Malcolm Rivera
Multiracial people, also known as mixed-race people, are individuals with ancestry from two or more races. The term multiracial is often used to refer to individuals with parents of different racial backgrounds, including parents who are themselves multiracial. The classification and terminology used to describe multiracial individuals vary across different regions and cultures, and some historically used terms are now considered offensive. In the United States, the classification and recognition of multiracial individuals have evolved over time, with the 2000 Census allowing individuals to select more than one race. The multiracial population is the fastest-growing demographic group in the United States, with a 276% increase between 2010 and 2020, driven largely by Hispanic or Latino Americans identifying as multiracial. Globally, mixed-race individuals make up a significant portion of the population in many regions, including North America, South Africa, Brazil, and India, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term used in the UK until 2001 | Half-castes |
| Official term in the UK since 2001 | Mixed |
| Official term in South Africa | Coloured |
| Unofficial term in South Africa | Bushies |
| Term used in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania | Chotara (singular), Wachotara (plural) |
| Term used in Japan | Hāfu (half) or daburu (double) |
| Term used in Brazil | Pardo |
| Term used in the US in 1850 | Mulatto |
| Term used in the US in 1790 | Other free persons |
| Term used in Latin America for people of Native American and native African descent | Zambo |
| Term used in Hawaii and California | Hapa |
| Suggested term by an author | Piacin |
| Suggested terms by another author | Dual or group ethnicity, mixed heritage, mixed ethnicity, mixed |
| Term used by the author to describe themselves | European bastard |
| Preferred term by another author | Mixed |
| Term used by another author | Multiracial |
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What You'll Learn
The issue of terminology
The terminology used to refer to people of mixed racial backgrounds has been a contentious issue, with many individuals taking umbrage with the available vocabulary. The term ""mixed race"" is often criticised for its connotations with racist ideologies of "race mixing" and the "one-drop rule". The word "race" itself is problematic, as it is not a biological concept but rather a social construct employed to categorise and oppress certain groups, specifically people of colour.
Historically, various terms were used to label individuals of mixed racial descent, such as "mulatto" in the US during the 19th century, which referred to individuals with one black and one white parent. However, as demographics and social structures evolved, these terms fell out of favour due to their broadness and negative connotations.
In different parts of the world, unique terms have emerged to describe mixed-race individuals. For example, in Japan, they may be referred to as "hāfu" (half) or "daburu" (double). In the UK, the term ""half-caste"" was used until 2001 when the census adopted the term "mixed". In South Africa, the term "Coloured" is used, while in Brazil, individuals of mixed heritage may be described using colourful terms like "cor de canela" or "cor de rosa".
The absence of universally accepted terminology leads to individuals of mixed heritage feeling dissatisfied and misunderstood. The current vocabulary often fails to capture the complexity of their identities and backgrounds. This is particularly true for individuals with multiple cultural strands in their heritage, for whom terms like "biracial" or "bi-ethnic" do not adequately represent their diverse ancestry.
The need for more inclusive and precise language is increasingly important as the proportion of people with multiracial backgrounds continues to grow. Some have suggested adopting terms like "multiracial" or "polyracial", while others have proposed entirely new words, such as "Piacin" (Parent Immigrated in Adulthood from a Colonised Island Nation). However, until alternative terms are agreed upon and widely accepted, there may be a need to continue using the transitional terms "mixed-race" or "biracial" as umbrella descriptors.
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The historical context
In the US, the historical terminology used to describe mixed-race individuals is a reflection of the nation's shifting demographics and social trends. From 1850 to 1880, the US Census categorised people as "white", "black", and "mulatto" (meaning a person with one black and one white parent). This categorisation was important during a time when chattel slavery was prevalent. The term "mulatto" became a catch-all for anyone perceived as racially ambiguous, including many Native Americans.
Interracial marriage was only legalised in the US in the 1960s, and even then, several states passed laws limiting or banning interracial blood transfusions. This context is crucial, as it demonstrates how societal attitudes and laws have influenced the language used to describe mixed-race individuals.
In South Africa, the term "Coloured" was historically used to describe mixed-race persons of African and European descent, as well as Asians not of African descent. This term is still officially used, although it is considered controversial and offensive by some. In East Africa, specifically Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, mixed-race individuals are referred to as "half-castes" in English or "chotara" (singular) and "wachotara" (plural) in Swahili.
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The social impact
The historical context of racial categorisation, often rooted in colonial and slave-era ideologies, further complicates the issue. Terms like "half-caste" or "mulatto" have been used in the past, but are now considered offensive and laden with racist connotations. This reflects a broader social trend towards recognising the problematic nature of racial categorisation, which was often used to justify slavery, oppression, and the assignment of low status to certain groups.
However, there are also positive social impacts to this discussion. The increasing recognition of the limitations of existing vocabulary has sparked activism, community organising, and scholarship around these issues. Mixed-race individuals are exercising their power to determine how they wish to be referred to, creating improved terms of reference that are not influenced by past racist ideologies. This includes the invention of new terms like "hapa" or "hāfu", which are increasingly used by specific communities of mixed-race individuals.
Additionally, the discussion around terminology highlights the fluid and constructed nature of racial categories. By challenging the idea of pure breeds and essentialised racial groups, mixed-race individuals contribute to a broader societal recognition of the diversity and complexity of human identity. This can lead to a more inclusive and equitable social landscape, where individuals are not limited or defined by rigid racial categories.
