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kianamai — Multiracial Identity
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Published: 2017-03-23 04:43:08 +0000 UTC; Views: 59310; Favourites: 2488; Downloads: 76
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EDIT: Hey! I made a kind of extension of this comic on tumblr using a little dog cat named Puppittykianamaiart.tumblr.com/post/16…
Being mixed race is an interesting experience and the experience definitely shapes who you think you are. Because I arguably look more black, despite being 50/50, and it's easier for people to categorize me as such (African American), I just kinda accepted that over time. I started identifying myself as just African American. But that's not who I am. I'm mixed. Both of these things at the same time. Also I'm not even African. I'm Jamaican/Afro-Caribbean. NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE ARE AFRICAN AMERICAN FYI.
But even when I tried accepting that identity, it didn't feel right. I grew up in Hawaii with primarily Japanese traditions and a Japanese American way of life. So I always thought I identified with being Japanese more than anything. But because I didn't look the part, it was never really okay with other people. Same thing on the other side. I don't "sound black" or have black features other than my hair and skin tone (which is also debatable).
The world is so set on being black and white and people having to fit into specific categories. Apparently, it wasn't until 2000 Census that multiracial people could fill in more than one category for race. I remember that always being stressful during SAT tests. Having to either pick Asian or Black. Anyways, I think it's important that you don't have these black and white stereotypes of people and how they're supposed to be whether it comes to race or gender or sexuality or occupation or anything. All people are different. Yes certain stereotypes exist for a reason but don't be surprised when people don't fit them.
Also just... like don't tell multiracial people the kind of things mentioned in the comic^^^ One, it perpetuates a lot of racially charged stereotypes. And two, it just fucks with us lol. It messes with our sense of belonging and identity and for the most part we'll just take it because it happens all the time and what are we gonna do, y'know? Don't try to categorize us. We just are what we are and that's all we can be
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Comments: 653
I feel the same way... Sometimes, when me and my siblings go to some place, some tourists say that "We are very well-behaved for being Dominicans" or "What? You look more like x race", i didn't care the first time, but now it bothers me...
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Racism sickens me....We are all people. We are all breathing the same air and living on the same planet. I love everyone...but lately I've been feeling awfully ashamed of being white. I have no idea what it's like to be judged and labeled, to be told something I'm not. And it pains me to see others go through that. I love you Ki, and everyone. Race shouldn't have a say in who you are and what you can do <3.
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Never be ashamed of who you are
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Dude....the fact that you think white people aren't discriminated against shows how your environment is. For you to think that racism is only a one way street is unbelievable. You are being racist to your own self. White people can be racist, and so can pretty much every single race in the world. You shouldn't feel "ashamed" that you are white. That's exactly how many slaves felt back then. Ashamed that they were black, instead of another color. For you to actually think that your race should even matter at this point and time in this world makes me really wonder what kind of environment you live in. You don't know how its like to be judge or labeled? I don't know what kind of life you've had, but everyone in this world is judged, labeled, etc. Aren't you labeled as "white" aren't you practically saying that white people are like "the most racist people on earth, that they never get racism towards them" I don't think being called a racist, even when your not, is anything but being "judged and labeled" you say that race doesn't matter, yet you are ashamed of your own race because of what people in the past did, but are not doing now. And to the author, being told who you should be is not good, yes, but I don't think those people who possibly been surrounded with mainly their race can help but point out the differences in you from them. Imagine a purely Asian dude being told he doesn't look very Asian. Would he feel sad? I hope not, cause it doesn't even matter. All that matters is that he knows what he is, and no one else can tell him otherwise (unless, of course, it's, you know, biologically, "like dude, you are a human, not a cat" but of course, you have freedom to be whatever, just face and acknowledge the facts, you know). I really like your art, and I'm actually quite surprised at the whole Asian loving Jamaican and vise versa, I don't think my race would like anyone but themselves. Just don't take their words too literally. I think, like me, are just surprised at the combination, are just used to seeing there own race, so of course, would notices some differences. And tbh, I think you are still just one race. Possibly a new one?
