Biracial teens have one of the highest rates of depression, substance abuse and behavioral issues, yet no one talks about why. Unfortunately, telling us that we're "so cute" isn't enough to bring back our insecurities. As I talk in detail about what it means to be biracial in my book, I speak directly to the young adults. But today I want to talk to the parents to give them insight. Something that wasn't available to my parents because at the time, the term "biracial" was only a term used by psychologists. The same researchers that had given us a scientific label, but never bothered to reach out to fix what they discovered.
We're Not a Freak of NatureAll children want to feel as though they belong to a group. While we see images of biracial people all over the TV and movie screens, the world somehow makes us feel as if we have to justify our existence when asked, "What are you?" or making jokes about us being "only half" this or that. Acceptance is a part of human nature and we're no different. We may not look like the rest of our family, but knowing that we're still human-a whole human, is gives us the pride we seek. (Confidence)
Our Family History From Both Points of ViewWhen we're asked about who we are, a reference point gives us confidence that we're not a mistake. Even adopted kids want to know how they got to where they are now. Knowing our own history gives us a feeling of validity. We weren't an accident. We're a part of a legacy. Besides, there's no better feeling for a parent than to know that their family history will live on to see another generation. (Substance)
Where Our Characteristics Come From Which parent can we thank for our beautiful smile? Who's temper do we resemble the most? Since we don't look exactly like either of our parents in most cases, we gain confidence when we are able to see similarities in our parents. Not only do we better understand who we are, but it helps us to accept those things that drive us crazy about you. We can't get irritated by the same learned behavior that we picked up from you! (Understanding)
What Our Strengths AreWhat makes you proud of us? From our first defeat of potty training to graduating from high school, the child in us are always seeking our parents' approval in our actions. When the world attempts to tell us that we're not good enough, what can we do that proves them wrong? Every young adult looks for confirmation from those that we admire the most when they need a boost of confidence. (Assurance)
How to Answer Questions On Our RaceWe have the obligation to educate the world on our existence, but we can't do it without knowing what to say (the main reason why my book is so important). Help us to know without a shadow of a doubt of who we are and how important we are to society. Since we're the only race that has to justify our backgrounds, give us the best way to answering the question that we'll here for the rest of our lives. (Strength)
These and other issues are featured in my upcoming book: Just Because I'm Mixed Doesn't Mean I'm Confused: The Mixed Kid's Guide to Determining Their Own Self Worth, releasing to the public on December 15, 2010 and can be picked up at the Swirl Power site or at Amazon.com. It deals with what I've learned about gaining self identity and battling everything from racism, managing our hair, to a living with a learning disability without medications.
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