Paula Patton says the term bi-racial is offensive because its a way for people to separate themselves from african americans, do you find this to be true?

Sandy - posted on 07/19/2012

Not at all. Then again, I'm bi-racial but not of the African persuasion. So, maybe she was excluding other bi-racial groups of people to make some radical off the wall completely unsubstantiated blanket statement to cause drama, because her life isn't fulfilling enough. I'm bi-racial, and my child is quad-racial, if my math is right. ☺

Angela - posted on 07/13/2012

And It's not offensive to have others dictate how one expresses their own ethnic identity? Does she hold to the one drop rule? What about people who are mixtures of other races? Is Ms. Patton not aware that other races exist?
Ok, sarcasm aside, the one-sided and defensive attitude displayed in such an idea is a big part of the remaining racial problems in this country. If one tries hard enough it is possible to be offended by anything. But realistically, interracial families and their children are not a divisive group, nor are they trying to separate themselves from anyone. We tend to be inclusive and view people as individuals, and I consider bi-racial an inclusive and accurate term that acknowledges a persons full heritage.

Sam - posted on 07/05/2012

I don't see why. I've always considered myself bi-racial, half white half Indian. I never wanted to just pick one because it would feel to me like choosing between my parents or something. Shouldn't we identify in all of our heritage, not just a part?

Ellie Richardson - posted on 07/01/2012

This is a controversial topic and myself as a person with more than one racial background can understand where she is coming from. I see it as a prospective and the way she sees the term. I dont think there is a right or wrong answer. It's the type of thing where opinions will differ but thats okay. I have a black and creole dad and a spanish mom that did not want me to identify myself with my dads culture. As I got older I decided for myself that My fathers race and culture was just as important as my mothers and Its important to me. As an adult I choose to identify myself as a legitamit part of the African american race as well as spanish, an creole race as well. I figure to each his own and Everyone is not going to agree thats life. We are entitled to our own opinions.

Messina - posted on 06/28/2012

Brown, wouldn't calling themselves only african american seperate them from being white or caucasion? I think at least if you say they are bi-racial, multi-cultural, or mixed you are at least saying that Im not just black and Im not just white, I am embracing both sides of my heritage! They are equally important!

Rachael - posted on 06/15/2012

no. my son is bi-racial, he's made up of more than 1 racial backround. there are alot worse names that could be used to describe mixed kids

Julie - posted on 06/14/2012

Not at all. As I'm sure you probably know the word bi means two...therefore if someone is mixed (blk/wht) and is describing themself as bi-racial, to me that is acknowledging the fact they are both black and white and embracing the fact that they are part african american, not seperating themself from african americans. My question would be how is it seperating themselves when it actually seems to be doing the opposite?....Even though most of the world might see them as black, there is no rule or law that states a bi-racial person has to refer to themself as just black, that is completely up to the individual. If they choose to refer to themself as black than that is their choice. My kids know that they are mixed and at this point in their lives they choose to say they are black and Italian when asked what their ethnicity is, if they choose to change that at any time that is completely up to them but they are proud of the fact that they can experience two different cultures.