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I relate to this due to being a mix of Middle Eastern and White
but there's one thing I've always told myself
"you're /you/. It's what's on the inside. Your appearance is just a mask"
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You're mixed Middle Eastern and White?
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No, I'm Nigerian born in America, I meant "same" as in your philosophy. It doesn't matter on the outside, what matters is the inside. Like intestines and other organs. Yeah, they are really important.
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of course, whats on the outside is nothing but a facade
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(Hope my comment didn't come off as disrespectful. I just don't have any meaningful insight to offer since, while I'm mixed nationality, I'm not mixed ethnicity.)
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Same, but not the same blood.
I'm Filipino/German/French/probably another kind of asian??
but the thing to tell yourself is:
"They're right. You're not ___.
You're you."
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I relate to this so much, being a mix of black and white. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who feels like this at times, and things consisting of, "You can't be Italian, you're black", or "Are you adopted?" have happened to me.
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I am multiracial, my dad is black and my mom is white/German. When I was younger and I would be out with just my dad I would get stopped by children and asked if he really was my dad because he is dark skinned and I am light skinned like my mother. It would really sting when I got asked that and I would get defensive and say "Yes, why are you asking?" I am also told all the time I don't look black and people don't believe me when I say yes I am.
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ASIAN! AHA!-
Well Filipino.
I think it's cool to be multicultural and very unique, I know it's hard being one or more race. People teling what you are or what you're not. I grew up as a full Filipino-Canadian and I do have moments when I didn't like being ONE race.
I recently found out that Filipinos are a bunch of mix like mostly Spanish, Polynesian, Many if Asian race, western Europe, and a slight bit of African.
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Why this took me back to middle school days through now........
Especially the "Don't sound black" and theres the "You talk white"
But glad that you're the person that does great things and keep doing them! WOO!
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I'm biracial and people have literally asked me if I'm adopted just cause my mom's white... I understand that are skin colors obviously DON'T match but I look ALOT like my mother. But something happened to me similar but it was about my cousin. When my cousin was walking down the hall of are school (We go to the same school) I waved at her and a girl asked how I knew her. I told her that we were cousins and she tells me that we can't be cousins cause my cousin is black and I have a dark tan kind of color...
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my heritage is a weird mix of african, natives (i dont know what tribe bc so much of it got lost) and spanish culture, so tbh thanks for this lol
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Liza Koshy did a video on this topic for she is also mixed
You can watch it if you want to
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This happens to me also, you are not alone
I have more than 4 races man
end my life
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Great, but... how annoying is this, exactly? All you have to say is "I'm bi-racial," and that's it. I just don't really consider this as much of an issue. It's a mild inconvenience at best. Correct me if I'm wrong, though.
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Being told that you're something you're not is not fun. Have you ever had an identity crisis before? Because that's what it leads to and many multiracial people go through it.
Being othered by society and othered by people within your own communities is hard. You just never feel like you fit in. You also get stereotyped a lot which isn't the best feeling. And of course theres the people that call us mutts or mixed breeds or tell us that we're ruining our country and destroying our cultures by embodying several races at once. It's still taboo for a lot of people and it sucks. It really does.
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Believe me, I'm well aware that there is racism in this world, and that there are some people willing to act on it. However, I'm also a firm believer that nobody else is capable of making you feel things. You and you alone are responsible for your own emotions. If a few people telling you that something is wrong with you is enough to make you believe them in any capacity, then you must not have had a lot of confidence in your race in the first place. I'm not condoning what you said, but I don't consider another person's actions to be a good enough excuse for depression or suicide. I've been bullied in school. There are people that hate me, no matter what I do or say. I've ruined sever relationships because people hate me for my religion. Do you know what kind of daily persecution Christians go through these days? Even so, I'm a remarkably happy person because I don't believe the comments they throw at me. Anything they say will roll right off, and I know that ultimately, if one day I get depressed or start doing some bad things to myself and others, that is my responsibility, and no one's fault but my own. If these people are going through identity crisies because of the words of a few people(especially these days, when a lot more are supportive of all types of people), then the stem of those issues is their own feelings, and not the words of somebody else.
