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Obama has got his most glittering prize but his beloved grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, will not be there to throw her arms around him. She nurtured him, taught him the meaning of integrity and aspiration. She died on Sunday and with her went the last visible sign of his white heritage.
Obama should not let his white clan be forgotten - and he must deny those who insist he is plain black. New racing champ Lewis Hamilton needs to do the same. It's not easy, but it's crucial.
For while Obama and Hamilton are inspiring, neither is "black". Nor, incidentally, are Leona Lewis, Mel B, Oona King, Sade, Tiger Woods - and on and on. They are mixed-race, as were Malcolm X, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley before them.
When I said this on the radio earlier this week, I had many responses, highly emotional. One Afro-Caribbean listener said I was a "racist" because I hated the idea of a black man rising to the top, that I was stealing their glory. Tosh. There are brilliant black men such as Denzil Washington, David Lammy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rageh Omar, Sidney Poitier and many more. But Obama and Hamilton are not black. Yes, they face prejudice but that shouldn't mean they have to be misclassified. Under slavery and apartheid, anyone with one drop of "black" blood was classified as black. To perpetuate such a notion in the 21st century is an outrage.
It causes untold psychological distress, too. White mothers tell me it hurts when the label "black" is casually used to describe their biracial children. One wrote: "It's like a delete button is used and we are wiped out. As if we are nothing. Many of us are raising these kids on our own. I am proud my child has a black father but I want the same respect back for me and my racial background."
Thanks to Obama and Hamilton, hope surges today that racism, though ever present, ugly and incapacitating, can be transcended by both victims and perpetrators. Obama has known what it feels like to be rejected by whites and blacks, for not being "one of us"; I imagine Hamilton knows, too. These heroes challenge the abominable creeds of racial purity and superiority. In their veins runs a rich mix that cannot be separated. Both need to proclaim that, just as Tiger Woods did when he, too, was in this place, talented and victorious - and relabelled "black" in his moment of glory.
Reader views (81)
Please post this! Mixed-race people: If you want your 'difference' to be respected, why use a non-specific term like mixed-race that includes a range of different mixes e.g. Irish/Nigerian, Pakistani/Chinese, to describe yourselves? Why not, like the Brazilians, use distinct terms for each different mix e.g. mulatto (black and white), mamaluco (white and Indian) etc.? Also, please be balanced. If you say that you're not black, please say that you're not white/Oriental either. Tiger Woods didn't do this- he only refuted a black label and not an Oriental one. Thus black people lost respect for him, as he seemed confused and self-hating. A better choice of words could have avoided that and he himself admits that he made a mistake. Please copy Mel B's lead who denied being black or white and uses the term 'mixed'. However, she gave some food to a black, homeless man because she was 'gutted' by his plight. Why? Because 'she's got black in her'. Thus- black people take note- just because a person classifies themselves as mixed and not black does not necessarily mean that they are uninterested in their black side or black people. Also, Obama and Halle Berry call themselves black but have publicly stated that their mums are white and praise them for the sound guidance they provided as parents. They thus honor their white roots more than Ryan Giggs and Vin Diesel have honored their black ones. To be balanced, will you demand that they honor their black roots?
- Vernie May, London, 19/12/2008 20:55
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I am of mix race.I am black, Amerindian, east-indian and chinese. In the United-States I am consider to be black because I am from a english speaking country. I am mix and extremely proud of all my racial back ground not just part of it. If I was just proud and claim only one part of me then I am self hating and not accepting myself 100 percentage. What you are racially you can't change it and you should not deny it. What you could change in your self is your character, what career you might choose etc... It saddens me that people are so racially divided. My experience with some black Americans they would love me to say that I am only black, and the spanish speaking people love to say my complexion is the way it is becasue I must be part Latino. Well for the spanish speaking people: spanish is a language and not a race. Latino is a term given to people who were conquer by Spain. If you are from a spanish speaking island then most likely your mix is Native-Indian, Black and White from Spain. What I am saying it is all facts.. I have proof to back all this info up.... OBAMA is black and white .... He has never denied it.
- Eilse, USA, 14/12/2008 16:25
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Colin Powell and Condeleeza Rice have much lighter skin tones than Barack Obama but they are still considered to be black,why? is it because they are not the president elect.
Barack Obama has quite dark skin for some who is of mix race, he is not that much lighter than his wife or the ex sprinter Colin Jackson,or the so called millions of full blacks in both America and the West Indies.
Obama, clearly states that he sees himself as black,after all that what the cab drivers saw when he could not get a cab.
There are no special racial slurs for mix race people,
the get called the N word and have monkey chants thrown at them, the same as full blacks,eg Louis Hamilton and Andrew Symonds,Mel B,Halle Berry, infact everyone of the mix race individuals you mentioned in your article have talked about the racism that they have experience from whites, much more than blacks,and they are talking about time in their life before they were famous which proves that have always accepted mix races whether they are sucessful or not.Just look at the black gangs they have mix race members,you don't hear blacks saying that they are not one of ours.
Why have you not written article about whites embracing their Afican roots,eg the American actress Carol Channing and the British personality Ian Hislop.
- Robyn, London N1, 14/12/2008 04:47
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We were forced to forget our white heritage when the one drop rule came into existence by the whites over 400 years ago.
Lous Hamilton being of mix race still had to endure racism by the white spanish, the same applies to the Australian cricket player,Andrew Symonds who is of mix race, having to endure monkey chants by the Indian crowd.
Afro American and blacks from the carribbean all have to some extent european blood even some dark skinned black,eg Oprah Winfrey and Woopie Goldberg. It seems to me that your argument is with the media which is run by the whites. Some of you non blacks want to have it both ways,ie mix race people are black when they are seen as failures and part white when seen as successful, their sucess all being down to their white side.
Obama said that his success was down to his black wife.Louis Hamilton has also said that his success down to his black father not his white who left when he was very young, Tiger woods has said the same about his black father. Oprah Winfrey who is not of mix race has said her success was because of her father the same with the William sisters. So you see my dear being mix race really does not have any bearing whether or not you are sucessful only your kind of racism does.
