Look at these beautiful faces. As a mixed race person living in diverse and wonderful London, it is not often that I am reminded that my ethnicity can sometimes invite questions, assumptions and confusion. But when it comes about, I remember what it was like as a child learning that I didnt always pass as white as if it was the only ok thing to be, to tick the other box in a census because you were otherwise unaccounted for and to be gracious when you are asked what are you?. Not all encounters were negative, but when you are nine, you want to fit in. But recently, as I prepare to marry a white person (srsly, hes like super pale), and consider our children who might grow up outside of Londons melting pot, I hope I have it in me to give enough tenacity and education on what it means to be proud of your heritage. I was recently told that having Filipino elements in my wedding ceremony would seem odd and I have never been more angry in my life, but perhaps what was most offensive was that the person who told me this was my white father (its ok, Ive forgiven him by doing exactly what I want). But maybe my kids will be blonde and fair eyed, and maybe theyll get by more easily, but then maybe in that case its even more important that they know what their ethnicity means, and that its part of what makes them and everybody else in the world so spectacular and unique and beautiful. ngm.nationalgeographic/2013/10/changing-faces/schoeller-photography
Posted on: Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:52:35 +0000
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