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Just because some people are able to ignore comments doesn't mean that it's a non issue.
People can only control their feelings so much. What other people say to you does affect you whether you like it or not. The simple fact that you brought up that Christians get shit means it bothers you. You just don't outwardly show it
And I didn't either at first. I let the racist comments bounce off for years. This is the first time I'm ever discussing this issue and outwardly expressing it on behalf of mixed people everywhere who go through this. Staying silent on an issue helps no one.
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People hating Christians is something that I think is bad, and yes, something needs to be done about it. And something needs to be done with your issue as well. I'm not saying that nothing needs to change. I'm just saying that if somebody goes through a mental crisis, that is nobody's fault but their own. No one else is responsible for making you feel happy. And this is not the type of issue that can be solved overnight. This sort of issue is solved by letting the generations that grew up believing they were better get older and eventually die, and letting them be replaced by those who have been taught their whole lives that everyone is equal. Someone who has been raised under the concept of white superiority is not going to see a post like this and change their mind. It just won't happen. The only solution to this issue is time, and these posts really aren't solving anything.
I don't feel any sympathy for those who let these people change how they view the world. If somebody decides to commit suicide over something someone else said, it's their own fault for believing them. Saying that it's someone else's fault that you're depressed is never a good enough excuse because it means that you didn't have enough faith in yourself in the first place. As of now, I think that the only time that these comments and beliefs are an issue is when people are acting on them, like if somebody denies you a job because you're mix-raced. I believe that is an issue, however many times it happens(although it's becoming increasingly more rare these days). Somebody saying a mean comment is not an issue because everybody has mean things said to them sometime in their life. It builds character. And if you let it get to you, that's your own fault, not theirs.
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If no one spoke up about an issue then nothing would change. It provides insight to an issue and it does make a difference. I was raised Christian, and I still am. As such I grew up very much homophobic/transphobic etc. But through talking to people, hearing their experiences and seeing comics and artwork like this, it changed my mind. It opened my mind up to an issue I didn't realize was affecting people so negatively (because I was just ignorant to the situation). It also opened my eyes up to all these little microaggressions people go through that end up having a lasting impact. Change happens over time, yes, but it wouldn't happen if people were ignored the issue.
I find it very sad that you are blaming victims of suicide like that. People's words have a huge affect on other people. And I don't think you have the right to say that they're being babies for not being able to handle bullying if you've never been severely bullied before or even have been to that suicidal state. People are driven to depression and suicide all the time. And all people are different. Some are lucky enough to be able to take it in stride, but for others, it's not that easy. You don't know what they've gone through, you don't know what's going on in their mind and you don't know what other things are affecting them. I'm sorry, but I find it disgusting that you would blame the victim before the bullies or oppressors.
"As of now, I think that the only time that these comments and beliefs are an issue is when people are acting on them, like if somebody denies you a job because you're mix-raced"
What do you think LEADS to people thinking like this?? Ignorance and the little things. The people who say these mean things are the same people that won't hire someone based on their race. It's the same issue! You're failing to understand that all of this connects to the bigger issue. The bigger issue cannot be helped until ignorance like this at it's most basic form is addressed.
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The only solution to this issue, like I said before, is time. When the generations that were raised on these racist beliefs eventually die and are replaced by those who have grown up hearing the opposite, these issues will virtually disappear. However, if you believe that a post like this is going to change the mindset of someone who is fundamentally racist, who have lived their whole lives thinking themselves above those of other races, then you are vastly overestimating the power of your own words. I even find it incredibly arrogant that you believe that you are capable of changing someone's mindset on a thing so ingrained in one's personality as their political beliefs. Humans are stubborn and prideful by nature, and a post like this will never change anybody's mind, no matter how well they are worded, how much care and thought was put into the post itself, and how many are read collectively. I'm sorry, but what you're doing right now is not making a difference. These issues will gradually diminish over time, and nothing you can say can or will speed up the process.