- Jen, n1 London, 13/12/2008 08:19
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As a 'mixed race' man I find the article by Yasmin disturbing.
Yasmin I am sure would classify herself as belonging to a certain race - she would feel offended if anyone tried to define her race for her.
The question is: is Obama black?
Well he certainly looks black. He has a black father, and yes he has a white mother. So how do we define black? a lot of African Americans (and Afro-Caribbeans in the UK) have white blood in them, some from recent generations some from many many generations ago. Go back far enough and Yasmin herself will no doubt find she has black african blood.
So the real question should be: What race does Obama belong to?
The answer? The HUMAN race!
- Steve, London, 16/11/2008 22:25
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Three points have been missed in all the replies to YAB's brave article. Firstly all the mixed-race icons who are incorrectly referred to as black, have white mothers and black fathers. Is this further proof of the domination of women by men or would a child of a white father and black mother also be referred to as black? Secondly surely the rise to prominence of such people as Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton and Halle Berry indicates that the mixing of the best attributes of different races can have very positive results. Thirdly nearly everyone, black, white and other mixed-race people, can identify with these icons. Finally, in x million years time we will all be the same colour and all the bigots who have posted comments on YAB's article will be redundant.
- Jtr, London, England, 16/11/2008 16:03
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Obama knows who he is and where he came from.
If you didn't know his background, and you were meeting him for the first time, Would you think "Oh yes, I've just met this wonderful mixed race man", I don't think so.
Barack Obama is any race you want him to be. I see him as an African American man. My son sees him as a mixed race man.
Regardless, he is the first man of colour to be the most powerful man in the World and as a black woman, that's saying something.
- Deb, LONDON, 13/11/2008 13:56
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This article was forwarded to me and I was astounded when I read it. Yasmin obviously doesn’t understand this issue.
I am black woman. My parents are Jamaican and my grandparents are Irish, Indian, Chinese, African, Scottish and Portuguese ‘mixes’. Most people say I look Asian.
In my opinion mixed race is a modern term that has been used to separate black people from each other because where you find unity you find strength and in separating black people you bring about disharmony (this is clearly seen in Apartheid South Africa when the ‘Coloureds’ where separated from the ‘Blacks’). When I was at school the term was ‘half caste’ but we are much more polite and politically correct nowadays; mixed race, bi-racial and dual heritage are now the acceptable terms used if you need to ‘classify’ someone. Yasmin says that Barack Obama or Lewis Hamilton have been ‘mis-classified’ which I find shocking – they’re not items of food in a supermarket or books in a library. Perhaps she means racially ‘mis-classified’ – I would like to know where the classifications start and end? All she is serving to do is to perpetuate the racist idea’s that we are different, as she puts it ‘plain black’, ‘mixed race’ or ‘white’.
If you look into the history of America and the Caribbean the white slave owners increased their stock by ‘breeding’ with their slaves and their offspring essentially became many of the people now called Afro-Caribbean and Afro-American. However, those children were not trea
- Anita Mottley, London. uk, 12/11/2008 00:04
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what caste do you belong to YAB.have you read dreams from my father obama's book about race and inheritance.He knows who he is and doesn't need no lecturing from overpaid overrated columnist subjects
- Husseini Obama, london, 11/11/2008 22:54
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Hi Yasmina, what a beautiful topic you just opened as it has been live for quite a while in countries like France but never in England.
First, I believe that Obama is not honouring neither his white roots neighther his black roots, he is just honoring is mum and his dad equaly but all of us are trying to see it with our own eyes whether we are black and white.
Second, as per the hold saying victory has many parents but defeat is orphans; this is what I'm seeing in such passion around this debate, including you bringing this debate about with due respect and admiration for your straight talk. White societies are elitist and welcome winners only, therefore they take pride in Barack and Lewis, Black community has never bothered being associated with mix races whether they are criminals or heroes, therefore it is with due right that they claim Barack and Lewis as black role model because when they were in the shadow they were with blacks and anybody will take pride in someone coming out of his ranks!
Third, not all mix race are proud of their black roots, therefore it is legitimate for blacks as much as white to be proud of an elite who did not turn back to his black roots. Even Michael Jackson, plain black person is ashamed of having black blood, many black elites marry white women, and for the first time One black man did not have to marry a white women to be elected by a majority of whites. That where Barack is above all, he honour his roots from each sides being himself.
- Olivier Kouao, London, 11/11/2008 00:53
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I am a parent of a mixed race child. I have said to my kids that they will indeed be perceived by a proportion of the white people to be "black" in the non-white sense, at least those who realise they are not from southern Europe somewhere, which is what most people think when meeting them for the first time.
However, just because there are a proportion of white people and black people who say "YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE" - does not make this choice a necessity. As a Muslim family, we define our identity by faith and location - not on skin colour. You are coming from the paradigm that race is and should be the be-all-and-end-all of identity. It should be an irrelevance and more and more it is a rump of 'black' people stuck in the 50s and white people stuck in the time of Empire who actually both want to promote the concept that race is all important and mixed-race children have to "choose". It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that leaves both 'sides' angry with the world.
- Saunaing Tic Gill, London, 10/11/2008 12:40
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It is interesting to note that the media seldom differentiates between 'black' and 'mixed race' when a crime has been committed!
Now Obama has been elected President a great deal of song and dance has been made about his racial make up. This demonstrates that we are no where close to realising Martin Luther Kings dream...people are still being judged on the basis of the colour of their skin rather than on the content of their character.
Moreover, Obama is considered 'Black' or 'African American' under the law of the country of which he is now President:
Fact - Melanin (which makes people of african descent appear 'black') is a dominant geneti
c compound.
It would seem that the only people that have an issue with Obama's race are those with 'issues' about race i.e racists.
For the record you can be liberal or conservative, educated or otherwise, rich or poor, politically correct or politically incorrect and still be a racist!
