Tara
Paulk
Like many others, I happened across this web site just by playing around on the computer one day. I had always wanted to find out if others of racially mixed heritages had the same feelings, thoughts and experiences as I had, and after browsing this site for nearly six months, I have finally come to realize that I am not alone!!!
I am a 29 year old mother of two boys, ages 5 yrs. and 8 mos., very married (my husband is black) and I am VERY multiracial (Black, American Indian, German, Irish and French Canadian). I would definitely have to say that growing up being multiracial was very difficult for me. Most of my life, I never felt as though I "fit in" anywhere. I was always "too white" for the black people and "too black" for the white people. This began as far back as I can remeber - and continues today. However, today I can look at people and be proud of what I am and stand up for my multiracial heritage. I can remember a time when society made me feel as though I had to choose one race over the other, or they (society) chose for me. The ignorance of the "one drop rule" labeled me black for the majority of my life, but I could not ignore the rest of my heritage. I finally came to a point in my life where I decided that I was not going to let people that had nothing to do with me or who I am choose my identity for me.
When asked the famous question (What are you?), I now have the strength and self confidence to ask people if it really matters than feel as though I owe them an explanation and like I have to break it all down for them. If a person cares about me as an individual, my racial makeup will be of no concern to them.
I look forward to being a member of this site. Although we (racially mixed people) are no longer uncommon, we still need all of the support we can get, as society's ignorance and fear still continue to try to dissect us and make us something that we are not. Best wishes to you all.