Don't get me wrong, suicide is a tragic waste of human life, and I consider it one of the biggest issues currently happening today. However, like I said above, the issues that are causing so many of them are not going away overnight, and so fixing those issues is not the solution. The best way to stop depression and suicides, especially in younger generations, is to teach kids how to deal with these issues, not to stop them from going through them. My brother has recently told me that he was inches away(knife in his hand) from committing suicide back in fifth grade. During that time, he had been getting into fights with his friends, was having spiritual issues, had an abusive older brother, and had gone through numerous betrayals. All of his teachers despised him because of his inability to sit still(he is now diagnosed with ADHD), his willingness to get into fights, and his poor choice in friends. His friends had all turned against him at some time or another, and there is not a single exception. The ultimate solution to this, when it eventually came a year later, was to give my brother counseling on a regular basis, and to give him an open line of communication with people who would have a better idea of how to handle the situation. He was not rescued. He dealt with the problem on his own terms, and was smart enough to get help from people who could show him how to deal with the bullies. The bullies did not disappear, and he did not run away. Now, if he ever goes through a similar issue again, he will know how to deal with people like that. However, even with someone that close to my heart going through something like that(and yes, I do consider what he went through to be terrible), he and I have discussed what happened during that year and the several years before it, and we both still agree that the only person responsible for how they feel is themselves. I may not have experiences in something that major, although I have experienced bullying in small forms, but I know and love someone who has, so don't consider me ignorant to these issues. The oppressors did do something wrong. I still harbor grudges against them to this day. However, if you are to say that the best solution to something like this is to make the problem go away, rather than teaching them how to deal with it, then you are too concerned with the short-term solution. Like they say, if you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for the rest of his life.
I think that you'll be glad to hear that the number of racists (if such a thing can be measured) is not increasing. It is no longer popular to be a racist, as it was in the '60s. People that act on these beliefs are often taken to court, and many lose a lot of money trying to be racist. Now, most people who harbor these feelings keep quiet about it, and it only manifests in small, mean comments, which I argued above should not be our top priority, and that they're going away anyway.
Well, anyway, that was a fairly lengthy tirade, so sorry for making it probably a bit too long. I hope you read it anyway, as I'm sure quite a few people out there would abandon it. So if you got this far, thanks.
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Well obviously there are people that are more stubborn than others and what I say won't change their mind. But there are people who might just be living in ignorance who this will reach and influence. Like I said, I grew up in a strict Christian household and was blindly homophobic because that was how I was raised. But being exposed to artwork like this by other people that invoked thought, helped me break out of the mindset over time. Will this one comic shake someone's entire world and rethink their whole life? It's unlikely but it gets them thinking. And if more people share their experiences, it's more likely that they'll think about it more and maybe rethink some of their previous ideals.
Again, I think you're drastically underestimating the power of words. If words had now power then people just wouldn't think they would in general. We're all influenced by different things and taught different things through our lives and they shape our way of life and our identities. Some words are more powerful than others clearly, but they are powerful nonetheless. You're Christian and I'm sure your life has been shaped by what the Bible says.
If words have no meaning or influence, why are you trying to argue with me?
Consider the entirety of our American history. Problems were not solved by time alone and ignoring issues. Let's look at the Civil Rights Movement for example. Prior to this, there was a lot of blatant racism, homophobia and hate crimes. If people just sat around and waited for change to happen, do you REALLY think that anything would change? No! There were activists. Activists and writers and public speakers who would speak up against issues. It creates conversation and critical thinking among large groups of people and that, partnered with time, is what makes the difference.