- Bob Marley, St. Anne's, Jamaica, 07/11/2008 12:42
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This is a topic that clearly needs more discussion as having read through all of the responses, it is clear that several people such as YAB have an axe to grind. It is interesting to note the responses from mixed race children who are unsure of their identity, whether because of their deluded mothers who tell them that they are neither white or black and that of rejcted white mothers who are not thinking of their childs mental well being but of their own supreme importance. As a parent, our job is to inform our children the best we can so that they can go out in society and be proud as individuals. Whether a child is mixed or not it is their choice to define themselves as they please. Listen up Sharron Hall, Marina, Ben S, Terry and all the others who are against people of mixed races choosing to call themselves black. For every one of them there are several who do not know where they stand and trust me there will be a time when they will have to choose. It is not black people who made these classifications but it will always be the black people who end up picking up afterfall. Furthermore, it is not all black men who leave their white partners to raise children on their own. Men of every race do the same thing. Lets get real here. Life is too short to be in such denial.
- Alex Braithwaite, London, England, 06/11/2008 21:57
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@Antoinette
Yasmin wrote the same article for the independent in July. I supplied link but it was not reproduced.
- Terry, watford, england, 06/11/2008 21:16
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Yasmin seems to be obsessed with the Black/Mixed race phenomenon. I've heard Obama described himself as "black" a number of times. If he is happy with that description, who is Yasmin to say otherwise.
I cannot help thinking that coming from an Asian background where pigmentation and fair skin is deemed to be important that it colours her way of thinking.
Sorry, but Obama is BLACK Yasmin, whether you agree or not
- Jenny Waldron, London, 06/11/2008 20:22
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no mixed race stuff over here. black is black. hey if the shoe fits...obama is wearing the shoe proudly!!! mixed race? must be a uk thing.
- Ben, STERLING HTS. USA, 06/11/2008 17:34
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To all the delusional offspring of white and black parents who agree with YAB, i feel sorry for you when reality hits. Halle Berry's own mother encouraged her to identify with the black race and that is a white mother to honour. She did not burying her head in the sand beleiving in an utopian world that does not exist but prepared the children that she loves to face reality. Good luck to those who believe that the world is not black and white. As a grandmother of a mixed race child I just hope that her mother prepares her in the same manner as Hally's did. As for YAB, you either need a reality check or to revisit your own ethnic origin to see the psychological distress caused by white rule on mixed race relations in India.
- Alex Braithwaite, London, England, 06/11/2008 17:09
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Isha Daniella Maison
Reply It is shocking that someone with zero point of personal reference can make such a public demand upon anyone from a culture outside of her own.
It is disappointing that she feels it is within her remit to decide whom is and is not 'black' by her own half baked definition.
Dr King said 'Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity', the fact that she uses the misguided word 'biracial' in a topic she claims to know so much about in its modern context implies she possesses both.
- Delroy Constantine-Simms, New York, 06/11/2008 14:58
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Thank you Simeon... we all know he's not black but we are celebrating the fact that an African- American (half african half american) made it to the house.
The article was written after he won - so Terry you are wrong!!
- Antoinette, London, 06/11/2008 14:32
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As person of mixed race, it is important to remember one thing.
How these individuals view themselves.
Most mixed race people feel more accepted and comfortable within the black community as they share many traditional common interests but that does not mean they reject their white heritage. I certainly do not. It amazes me when white people say "you're not black or white" As if we have some special place that "We" can go.
Britain has a history of "grabbing" race when it suits them. I remember Linford Christie was British until his Drug allegations then he became "Jamaican born"
I would be interested to see the medical evidence of this “untold psychological distress" caused to white mothers. Is it the same for white fathers? Also, the author's assumption of the term seems to reference black/white. What about other mixes like Asian/Black? Which of these parents shoulders this mental distress?
I am rather offended that, during this important moment in time, this article has been published because and I'm sure I speak for the majority, of PEOPLE when I say this is a historic victory for black people. Those to which people of mixed race can identify.
- Marv..., London, 06/11/2008 14:23
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First of all, finding a 'plain' black person as Yasmin puts it from the Americas or Caribbean is extremely difficult due to the legacy of slavery, colonialism and mass immigration. I speak from experience, as I am Jamaican yet my ancestry is Scottish, Indian and African. I'm sure if you checked out the family tree of Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier who were quoted in the article, one would come across mixed blood too. Appearance can play a role in how one is classified by others and classifies oneself. I am aware of and proud of all individuals who contributed to my genetic code regardless of their race but I recognise that the world views me as a black person and I'm fine with that. I can empathise with Halle Berry, who has come to a similar conclusion herself, who although having an English mother classifies herself as black due to her experiences of racism and the realisation that she does not and will not fit into white society. If she views herself that way then what is wrong with that? Why should she have to 'proclaim' otherwise as the article puts it? Other mixed-race individuals such as Mel B, Alesha Dixon and Mariah Carey prefer the 'I'm not black or white, I’m mixed race and a bit of both' approach and that's perfectly reasonable too but shouldn't it be left up to the individual to decide for themselves how they wish to be classified?
- Patrice, South-west London, 06/11/2008 13:15
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For those saying that YAB is only saying this because Obama won. Check the date.
I think many posters here misunderstand what YAB is saying. She is not trying to imply being black is a negative thing. She is trying to address the issue of mixed-race people being unsure of their identity, neither being black or white. She has actually researched this quite thoroughly and has written a book about this identity crisis.
I notice nobody tried to claim Jade Goody who had a mixed race father.
- Terry, watford, england, 06/11/2008 12:21
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Come on guys, we all know he is not "black"!! But we are all celebrating the "black" side that made it into the highest office in the so called developed world. Dont get it twisted, for those of you that are of mixed heritage what make you different in this society(Western World) is not your whiteness but your Blackness!!!! Mixed races do not make it easier for black people to achieve because if you know your history they have always eaten at the table of their masters. The status quo remains the same!!
- Simeon, London, 06/11/2008 12:02
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Obama sees himself as African-American. I have nothing more to say. Black people do not need Asians to define our Blackness. What a colonial lacky!
- Delroy Constantine-Simms, New York, 06/11/2008 11:41
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I wonder what colour Obama would be if he'd just stolen Ms. Y A-B's handbag?
