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VIDEO: Things People Say If You’re Mixed Race
The Rife team and Bristol mayor Marvin Rees get under some of the common myths associated with being mixed race, and how they actually make them feel.
‘Soon everyone will be mixed, and racism won’t exist anymore.’
Sometimes, people say funny things. Generally, when you’re mixed race, this experience is often heightened. Here at Rife we’re a team of three girls, all mixed race, and can all relate to this. Too many times we’ve found ourselves explaining why mixing will not be the end of racism, why mixed race children aren’t a pet you can just go and pick up at the store, and where we’re REALLY from. No really, where are your parents from? Also, what are you?
What am I?
Well, let’s start with human?
I think a lot of this comes from curiosity. Often people don’t have the answers to these things, and assume that because we embody more than one race or culture, we have the answers. But we really don’t. We’re still trying to get our heads around a lot of these things, just like you are, and a lot of the time people don’t recognise when it’s been taken too far. We are human, and we want to feel that way.
So we enlisted the help of artist Roseanna Dias, stand-up comedian Zef De Souza, and last of all, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, to debunk some of the common myths and comments directed at mixed race people, and how they actually make us feel.
What are your thoughts? And if you’re mixed race too, let us know how these things make you feel on Twitter at @rifemag, and Facebook at Rife Magazine
And you can contact the incredible and charming Zef De Sousa on Twitter at @zefdesousa
And if you’re from a Black and other minority ethnic (BME) background and seeking a place to have your voice heard, check out Unity Youth Forum to find out more.
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About the author
Jasmine Thompson
Hey my name’s Jazz, and I’m a Bristol based artist who recently graduated in Illustration. I began as a portrait artist but have expanded into areas such as reportage illustration, zine making, and creating caricatures. I’m inspired by living in an urban environment and the people around me, and thrive off meeting others with brilliant ideas. My most recent work has focussed on 'Race & integration: A study of culture'. I am passionate about exploring segregation within UK cities (and factors such as religion and language) cultural appropriation and identity issues. Look forward to seeing some content on this in Rife. I love making comics, and am always looking for new ways to create funny spins on day to day life. I hope to make videos, films, memes, and most importantly push my writing skills. Some seem to think I have an addicted to buying trainers, but in my opinion it’s definitely more of a ‘healthy interest’. Throw some curly hair care tips my way and you’ll be my best friend forever.
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