Back to this comic, yeah it's not gonna take the world by storm but it does have the potential to change people or inspire. Just look at how many people commented their experiences. Since posting this, I've been mentioned in other people's art saying it inspired them to talk about their own experiences. I also had a really great discussion with someone who didn't really know that this was an issue and is making an effort to change their way of thinking on the situation. It's the little things collectively that make change.
I'm aware that problems don't just disappear and will always be present. But addressing them absolutely helps. Yes we need to teach children that they will face oppression and teach them how to deal with that, but that doesn't mean we just ignore the oppressors. They need to be called out. You're failing to realize that the situation is not black and white and that I'm advocating to fight against the problem and at the same time providing support for those who need it.
"He dealt with the problem on his own terms, and was smart enough to get help from people who could show him how to deal with the bullies"
He did not go through this alone and it's not entirely on his own terms. He had people to help him like you said. Some people are not as fortunate and do not have the guidance of others. A lot of times people are in a situation where schools fail to help kids in bullying situations, parents are absent, therapy and professional help is too expensive and they feel like they can't confide in anyone. That's a very hopeless situation. What are they supposed to do? It's ridiculous to blame suicide victims for their deaths when it's other people who drove them to it.
Racism is still a HUGE issue. There are laws against it in the big corporate picture, but because of this, there's such thing as internalized racism which is also a huge issue. It's not as blatant but it's still different which makes even more important to talk about and openly discuss.
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In this day and age, everyone seems to have an opinion on everything, and opinions on how people of other races should be treated are usually some of the most difficult to change. They're ingrained in one's personality and beliefs. Those that act out of ignorance don't care enough about these posts to read them. If they've never heard this message before, when posts like these are shared every day, then I find it highly unlikely that they're even reading this.
I understand that words are an enormous influence on everyone's ways of life, and I consider having a good way of speaking, being charismatic, and being persuasive is paramount to success in nearly every line of work. However, there are things that you just can't convince someone of, no matter who you are. On smaller and more isolated issues, yes, posts like these can make a difference. But it takes a big person to take posts like these from the other side seriously, and an even bigger person to change their world view because of them. There just aren't that many of those people out there.
I'm talking to you not because I want to change your mind, but because I want to talk to you. I know I'll never change your opinion on this. I'll be surprised if you even consider what I'm saying. Quite honestly, even if you did eventually come to my side, the change of heart in one person is not a big deal to me. I only do this because getting into flame wars on the internet is a genuine hobby of mine. I find it to be good practice for writing, and it's the best way to better educate myself on other people's opinions on any given side.
During the Civil War, people were fighting for legal issues to be changed. Those can happen with the stroke of a pen. There's a vast difference between that and what we're fighting for now. They wanted to change the way that people were legally allowed to act, while we want to change the way that people think. That's not quite as easy.
With something like this, you can solidify the beliefs of those already on your side, but you will never change how someone that disagrees with you feels.
Yes, we need to call out the oppressors. However, there will always be more of them, and we will never be able to "end" bullying. It's a part of life. The solution to suicides and depression is to teach people how to deal with it, not to make the problems go away. One day, these kids (and some adults) will face more of these issues, and they won't have anyone to rescue them. You can't just rely on a short-term solution and pretend that you've solved something. Rescuing someone is like putting duct tape over a leaking pipe, and one day, it's going to burst. One day, this safety net is going to fall away, and the consequences will be worse than you can imagine. I can't even think of how many problems could've been solved for my brother if the adults had stopped telling him to let them handle the current issue and just helped him get more respect from his friends. He could have fixed things a lot sooner, if only people had stopped trying to rescue him and started helping him fix things on his own.
These days, the counselors, parents, and teachers at school are too focused on rescuing. When someone needs actual help, they stop the kid from getting hurt for a week, ad don't lift a finger when the issue starts up again later. This is a legitimate problem with the school system; nobody will let these kids think for themselves. There should always be someone ready to help kids deal with issues on their own. They shouldn't teach them to find an adult if something happens, they should teach them ways to deal with it on their own, for when a situation occurs where there is nobody that can save them. Everyone should be able to fight for themselves. It's a necessary life skill. Somebody who can't handle an issue on their own during adulthood without calling home is not cut out for the adult world, and people like you, the "rescuers", are to blame for that.