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Self-identification
The language used to describe mixed-race people has evolved over time, with various terms carrying different connotations and implications. The choice of self-identification for mixed-race individuals is deeply personal and influenced by cultural, historical, and social factors. Here are some perspectives on self-identification for mixed-race individuals:
Historical and Social Context
Historically, the language used to describe mixed-race individuals has been influenced by societal perceptions, colonial histories, and racial power dynamics. Terms like "half-caste" or "mulatto" have been used in the past, but they are now considered offensive and rooted in racist ideologies. The legacy of slavery and racial oppression has shaped the way we understand and categorize race, and it is essential to recognize this history when discussing self-identification for mixed-race people.
Personal and Cultural Connections
For many mixed-race individuals, self-identification is about finding a term that captures their unique blend of cultural and personal backgrounds. Some people may prefer specific labels that highlight their particular mix, such as "Hapa" for those with Asian and white heritage or "Anglo-Indian" for those with European and Indian ancestry. Others may feel that terms like "biracial" or "multiracial" better reflect their diverse backgrounds without reducing their identity to a specific combination of races.
Comfort and Pride in Self-Identification
The choice of self-identification should ultimately empower individuals and make them feel comfortable and proud of their heritage. Some mixed-race people may embrace terms like "mixed" or "mixed-race" as a way to simplify their identity and avoid lengthy explanations. Others may prefer more nuanced terms that reflect their specific ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The right to choose one's racial self-identification is crucial, and individuals should have the freedom to adopt labels that align with their personal experiences and beliefs.
Navigating Complex Identities
For individuals with very diverse backgrounds, finding a single term that encapsulates their identity can be challenging. Some people may feel that no existing label adequately represents their unique mix of cultures and ethnicities. This can lead to feelings of exclusion or a sense of not belonging to any particular group. In such cases, individuals may create their own terms or embrace a more fluid understanding of their identity, recognizing that their heritage transcends simple labels.
Language Gaps and New Terminology
The increasing number of mixed-race individuals has brought attention to the limitations of existing vocabulary. Many mixed-race people feel that the current language is inadequate, exclusionary, or rooted in racist histories. There is a growing movement to create new terminology that better reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of mixed-race individuals. This includes terms like "Piacin" (Parent Immigrated in Adulthood from a Colonized Island Nation) or adopting more neutral phrases like "mixed heritage" or "dual ethnicity."
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Moving forward
The language used to describe mixed-race people has evolved over time, reflecting broader social trends and a growing recognition of self-identification. While terms like "half-caste" and "mulatto" were once commonly used, they are now considered offensive and have been replaced by more neutral and inclusive terms like "mixed" or "multiracial." This shift in terminology is a positive step towards embracing diversity and avoiding racist ideologies associated with "race mixing."
However, the current vocabulary for describing mixed-race individuals still has room for improvement. Many people with mixed heritage feel that terms like "biracial" or "mixed race" do not adequately capture their complex cultural backgrounds. The term "biracial," for instance, implies two distinct racial categories, which may not accurately represent individuals with multiple ancestral lines. Additionally, the binary nature of terms like "Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic" (BAME) and "People of Color" (PoC) reinforces a "white" or "not-white" dichotomy, positioning whiteness as the default and other groups as minorities.
To address these limitations, some mixed-race individuals have advocated for the use of more specific terms that reflect their unique racial and cultural backgrounds. For example, the term "Hapa," which refers to individuals of mixed white and Asian descent, has gained traction in Hawaii and California. Similarly, the term "Anglo-Indian" specifically refers to individuals of European and Indian descent. These specific terms provide a sense of kinship and community for those who identify with them.
In addition to seeking more precise terminology, there is a growing recognition that racial categories are socially constructed and lack biological or scientific justification. The concept of race was historically invented to divide, categorize, and oppress certain groups, particularly people of color. Moving forward, it is essential to develop collective and contemporary identities that are not influenced by past slave masters, bogus political agendas, or white supremacist beliefs.
As society continues to embrace diversity and challenge racist ideologies, the language used to describe mixed-race individuals will likely continue to evolve. By actively engaging in conversations about identity and self-definition, we can create a more inclusive and empowering vocabulary that reflects the richness and complexity of mixed-race experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
In the past, people of mixed race have been referred to using a variety of terms, some of which are now considered offensive. For example, in the US, the term "mulatto" was used on the 1850 census to refer to people with one black and one white parent. In the UK, the term "half-caste" was used until 2001 when the census officially changed the terminology to "mixed". Other outdated terms include "miscegenation" and "zambo". Today, people of mixed race are often referred to as "mixed", "biracial", or "multiracial", although some individuals may prefer more specific terms to describe their racial combination, such as "hapa" or "hāfu".
Some people of mixed race heritage may prefer not to use the term "mixed race" due to its association with racist ideologies and the history of slavery. The term "race" itself is not a biological concept but a social construct that has been used to divide and oppress certain groups. Additionally, the term "mixed race" may not adequately capture the complexity of an individual's cultural background and family history.
Some people of mixed race heritage may prefer terms such as "dual or group ethnicity", "mixed heritage", or "mixed ethnicity". These terms are more specific and avoid the use of the word "race", which some find offensive. Other suggested terms include "polyracial", "multiracial", and "cosmopolitan", although these may not be widely understood or accepted. Ultimately, the choice of terminology depends on individual preference and the specific cultural context.
Mixed racial backgrounds are increasingly common, and it is estimated that by the end of the century, approximately one in three people will be mixed race. This is due to a variety of factors, including the increasing rates of interracial marriage and the movement of people between different countries and regions. In some places, such as Brazil and Madagascar, multiraciality is assumed to the extent that specific racial categories are less meaningful.
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