- Lauren, London, 06/11/2008 11:37
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This article wouldn't have been allowed if the author was white, now that's a problem worth adressing.
- Liam, London, 06/11/2008 11:21
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There is no one definition of "black". However, historically in Britain and the US and indeed elsewhere, if you have not been "pure" white you are treated as "the other" with varied consquences at different times and places. In the worst of times and place such as the South in the US 40 and 50 years ago this meant lynchings - being "mixed race" then would not have meant you escaped death if you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Therefore, some people like Malcolm X would have vehemently rejected the idea he was "mixed race" and not black because he got treated by society, at the time, as simply being "black" particularly given the only "white" ancestry he had was came about through a combination of slavery and rape.
As for today, it is simply a matter of debate as to whether colour matters anymore and whether if you are not 100% white, it makes you "black". There is no right answer - it's just opinion as shown by the responses to this article. It's worth noting that the BNP's official policy is that "race mixing" is "unnatural" and that this should be taught in schools. So there are still those who see any non-white as "black".
- Sauning Tic Gill, London, 06/11/2008 11:21
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This is one of those difficult debates where no side is entirely wrong with regards to the facts.
But we live in a society where the presence of 'one drop of black blood' classifies you as 'Black' in the eyes of the media. I do not recall any commentary of the recent victims of knife crimes making distinctions between pure black and mixed-race victims. Yasmin, you also wrote on this issue in the past, did you make the distinction when expressing your views?
But I resist the term 'black' as misleading and embrace 'african-descent'.
In America, even though slavery is in the past and the civil-rights movement is a memory for only the elder generations, the lines still exist and have not blurred between who is and who isnt African-American. On the night of Obama's victory, my friends and family in Nigeria identified with this historic event, Kenya announced a national holiday, and across the US, communities celebrated as they recognised a milestone in the progress of our people. But even more importantly, different people across the globe celebrated as well, for deep down, we all recognised a fundamental shift in perception for all people of color.
I don't take offence at Yasmin's article, but I do point to the reality. This is a special time for communities of African descent and we celebrate the success of a man of African descent. But we also welcome the fact that he has been raised to an even higher pedestal as a hero of our increasingly post-racial times.
- Obi, Surrey, 06/11/2008 10:52
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I thought your article was excellent. But it would be interesting and helpful to know how people of mixed race parentage like to be identified as no-one likes to offend. Perhaps a question to ask those with such parentage.
- L Evans, London, 06/11/2008 10:32
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Yasmin - You have scored a bit of an OWN GOAL!!
You have entitled this piece "Black Hero's”
Have you confirmed what so many obviously believe? Does this not, yet again, confirm that you too are not classifying people by their mixed heritage but by the colour of his skin?
Let's be honest - that’s what this is really about, isn’t it!
The world wide media acknowledge him as black/African American, as do most others. He certainly hasn’t denied his white heritage, but he is quite clear on his social classification as an African American
It really doesn’t need to get any more complicated than that. The emphasis, and subsequent cause for jubilation, is in the fact that he is a man of colour.
It’s just one of those things: whether we like it or not, in life people will always attached labels. More often than not, wrongly so.
It’s called prejudice – which is why the events across the pond are so poignant
- Kia, kent, 06/11/2008 10:14
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totally agree with Edgar Wright and others. The man himself defines himself proudly as black and I do not believe for one minute this implies a denial or lack of respect for his beloved white mother . To suggest this is as grossly insulting as it is patronizing and pernicous.But while we are there the man also comes from a dual religous tradition Christian and Muslim...does Mrs Brown have anything to say about that and if not why not?
- Anne, paris france, 06/11/2008 09:27
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I am amazed that some people look at the USA as being more advanced in race relations than the UK.
Ignorance must be bliss.
- Chaz, Perth, Australia, 06/11/2008 05:29
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I am disgusted by the comments made by Yasmin Ali Brown. First andforemost, I resent the idea of an non Black person setting the parameters of Blackness. Who is she to tell Obama, Bob Marley, Hamilton to honour their white roots? For me her article is a clear expression of resentment and jealousy. In order to trivialise their acheivemenent she is basically trying to water down the success of Black people because they may have European ancestry. If mixed race people were to acknowledge their roots in the manner she describes, it is clear that they would quickly realised that their white ancestors were and still complicit in oppressing Black people. I would even go as far as suggesting that Brown has well and truly articulated her anti-black sentiments to a point of suggesting that Black people should not really be celebrating OBAMA's or Hamilto's success. When Hamilton and Obama were being racially abused, it was abuse from whites. Just as their is a see change towards Blacks in America, there is change of attitude of Blacks towards mixed race people, and now mixed race people no longer have to be made to feel inferior because of their Blackness, and of course mix race people should be able to choose who they identify with. Brown as a Asian women should not even enter the discussion. She needs to address her own personal bigotry towards Black people.
- Delroy Constantine-Simms, New York, 06/11/2008 04:20
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This is one of the few times I find myself agreeing totally with Yasmin A-B. There seems to have been a concerted effort throughout Obama's campaign to airbrush his white genes out of the picture. He is as much white as black and those who try to pretend otherwise are only denying reality.
He may have his own reasons for saying he is black, but it doesn't change the fact that he is mixed race.
- Lin, London, 06/11/2008 02:33
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Yasmin, you are so right to remind us that President Obama, Hamilton and many other famous people are mixed race. I also think it is high time that someone championed the many white mothers and some fathers who are often treated as if they did not exist in the lives of their mixed race children. Perhaps we need to set up a campaigning group to speak up for them. I only know that how hurtful I would find it if my mixed race children went around claiming they were white and denying my (Pakistani) part in their identity and yet many in our society would have them deny their white mother.