Give me a situation where you have experienced racism. Not a mean comment, not something your friend went through, but something you personally have experienced that either harmed you physically or set up a real roadblock for you(like denying you a job). Don't tell me how someone hurt your feelings. Don't tell me how your friend lost their job, and don't give me something that may or may not be related to your race. Give me something like that, and then we'll talk.
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I don't know I feel about continuing a conversation with someone whose hobby is engaging in flame wars.
This exchange seems like it doesn't mean much to you so I won't waste my time or yours
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Why were you doing this before? Did you actually think that you were going to change my mind? Oh well, I'll find someone else.
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Its just the fact of being told what you are, its annoying to most. Others don't know a persons DNA since they do not have it...
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Yeah, I agree that it isn't good, but she treats it like it's this massive issue. I just can't see how it warrants this huge rant.
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Some people aren't considerate so I guess it's good to have it out here
Idk tho
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I think it is quite likely this happens because the general public
does not have a particularly in depth understanding of how
genetic inheritance works. Not a bad comprehension, just an incomplete one.
The good news is that it is fixable. All that is needed is to supply
people with plentiful amounts of correct scientific information.
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Although I'm not directly multiracial (my moms grandparents came from italy and i know that i got ancestors in all kinds of places) I did notice however that I also don't really fit...or am not categorizable, but differently....I just moved some years ago from germany to finland and it happens to me alot that people can't see I'm actually foreigner and start talking to me in finnish >.< but after doing some research I simply noticed that I seem to have inherited lot's of different facetypes that just don't fit into one country, but at the same time fits alot of them....it's kind of confusing...on the other hand....I got told alot that I should be proud of my german roots/heritage etc......and I simply don't understand that, because despite being born there, I don't really feel german :/
I find it sad that there are people who try to press others into their own imagined forms and barriers
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I agree fully, of course this is coming from someone who isn't multiracial in the same sense so take that as you will. People can always break through stereotypes and it's wise for one to try and remember that in the moment. All people of all races, genders, sexualities and backgrounds are guilty of at one time or another with categorizing people whether ill-intentioned or not and it's always great to hear other peoples point of view. Most people just need to be educated and surround themselves with other people to really see how their actions affect others. Bigotry isn't dead, who knows if it ever will be and we can only work and hope it will be one day, but many people are just blind to what they are saying and just need to be shown. This was amazing and thank you for sharing your experiences! :3
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I'm very white. Turkish-Austrian genes. Just... white. People never bothered me about my race, sad to hear you they bothered you :/
Keep your head high, at least you will stand out which I find to be an awesome trait.
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I'm a decedent from a New-Yorker Dominican, and an English Massachusetts-er.
I'm often told that I'm too white to be considered a person of Spanish race but uh..
My attitude shows!
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The whole issue of not sounding like your race is bogus to me. Sure genetics do play a part, but the bulk of what determines how a person will sound depends on where they grow up and the people that surround them every day.
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Okay, the "black and white" line is actually pretty funny in this context, when you're actually talking about black people and white people. And yes, I'm aware that Asians are actually a third category, separate from the black/white dichotomy in the first place, but nobody calls them "yellow people" outside of incredibly racist stuff so...
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I'm not sure, but I think she meant "black and white" as in "only this and only that", "put into simple categories", and/or "divided".
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And I think it was an intentional double meaning, where it could mean either of those things, which I thought was clever.
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Yeah, that is kinda clever
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I totally know what you are living. It's the same to me (Arab/white). Exept they all put me in the white category. ^^'
At least you know who you are culturally, it's so difficult here.
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well for your just what you think youre and I think that you look original this is what make ya look cool and cute !
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That last panel reminds me of Peanuts for some reason
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