punishment when they are eventually arrested, though unfortunately their guilt can seldom be proved in court.
The browns/coloureds are lovely people, and in my view purely South-African after the Koi-San race (bushmen) who had occupied the southern part of Africa for many ages before the invasion of blacks (from Mid-Africa since somewhere in the Mid-Ages) and whites (from Europe since 1652). Interesting history; I feel like writing a hub about them. But fact is, they are also victims of Apartheid, and since 1994, when Apartheid had been demolished, they seem to be getting the worse share of democracy. Their culture is Western, rooted in that of the original Protestant Dutch/French/British settlers since 1652 and onwards. They are, unfortunately, totally outnumbered by, of course, the blacks and also by the whites. So their vote in parliament has little power. Currently they have a brilliant political leader, Patricia de Lille. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_de_Lille
Martie, thank you so much for the link! I know your busy, but if you would write a hub about the racial differences in South Africa and their place in history I know others besides myself would find it fascinating.
As for the tribal doctors condoning and "prescribing" rape and sexual abuse as a cure for Aids, it is reprehensible. Unfortunately, in patriarchal societies where women are seen as chattel, these mindsets still prevail. It's important to note that I don't want to criticize any culture for traditions that have existed for generations. But brutality against women, children, anyone for the sake of a charlatans cure, never acceptable.
The bushman you speak of have experienced a similiar history of treatment to the nomadic Native American tribes in the US. I had taken a course in anthropology in college, and studied the !Kung bushman, another one of the tribes in Africa. Their way of life was interrupted by the whites. Weapons were introduced in the form of AK47's, which altered they way they hunted and they way they dealt with territorial disputes with neighboring tribes. Then they were summarily relocated to reservations just like the Native Americans.
Rudyard Kipling published the poem "White Mans Burden" after the United States had taken the Phillipines from the Spanish in the late 1800's. There are different intrepretations of the poem, but it's was thought to be written as a satire of the colonial mindset of the powers of the day. They thought they were coming to conquer and "improve" they way of living of the peoples they conquered. Didn't quite happen like that though.
From what you've said, it seems like the browns have much to be proud about. I hope that they as a group do not feel disenchanted and begin act out against those who do not hold them equal to others. South African society has changed so much in the last thirty years, I wonder where it will go next? Your thoughts?
A.A., I might as well take the time and write a hub about the different cultures in SA, just touching the most important facts – just showing the picture. I love the history of my country. We are now 17 years in the ‘new’ regime and in spite of common flaws in the government, and the sad results of affirmative actions, we are still on our way to the top of the hill. The high crime rate is unfortunately a major challenge. (In our country ‘challenge’ is a synonym for ‘problem’.) This kills all hope for the future.
One of our famous rock stars – the King of Pop down year, Steve Hofmeyr, also a keen historian, stressed the other day that the whites, in particularly we Afrikaans speaking whites, the farmers of the country since 1652 who eventually became employees of British companies since ± 1930’s due to poverty, and are by now owners of many, if not most, companies, were suppressed by the British (commonwealth), in horrible ways for many-many decades, and we never even consider stealing the property of others and to kill whoever try to stop us. Oh, but this topic will keep us conversing in here for the rest of the year.
I am always positive, always hoping for the best. I believe justice will prevail. Sadly most people’s perception of justice is totally self-centered and selfish.
Thanks for this interesting ‘chat’, A.A. You will find many well-written and informative hubs about SA at http://tonymac04.hubpages.com/
Martie, thank you for spending time with me and expanding my thirst for history. Yes, with changes come problems. And in South Africa there is no telling where the country will go next. I hope it will right itself to it's former glory. And thank you for the link also! I've saved it as a favorite, and will delve into it once I get off work. As always, thank you for your time.
I think each new generation becomes more open to interracial dating and marriage. Even back in the 70s when I was growing up a lot of the "mixed kids" were considered "hot" looking.(Lena Horne, Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Raquel Welch, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, and Selma Hayek just to name a few famous women of mixed races that men have lusted after. With more and more successful people coming to the forefront such as President Obama, Oprah, Will Smith, Bill Cosby, and lots of other celebrities and sports figures (Michael Jordan)...etc We are slowly starting to look a people beyond the color of their skin. " Money/fame and power has a way of doing that."Going back beyond the days of Fredrick Douglas we have had interracial marriages. Hopefully one day we'll just look at each of us as being part of "the human race."
Right now I think more people are upset with Gay marriage than interracial marriage. We'd all do better to mind our own business when it comes to affairs of the heart.
D.S., thank you for the comment. I agree that dating between the races isn't as radical as it once before. However, there are still some that do not approve. As for the same sex marriage, I guess we have to see how things go. Thank you again for the visit.
AAZavala, What an impressive, intelligent, intricate look at the side effects of inter-racial marriages! In particular, you excel as much at analytical and research writing endeavors as you do at poetry and philosophical, poetic prose. Your article is educational on the topic, as well as a role model for an "A+" research paper or journal article. As usual with your previous analyses and research work, you not only process the facts and suppositions at hand but also offer your own innovative perspectives. It's particularly sensitive the way that you look at the interactions and impact in terms of all those affected, parents as well as children.
Thank you for sharing, voted up + all,
Derdriu
Derdriu, yes, at times I can be intelligent. I wrote this piece for my women's study class as a part of my minor in sociology.
Almost all my realtionships have been interracial. I grew up around the world, and can find beauty in anyone regardless of race. I believe these relationships will be even more common, and the impact on children should lessen as time goes on. Thank you so much for the accolades!
Interracial Family Organization 23 months ago
The strengths children get from being raised in an interracial family far out weigh the difficulties. Giving children a world view and an example of the right things to look for in a good human being- compassion, the capacity to love and be loved, creativity, humor, honor- is the best parenting anyone could ever do. Most difficulties come from outside the home, not within. Other people need to work on themselves.
IR families are getting it right.
Come join in the supprot and celebration of beautifully diverse familes with the Interracial Family Organization-www.interracialfamily.org