- Karamat Iqbal, birmingham england, 06/11/2008 00:20
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Your articles on ' mixed race ' and fair skinned black people are deeply offensive to those of us who politically, racially , emotionally and historically identify ourselves as black and whose lives have been shaped by racism and the struggle for racial equality. For you, as an Asian woman to seek to impose on black people a term that negates our history and the reality of our racial experiences makes the offence greater still .At the very least there is a racial arrogance when you seek to determine what black people should be called simply because Tiger Woods wishes to reclassify himself in a manner that many black people find laughable. If there are people who wish to describe themselves as 'mixed race ' ( a meaningless term that assumes there are pure races to be mixed up from ) that is up to them but there is no evidence that Barrack Obama defines himself as anything other than a Black African American or that in so doing he negates his diverse ethnicity or fails to endorse white relatives (who of course were not the only ones who nurtured him and taught him the meaning of integrity )Did he indicate that he wishes to be known as mixed race - a term never used in the USA . Today across America black people of all shades stand tall and weep with pride and joy in the knowledge that the country has its first BLACK President - a man who stands on the shoulders of black people of all skin shades who together fought and died for civil and human rights.
- Jake, London, 05/11/2008 23:39
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Thank you Yasmin, as the mother of two mixed race young women I have often felt just as the woman in your article, ignored at best and villified at worst. And to answer Raul's point, why are mixed race people only fully embraced by the black community when they are successful? When they become famous or win Oscars (like Halle Berry) all of a sudden they turn black but at school my daughters were 'accused' of not being black enough by their friends: how are they going to be 'classified' if one of them become Britain's PM in 20 years from now? There are enough mixed race people around to stand on their own merit: the world really isn't just black or white.
- Marina, London UK, 05/11/2008 22:58
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I was told about this article and even before i read it i knew that it must have written by someone with an axe to grind. There is no doubt that Yasmine is right and is probably using this platform to express her own pain BUT i really think that this is neither the time or the place to make such "VALID POINTS".It sort of is beside the point and some people are now foccussing on his mixed heritage slightly in an attempt to play down the importance and signicance of what happenned today in America. Barack Obama is both black and white and so it is not wrong to say that he is the first president of black heritage i.e. America's first black president. The perception of a barack obama in American soceity would be that he is black. He shares and understands the experience of many black people and if he was not successful today you would not be trying hard to emphasise his "white heritage"
Why don't we just celebrate the audacity of hope that fact that a man of African descent with whom ANY black person closely can identify has just become the president elect of the world's most powerful country. A fact that is hard to believe i feel like i have been living in a dream for the last 21 hours!
- Ollie, Croydon UK, 05/11/2008 22:29
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That you can somehow manage to find a way of being racist while the rest of the world celebrates such a historical moment is remarkable by any measure.
Congratulations Yasmin, give yourself a pat on your back.
- Oscar, Milton Keynes, 05/11/2008 22:24
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they will be black when they feel they are accused of forgeting their roots by the black community or not allowed to do something and play the racist trump card,and white when they want to come across as intelligent and want maximum exposure to get the money deals ! lucky them !
- Peter, Hartlepool, 05/11/2008 22:09
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Is this an attempt to claim the victor of a political battle?
Yes, as many US citizens with a rich heritage, Obama too is biracial.
But, to claim that he must give some weak appreciation to appease a historically oppressive group in our society is sad.
Are you serious?
Would this jesture of 'honor' make him more appealing to you?
Is it that, deep down inside, you feel as if a thank you is deserved; to the group in which the 'majority' for the country belongs?
Should Obama be bowing down and thanking white people for rearing him?
He ALWAYS recognizes his family...
He LOVES them...
What more do you want him to do?
He is a man...
This is his victory...
This is our country's victory...
This is the world's victory...
Get over yourself...
and get over his race...
(Would you expect a white candidate to give honor to his black roots if he had them?... probably not... and believe me... many whites have black roots)
- Sophia, Washington DC, 05/11/2008 22:07
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As a young, 'mixed' individual, I couldn't agree more with Yasmin.
It comes as a surprise to many who I tell that I was born and raised by a white mother and a black father. This is usually based on the ignorant view that such a relationship is not sustainable.
I first and foremost identify as 'mixed' or frequently 'mulatto' (despite its negative connotations) which serves to affirm my unique identity distinctly from being black or white.
I appreciate that Yasmin has highlighted the issue of psychological distress in both parents but most importantly in their 'mixed' children. Much of this, as is often the case is down to a lack of congruency between an individual's perceived genotype and their more tacit phenotype. This is exacerbated by peoples' 'forcing' of a 'race' onto these poor 'mixed' people, often leaving them despondant and sadly but ultimately marginalised.
It is important that we recognise 'mixed' race individuals as such to avoid these overlooked plights, whilst also acknowledging that they (the individual) can identify more or less closely with the 'black' or 'white' culture in which they were raised - as seems the case with President Elect Obama. I propose to this end that we have a recognised 'mixed' culture established which is already vividly apparent throughout the internet.
Obama inspires me on two levels. One, as a 'mixed race' man BUT more importantly as a human.
- Dom, London/Oxford, 05/11/2008 22:05
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I wonder- If this was a 'gang of youths'commiting a crime, would they be called mixed race...? ERRR, NO! they would be labeled as BLACK as if the ONLY CRIME that happens is by Black people, black gangs.Forget Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham where many GANGS are white, not until an innocent child is killed do the media show white youths, and make a BIG deal, but oh no..brush the others to the side..another BLACK dies...another black gang on trial... Look at those Blacks..shame on you...
BEFORE he won, he was called 'possibly the 1st Black Man to be a president' But not he HAS WON- Why cant people just be happy that against the odds, he Obama is an inspiration and has made history. proved people wrong.
He did not forget his white side..and has made many references to his grandmother. But its like your trying to say- now that he is acheiving something 'By the way, he is only half black, he's that good because he is half white, and was raised by his white side'
GROW UP- MOVE ON
WE KNOW he is mixed, we can SEE he is mixed. if you want to stop this labeling, OR have the CORRECT label- STOP discriminating and glamourising all negative things= Black people and all positive things= WHITE.
Why wasnt this statement article made BEFORE he won eh? coz he was another BLACK...with a 'hopeless dream' EH YASMIN?
