Our Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, is being ridiculed for identifying herself as both Black and Indian. I understand that she is always both.
Being mixed race is a challenge and a privilege. As a racially diverse person I am often confused about which block to check. I choose my race almost daily based on the specific situation and/or my mood. If native people are the subject, then I’m native. When the discussion is about immigration then I’m Mexican. I use white when I want to identify with my Irish roots (mostly on St. Patrick’s Day).
Don’t hate me because I have options. Instead, understand that whichever race I identify with I am truly one (and all) of them even if I don’t fit your vision.
If you don’t have my DNA analysis, you can’t define me. But I’m happy to tell you who I am.
Patricia Medina, Centerville
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