Brad 26 March 2010
On a recent journey to a family reunion in Jamaica I was ‘affectionately’ referred as the ‘white boy or red-skin’ (my actual complexion is visibly light cream with a spattering of freckles - it is my guess you would certainly recognise that I was neither fully mono-heritage white or black).
The same thing happened on a few more occasions throughout the trip, I would simply smile and say, “...wat ya ah want?”.
Whilst visiting a local hangout down-town, amusingly named: ‘big people corner’ I got into a conversation with one of my father’s oldest friends. The friend who shall remain nameless was proudly telling me about his sons and daughters.
He said, “I have one white daughter like you…I think it is very hard for them because they don’t fit in…!!”
Again, I smiled because there wasn’t any harm intended…and in my experience it is common place for (mono-heritage) people to think they can racialised mixed-race individuals. The conversation went on for sometime and after a while it became clear that his views were placed firmly in a ‘one dimensional‘ perspective, what I would call the ‘sociological’ view point.
There was little if any reference made to his daughter’s thoughts or feelings, (the psychological) but much importance placed on a perceived societal view.
On the way home I thought it would be a good opportunity to explain more about our Mix-d: philosophy and ‘The Two Pronged Approach’...of course, I will try not to make it too speaky spokey!!
Basically, we see the Mix-d: philosophy divided into a two pronged approach: The SOCIOLOGICAL and the PSYCHOLOGICAL.
The sociological view point is the popular discussion which takes place at a government and institution level, in the media and society at large.
In other words, it focussed on what it means to be mixed-race in society today. Led by the racial majority, this area of the discussion is most obviously influenced by past historical predjudices, personal assumptions and how media have chosen to name the mixed-race experience.
In my opinion, such a narrow one dimensional sociological view can have a massive negative impact on the individual psychological discussion. Why is this?
Well, the psychological view or the way individuals think about their identities is predominantly shaped by their lived experience and often by internalising external information about themselves from out-side sources…(sociological view)
Over the years many non mixed-race commentators have debated whether mix-d: individuals should feel differently than their ‘mono racial’ counterparts. I would say that the mix-d: group and individuals we work with across the country overwhelmingly state that differences exist.
Part of the reason for this is simply that there is a disconnect between the popular sociological view point and psychological lived experience of being mixed-race.
At The Multiple Heritage Project and Mix-d. We bring together both the sociological and psychological discussion of being mix-d: and as a result we offer a broader and more balanced understanding of the topic.
Or put differently, we create an open platform to discuss such issues which can:
- help provide mix-d: individuals with the tools to engage confidently with the existing sociological discussions, from which they have been absent for many years.
- hopefully these contributions and healthy debates will in turn improve the psychology, confidence and esteem and vocabulary of the mix-d: group.
- develop new possibilities, one which takes elements from both the socioloical and psychological view points and creates a mix-d: philosophy.
Speak soon.
Brad.
Brad 3 March 2010
My name is Alexandra; I am now the Mix-d: Coordinator for the Multiple Heritage Project
My first involvement with the project was in 2006. Through word of mouth I heard about a conference concerning racial identity and, being prone to intrigue as I am, I decided to attend. As a 16-year-old I hadn’t really though too deeply about race or what it was to be mixed race, although the concept was always one which stuck to the back of my mind - my thoughts surrounding the subject were definitely there but had never had the chance to be unleashed. The conference was, as I expected, focused partially on the overrepresentation on mixed race people in establishments like the Criminal Justice System.
I disagreed with certain statements made about sleepwalking into segregation and certain generalisations made about “identity stripping” and the confusion of mixed raced individuals. I knew that it wasn’t right for a mono-heritage politician to generalise about how I saw myself; nor about how other mixed race people see themselves (which is a lot of people since the majority of mixed race people are actually under 16!)
Following the conference, Denise Williams (MHP) approached me with a proposal: would I like to get involved with the multiple heritage project… well you can guess how I responded
At the first training day I walked in, sat down, fiddled with my paper and pens to make it look like I was doing something, and then I noticed I was in a room full of mixed race people. This was a first for me - having attended a predominantly ‘white’ school I was often known as the only “black” person in the class - however, despite recognising none of the trainees, I felt comfortable. We were then introduced to Bradley Lincoln (Founder). Instantly, Bradley and Denise made the entire setting relaxed and were so down-to-earth (which was definitely not what I expected from a training workshop). We were able to openly discuss our issues and experiences on our own terms without being judged or told how we should think and by the end of the day I actually felt listened to!
I took part in two training days and following each one I walked out with a sense of pride and empowerment. A space to talk about a subject which directly affects me but, despite being so eminent in today’s society, is rarely addressed with mixed race people at the centre of the discussion was valuable experience. It was comforting to know that I shared some of the same experiences as other mixed race people – like asking my mum why I was a different colour to her when I was younger or at one stage in my life clinging on to the stereotypical “black” identity - but it was also comforting to know that I wasn’t just a stereotype or a statistic.
I was so excited about my first conference. A room full of even more mixed race people! I was full of nerves before conducting my workshop, however, I knew that if the young people got half of what I got out of the training day then they would be walking out with their heads held high – and the feedback I received was just that. Each Conference day has been an unexplainable experience for me in some respects. The atmosphere at the beginning of the day, driven by a room full of nervous young people; compared to the atmosphere at the end of the day, having given the young people a chance to discuss their thoughts and feelings regarding their identity in education, society and life, always provides me with sense that we really do make a difference (cliché I know – but true!)
Which is why I stayed involved. Having the opportunity to provide a platform for young people to discuss their identity and turn their backs on stereotypes was enough to keep me hooked. I continued to notice that there was a real need for this type of conversation. I immediately realised that the Multiple Heritage Project was not one of those victimising organisations that see all mixed race people as confused beings who don’t know which category to fit into; MHP is an organisation which empowers young people to consider their identity and acknowledges the similarities and differences in each mixed race individual without labelling them or forcing them into a set category.
One element of the MHP which struck me as unique yet crucial was the emphasis on covering all areas of the discussion: in education, in foster care, in the Criminal Justice System and even in fashion; in order to stay current in focusing on where the discussion is at today, and not where it was 10 years ago. Furthermore, the project highlights the need to continue to place young people at the centre of this big conversation whilst also maintaining the involvement of parents, carers, teachers and professionals.
The next step after moving to Manchester to attend University I soon become the Mix-d: Coordinator. This role allows me to have a huge amount of involvement in the project and allows me to train and keep up-to-date with our youth facilitators from all around the country. I am constantly learning about this mixed race experience from the young people and see a shift from people being forced into categories to people taking ownership of their identity. I get involved with new and exciting projects from educational contexts to technological contexts – all to facilitate moving this discussion forward. Now, on a daily basis, I see a difference being made.