- Lea, West London, 05/11/2008 20:51
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I partly agree with Yasmin. I am a dark skinned black man with no trace of caucasian blood in me nor my family line. Obama is MIXED RACE but as in ordinary life mixed race individuals have always been welcomed more into the black community than white communities, they have also endured the same prejudices as dark skinned black people because they are not 'White'. This I believe is the the fault of white people who see anything that's not caucausian white as 'black'. You need look no further than the media like sky news who constantly refer to him as 'the first black president'.
However please understand that America needs this, they needed this to happen - moreso black people of america. There is a lot of racial division and hurt, obama becoming president will go a long way to healing a nation still bitter on slavery, race and equality.
- John, London, 05/11/2008 19:47
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Whilst I agree that a mixed-raced person should positively acknowlegde all sides that make them up, I still find Yasmin's article in poor taste. Can I ask exactly who she is blaming for calling a mixed-raced person of 'Black' and 'White' parentage 'Black' ? The media, the government ? blacks ? When the 'one' drop of 'black blood' rule makes you 'Black' was passed in the days of slavery and apartheid or thereabouts I dont think it was the 'Blacks' who passed it. If mixed-raced people want the remnants and effects of this rule to be done away with and confirm themselves as a mixed-race people may be now is the time to make their voices heard on this issue. Re-educating people on this issue may also be useful. Apportioning blame as Yasmin tries to certainly wont.
The distaste in Yasmin's article is where she says that labelling a 'child' Black when they are mixed-race can cause "psychological distress" as if 'Black' were such a derogatory term. I felt sick reading that !!! Please choose your words carefully and sensitively next time. Also we dont need you to insinuate to us who our Black heros or 'brilliant black men' are. I am a beautiful 'black'(political term) woman with lovely brown skin but my heros are not necessarily only 'black'. They are black, white, Indian and other.
Perharps you need to examine the views you hold and exorcise any sub-conscious unwitting racial ones.
Morili, Sutton, Surrey.
- Morili, Sutton, Surrey, 05/11/2008 19:42
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Coming back from work, Reading this; I can not see the pin of this article.
I guess as a writer, you must write something.
The suggestion that brilliant black men have to famous?
That the oppressed must become the oppresor is indeed the iron of life.
I have a lot of sensible asian friends and for that reason, I will pass on this mindless TOSH
- Given, London, 05/11/2008 19:22
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In theory I am in agreement with Yasmine. However, I note that when mixed raced youths are found guilty of commiting crimes or engaging in anti-social behaviour, the press and others make calls for the black community to address issue, since they are labelled as black. Is it therefore surprising that when there is a positive mixed race role model the black community wish to claim him?
- Mrs Smart, London, 05/11/2008 19:03
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Gee , I thought I was the only one!!
He's NOT black.
As such an important world figure, why mislabel him , especially as it has such vital connotations?! Ie. Black Americans turning out in record numbers to vote.
- Steve, Bournemouth, England, 05/11/2008 18:52
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Ms Alibhai-Brown really needs to re-educate herself in history, specifically black history.I am amazed that such a learned person such as Ms Brown seems to be totally unaware that each of the so called "pure" black people that she names ie Denzel Washington, David Lammy, Sidney Poitier etc......is in fact mixed race.
In the days of slavery plantation owners employed white overseers to impregnate the slaves and were paid "bonuses" according to how many offspring the slaves managed to produce.
These offspring were obviously mixed race and their descendents are the black people who existtoday.
Re-educate yourself Ms Alibhai-Brown, maybe in the Asian population there exists a "purist" notion, perhaps for caste/social mobility reasons, however at present, never will in the future be any such thing as a "pure black person"
Mandi
- Mandi, Harringay,London, 05/11/2008 18:47
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Yasmin, I had to check it was your name on this article, you are right about society acknowledging mixed race people as such and rejecting the 'Jim Crow' racial purity stuff (from both camps).
- Stephen, London, England, 05/11/2008 18:11
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Yasmin,
I dont think Obama nor lewis are denying their heritage, you need to recognise that both lewis and obama havent actually come out declaring to be just black, it is what they are labelled. its sad but thats life. As a black person I have never declared Lewis or Obama full black and nor have my (black) community, were u get your ideas is unclear. But one thing i will say is that, if lewis or obama lost, you wouldnt have bothered to write this because then they would have just been seen as 'another bunch of black people trying to do something out of the ordinary', but because they have shown great example and inspired us all to realise that 'impossible is nothing' all over sudden we must realise that they have other mixes in them. Why? Almost as if once again some ignorant person is saying that as just plain black people, they are not good enough. That we need to have other mixes to make the grade. Let US HAVE OUR DAY, ITS A GOOD DAY TO BE BLACK AND IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO GET HERE. let us just be, no one is denying these men their white side, but if they were stopped on the street they would be seen as black, if they were convicts they would also be seen as black, get over it, and let us have our glory we work too god damn hard to prove our worth, even lewis had to go the extra mile to get recognised, lets not even talk about Obama, until you walk our shoes...
- Priscilla, london, 05/11/2008 17:58
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I'm mixed race, and I feel very offended everytime I read and hear a mixed race person referred to just as black. I'm also fed up of black people who like Estelle from Essex who feel that are the spokes people for mixed race people.
Their is a huge difference between having some mixed "ancestry" and being mixed race. If we are supposed to multicultural society, and aspire to a less racists one isn't it about time both blacks and well as whites stopped using the Jim Crow One Drop Rule and acknowledge mixed race people existence as it appears we mixed race people are breaking barriers for black people.
Like of not, Barack Obama is the first mixed race President of the USA, and I wouldn't be surprised if the next so called black president of even PM of the UK is actually mixed race. Will Self also wrote a great article yesterday acknowledging that both Obama and Hamilton are mixed race, why can't more people in our so called fair "liberal" media have the respect for mixed race people that Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Will Self have !
- Ben S, London, 05/11/2008 17:37
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As a black man who has several mixed race and black friends, I feel that Yasmin does make a point in that all of the individuals 'make up' should be respected. The reality however is that mixed race individuals are also discriminated against because they are 'black'. Their white heritage isn't celebrated when they face discrimination so should it be when they excel? History has shown that individuals with one drop of 'black' blood can face discrimination because of this, and I feel that this justifies labelling Obama a 'black' man. It is a pity that colour is such an issue in 2008, more so in the UK I fear. I doubt if we will see the same in the UK in my lifetime.
