My thoughts on the one-drop rule

the one-drop rule (Also known as the rule of hypodescent) is a socially constructed classification system that was initiated during slavery in America that proclaimed that any person with any known African 'black' ancestry would have the same legal status as a 'pure' African. Translation: Jim Crow established this rule to group the slaves into one category. Jim Crow made a decision to group all the slaves into one category because it was easier for white people to separate themselves from the slaves. Then Willie Lynch (slave master) separated the slaves and created racism within our own people by dividing us up—House Negro and Field Negro’s. Lynch’s idea of providing privilege to one group and zero to the next helped him in his demise. I am sure you all know the story. Now, I don’t allow people (i.e. Jim Crow or society) to decide what race I am. That is an individual’s choice to make-no one else. When you empower one race, you disempowered another, so who said you have to choose. What to make things “easier” for you? I don’t think so. I here this one-drop rule BS all the time and personally I think its BS!!! The one drop rule is only applicable when necessary. Any other time we “BIRACIAL FOLKS” gotta prove our blackness while our “complete membership” is denied…unless we are famous. Most historical figures that helped paved a way for us was mostly biracial. I embrace my African American father and my German American mother. I may appear to be racially ambiguous to others but I will let you know if you just ask. I am not confused about who or what I am. But one cannot divorce himself from himself that’s what causes confusion. We will never have complete membership with attitudes like yours. Race is socially constructed and although slavery has ended, the psychological chains are still intact. Our thought process need to change….where knowledge is duty ignorance is a crime. I’m just saying….

I want inclusion

Being biracial is not easy in America. I hope I live long enough to see “inclusion” within this society that is so divided by race. One day we will have a complete membership. Remember, until 1997, the state of SC did not allow whites and blacks to marry, including anyone with one-eighth or more of “Negro” blood. Some legislators moved to rid of it as an embarrassment and disgrace to the state. Changing the law would remove the technical illegality from the thousands of interracial marriages in South Carolina. Oftentimes, I am asked, “What is all the fuss about race and being biracial?” Well obviously we still have a long way to go. Go figure.

Mixed Race Kids of All Nations

Hi my name is Myrtice J. Edwards and I just published my second book entitled, Mixed Race Kids of All Nations…Raising awareness of the biracial, multiracial, and transracially adopted kids in a race-conscious world.
We live in a society that constantly examines the importance of self-identity and the phenomenal experience that comes out of being multiracial or multiethnic. Mixed Race Kids of All Nations attempts to raise awareness among the biracial community. Mixed Race Kids of All Nations is a Christian book and it is my conviction to inform children so that they can learn how to make better choices by referring to biblical scriptures. Children all around the world will resist social practices and cultural attitudes that are hurtful. This book has nine chapters that contain short stories about multiracial and multiethnic kids. This book is dedicated to all the multiracial people in the world. My book is available via Amazon.com.
Retail price: $6.99
Thank you for your support

Mixed Folks

Those who deliberately make children feel bad about themselves, race, ethnicity and who focus their aggression on the less powerful—poison the world in which we live.

Dont Put me inside that box!!!!!

Don’t put me inside that Box!!!!

Black not Hispanic
White not Hispanic
Asian, Islander Pacific
Hispanic
Mexican
Puerto Rican
Mark one only.

Stop it I can’t breathe don’t you see what this is doing to me?
Why can’t I choose to mark other since nothing identifies me?

Go on braggin bout where you from and how you mark generation number 3
I gotta be strong and hold my head up while society decides my race for me

Unable to identify as both black and white or mixed as some choose
You wouldn’t know this because you haven’t walked in my shoes

I got hair like my mother red long and curly
Dark skin like my dad and lips like Aunt Shirley

Eyes so deep but not like the ocean, more like amber in a tiger’s eye
I am the descendants of the oppressed and the oppressor which I cannot deny

So here I am with a combination of features that don’t traditionally match
How does one decide which race do I empower or which one I should un-attach?

Always asked if I am Mexican, Boriquan, Cuban, Dominican, just never Black
I stand proud to be both German and African American and that’s a fact!

I am considered the outcast by all means and Now I can embrace my lot
But what ever you do, by all means please, Don’t put me inside that box!!!

By, Myrtice J. Edwards
1-15-2007

Book referral for Multiracial or Biracial Children

Cincinnati Author Myrtice Edwards, published a childrens book on Mixed Race Children entitled Dirty Sally the untold stories of mixed race children who find a new identity, love, faith and forgiveness through GOD. Dirty Sally unfolds the misconceptions surrounding racial identity. When society socializes children into selecting one racial identity and not both, we risk empowering one and devaluing the other. You can purchase the book via Amazon.com or Outskirtspress.com. Dirty Sally is a must read not only for inter-racial families, but for all parents hoping to instill in their children a sense of understanding and compassion.