My 9-year old nephew came to stay with me for the summer again this year (as is customary since I’m always taking in a niece or nephew during my time off) and we have had several hilarious talks. He’s great as far as 9-year olds go. He’s engaging and thoughtful and kind. He’s also a cheater at card games, namely War, as he stacks the deck and refuses to shuffle them again. (It’s ok. I’m onto him. I tickle the mess out of him when he does it.) The issue of race came up in a conversation and I find it interesting that all the grandkids in my family consider themselves “mixed” no matter how much of one race or the other they get in their DNA. It’s refreshing and we talk openly about it. (Also, about other things like WHY is Soledad O’Brien fronting the next “Black in America 2″ on CNN. WHY? WHHYYYYY?)
Me: What do you think you are?
Him: Well, I’m mostly black. But I have a lot of stuff in me.
Me: Just like most complex human beings, sweetie. That’s good.
Him: What are you?
Me: Well, technically, I say that I’m mixed. Do you know what the other word for that is?
Him: Beige?
July 6, 2009 @ 8:21 am | Filed under All Black Folks Do NOT Look Alike | Permalink | Comments (17)
Avitable Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Hah! Of course, I’m wondering what other word you were looking for. Is there another one of which I’m unaware?
Catherine Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 8:27 am
Ooh! Ooh! I know the answer to this one! Miss, miss, pick me, miss!
(Don’t you just hate classroom swots?)
Answer = “gorgeous”. That’s a much more accurate term than beige, which is a bland, polystyrene kind of word, IMHO.
Inkognegro Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 8:31 am
Simplicity….marvelous simplicity.
as the oldest and ONLY paternal grandchild with two Black Parents…i see all too well how complex being Bi-racial/Mixed can be. Kudos for working through it.
Mighty Hunter Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 8:38 am
I actually really dig your nephew’s answer. Like, really, a lot. Though I think his answer might change he starts drinking coffee. Latte? Mocha?
Beautifulwreck Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 9:05 am
My nephew who is biracial once told me he was like a cup of coffee. Black with a good bit of cream. I love it!
Lori E Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 9:19 am
Cafe au Lait?
Miss Grace Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 9:35 am
My son describes himself as “gold,” presumably because I call him my little golden boy, but I think it’s pretty fabulous.
Yourhynis Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 11:13 am
Too cute. I think people who are “mixed” give American’s a certain comfort level when it comes to issues of race. Soledad O’brien is probably the “comfortable” choice…?
JenniferB Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Beige — I love it! Maybe he has a good eye for knowing instinctively that it’s what is in our hearts and souls that makes us who we are!
MommaSunshine Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Ah, kids. I love how they simplify things so much.
Wifey Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
Oh he’s good.
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
Dana Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
I love his answer! I also love the way kids think.
sizzle Said,
July 6, 2009 @ 7:16 pm
Kids are awesome.
Faiqa Said,
July 8, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
My four year old daughter informed me the other day that her aunt (my brother’s wife) is not “white,” but is peach. And that we are the color of “chai.” Children… they do have the most delicious view of everything, don’t they?
Becky Said,
July 9, 2009 @ 8:32 am
that was funny, would this be the same child who wanted to “look cool for Devin”?
Miss Britt Said,
July 10, 2009 @ 8:19 am
I’m the color of peeled chicken.
Why don’t they ever have that box as an option on a survey?
Yakini Said,
July 10, 2009 @ 9:35 am
LOL!!! Kids are so cute and guileless. They read to say the darndest things!