- Raul, Rochester, Kent, 05/11/2008 17:30
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I'm mixed race, and I feel very offended every time I read and hear a mixed race person referred to just as black. I'm also fed up of black people who like Estelle from Essex who feel that are the spokes people for mixed race people.
Their is a huge difference between having some mixed "ancestry" and being mixed race. If we are supposed to multicultural society, and aspire to a less racists one isn't it about time both blacks and well as whites stopped using the Jim Crow One Drop Rule and acknowledge mixed race people existence as it appears we mixed race people are breaking barriers for black people.
Like of not, Barack Obama is the first mixed race President of the USA, and I wouldn't be surprised if the next so called black president of even PM of the UK is actually mixed race. Will Self also wrote a great article yesterday acknowledging that both Obama and Hamilton are mixed race, why can't more people in our so called fair "liberal" media have the respect for mixed race people that Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Will Self have !
- Ben S, London, 05/11/2008 17:19
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I don't normally agree with Yasmine but she's 100% right. If someone has black and white parents there's no way you can dispute the fact that they are mixed race. It really is sad to see people trying to claim Obama as their own for political reasons.
- Terry, Watford UK, 05/11/2008 17:11
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I feel that Brown has made such an important point! I feel the same in many ways with one group of people saying I am white (when in Africa), another saying I am black (mainly when in England), as though I am an object who simply doesn't fit anywhere. I see myself as BROWN or mixed. I refuse to be labelled in the traditional Jim Crow "one drop rule". I understand that most African Americans/Caribean people have a percentage of non African blood but this is not the same as being born to e.g. a white mother.
- Nex, London, 05/11/2008 17:06
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We need to move away from this "he's this, he's that" debate. I see a person and a potentially effective president. Stop highlighting the race thing!
- Angela, London, 05/11/2008 16:50
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Thanks for this Yasmin. It's good to hear at least one voice speaking out against those who do not know the difference between black and mixed-race. As a mixed-race person I am no more black than I am white and to say I am one rather than the other is to deny my wholeness, which I should not have to and will not do. It does not make me a traitor to my black roots nor my white roots but it does highlight one thing that many people are trying to ignore right now. A black man has not got to the white house, a mixed-race man has. I myself look forward to the day that a black man gets there, then we can really believe that racism is being overcome. Until then I will not kid myself that the black man has a fair shot at being president because he definitely does not.
- Sharron Hall, London UK, 05/11/2008 16:13
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People in the UK get very uptight about race, slavery and other topics which are often excuses for a lack of success. Anthony Hamilton is a role model for black male parents and should be lauded for that. He has ignored the matter of race and got on with bringing his boys up. Shouldn't we be seeing beyond skin colour in this supposedly enlightened era?
- Kiwi Expat, London, UK, 05/11/2008 15:43
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For a person of mixed heritage to identify themself as black if they choose is their choice. When the media identifies Obama as black, they are not denying his White heritage as his background is clear for everyone to see. What has been neglected in this article is the fact that the vast majority of African Americans have a 'mixed race' heritage due to the history of trans-Atlantic slavery and migration. Many have white and Indian/Native American ancestors (such as myself, being from a Caribbean background but having 2 black parents). In fact, we are all, to some degree 'mixed race', but what is the problem with people wanting to define themselves as black if they see that as their identity? That doesn't mean that there isn't European, Asian or Chinese in their background and it certainly doesn't deny that this part of their heritage doesn't exist.
- Estelle, Essex, 05/11/2008 15:41
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Sasha - it isn't racist not to want your racial heritage to be eradicated from your child's background. I am white and have a son whose father is Indian. Our son is neither solely Indian, nor white British, but a bit of both, and he is both able and perfectly happy to draw from both cultures and backgrounds. This is an inescapable fact, not a political statement. I would be proud of him and love him whatever colour he was. I do feel that I have a right to be acknowledged as his mother rather than airbrushed out of the story simply to serve some political agenda and I think it's brave of Ms Alibhai-Brown to make this point on behalf of other mothers and fathers in the same position.
- Lw, London, 05/11/2008 15:38
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*Standing ovation*
110% agree with you Yasmin. I have written to various newspapers this week commenting on their coverage of Lewis Hamilton's win, and him being the first "black" (not "mixed race") Formula One champion. Not one letter printed, unsurprisingly.
The people seeing the colour here, Sasha, are the reporters, continually celebrating the "black" winner, when these guys are not. Had there been none of this disgusting "positive racism" bias then there would be no need to comment, nor to publish the above article.
- Stuart Dean, London, England, 05/11/2008 15:33
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With regard to Yasmin Alibhai Browns comment surrounding
people who are of mixed parentage but are consequently labelled as black are fair, she also needs to bear in mind that it is alot to do with how the individual person who is of mixed parentage wants to view their own racial make up, although it has been a mainstay of our'society' of both black and white people who seem to dictate that they are who they are just by the colour of their skin and not who they are inside, by making them choose, "which side are you on"!!! etc etc
On a general note we most also bear in mind that the unimaginable has happened, and as such everyone wants a share in the glory, sometimes sadly wheter they deserve the recognition or not.
Maybe it is best left for the individuals concerned to offer their own take on their heritage, and not for over enthusiastic journalists such as herself to "remind them of their family descendants racial group" which in Barack Obama's case is black & white, of which as far as i am aware Ms Brown doesnt not appear to hail from either racial group.
- Christine Begg, London, 05/11/2008 15:32
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Readers may be interested to read Mr Obamah's enlightening book Dreams from My Father.
- Helen, norwich, 05/11/2008 15:27
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These comments make perfect sense to me - and I really can't see what these other people are getting themselves tied up in knots over. The plain fact is that Obama is as white as he is black, and it's quite reasonable to suggest that the one should not obliterate the other. And Sasha of London, why on earth shouldn't a mixed-race person be as proud of their white half as they are of their black half? To suggest otherwise is racist by definition.
- Wpw, London, UK, 05/11/2008 15:12
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Ms.Alibhai-Brown I can not even believe that the evening standard allows you to perpetuate such rubbish. You are a racist, and dangerously contentious, hateful and ignorant. If you do have a degree and masters, you are a testament to the fact that enducation, does not make a person smart. It's like you are trying to imply that he only has integrity and aspiration because of his white grandmother. To insult further by mentioning other mixed racist icons. Followed by patronizing high light of black men like Denzel Washington. Many people are born, have an innate , quality to be inspired, to show kindness, to love to care. It did not have to be taught. Similarly,there are many that were nurtured and raised well, but still deviate. Still took the wrong road. Let me just tell you something. There are brilliant black men all over this world. Disenfranchised, social exclusion, subject to sterotypes and bigotry, notwithstanding,still have and continue to overcome the adversity and look after their families, try to get an education and be successful in life.
Then you ramble on about the psychological distress caused to white mothers. Are you for real. What about the psychological distress caused to black people for centuries as a result of racism.
There was a time that I felt I needed to understand people as yourself, but the simple explanation is that you do not know better and perhaps you never will. I pity you and your narrow mind.
- Sharon Boykin, Florida, 05/11/2008 15:00
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Yasmin I believe your comments are misguided and indicative of the seething racial divide that permeates British society. We are far behind America in terms of race relations. The fact that we have mixed race people who state they feel "honoured" to be of white roots shows that we have a long way to go in matching the progress of America in respect of civil rights.
President elect Obama's victory was a triumph for humanity and everybody should have a sense of pride in that.
- Sasha, London U.K., 05/11/2008 14:48
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I would agree with you, but this in some respect this is a very asymmetrical analysis that only has arisen when hitherto deemed to be 'black' persons have succeeded. Obama was stigmatised for being black, and many who voted for Hilary Clinton for example did so on that basis. Barack describes himself as black.
One wonders whether in these protestations there is an underlying notion that black identify is incompatible with a universal outlook or a discomfort of association (not attribution) of a success to the black identity
- Thomas Seme, London UK, 05/11/2008 14:47
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This is one of the silliest articles I have read and shows that Yasmin has listened, but not heard the words of President Elect - Obama. Mr Obama has always respected, but halves of his birth - at the end of his accpetance speech for the Demoratic nomination his family which came onto the stage that evening included his complete (white & black) extended family!!
Pls keep your daft comments to yourself...........
- Sylvia Edwards, Dubai, UAE, 05/11/2008 14:42
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All of a sudden we need to be told how we should define ourselves after years (450) of first of all being Enslaved, Raped, Tortured, Murdered for the colour of our skin. We went through having our mother tounge, religion and way of life banished by those that enslaved us. We then went through being classified as less than human re other cultural groups by your anthropologist. We then went through Caucasian descriptions of us being colured, negroes, black british, black other etc now it becomes an issue that has to be addressed becuase a Black man has now become president it is now crucial crucial for us to be redifine
Well who created these ludacris names in the first place?? who created racial laws because of the inhuman way we have been treated? who has been the people to go around labeling everyone who is not white black??? but now it's crucial to start redefining what black is.
It is high time that you and people like you left us alone to define who and what we are and how we are. Enough damage has been done to us global from the Dalits in India, the Aborigonese, The indigenious Indians of America and African people. repaid the damages done and leave us to define who we are.
By the way guess who the first human beings where on the planet and whre they originate from????? AFRICA
- Ernest Lee, London, 05/11/2008 14:40
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Yasmin - Surely you should address this personal note directly to Mr Obama and Mr Hamilton, rather than having us public read it?
I'm not sure how you would take kindly to having some random punter advising you publicly on how to honour your own past.
- Edgar Wright, Hull, England, 05/11/2008 14:18
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I am a mixed race woman who, whilst going through the process to adopt a child, was told I could not adopt a white child, only black or mixed-race. I had to adopt through an agency specifically for black children and, ultimately, was berated for not being "black" enough. I think what I'm saying is that society actually makes it quite hard for a mixed race person to "honour" their white roots, and don't ever be fooled that it's always white people that are racist. I am actually very, very proud and feel honoured to be bi-racial.
- Maureen Kelly, Redhill, England, 05/11/2008 13:47
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It's not that simple, Yasmin. Rightly or wrongly, Barack Obama is perceived as Black and, indeed, has chosen to present himself as Black; and from what I have read of his amazing, radical, all-embracing White American mother, she would not have been disappointed to see her beloved son presented in this way. True, he was nurtured by his white mother and grandmother, but his father's African genes are there in equal measure, and his triumph and opportunities have only been made possible through the struggles of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, Rosa Parks, to name but a few, and all black and white people throughout the United States who fought for equality and civil rights. His upbringing, charisma, intelligence and strength would not have made the slightest difference if it hadn't been for such people. That is what he must not forget.
- Pat, East Kent UK, 05/11/2008 13:28
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More and more human beings in our world will be of poly-racial heritage. Their true identity is as world citizens, transcending race and ethnicity. They are the future of humanity.
- Danny, London, 05/11/2008 12:54
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Only white people can be racist, didn't you know that?
- Frank, Home Counties, England, 05/11/2008 12:08
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I absolutely agree with you Yasmin and like Pumpkin I feel it is about time that 'bi-racialality' is recognised as a valid classification - if classification is really essential! The world - and especially developed and developing countries - is full of bi-racials and it is wrong for all of them to have to choose a side based on the colour or shade of their skin.
The press is so clever at manipulating their readers inall sorts of ways - perhaps they could put their minds to raising respect for bi-racial families who, afterall, are the forerunners of the dream of 'one world' where 50/50 is an acceptable and viable race!
- Draw, London England, 05/11/2008 11:58
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The high incidence of black men who father mixed race children and then absent themselves makes this situation more hurtful as the non-black parent picks up the pieces, as pumpkinpie personally exemplifies.
- Da, london, 05/11/2008 11:42
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Yes indeed but who is refering to people like Obama and Lewis as 'black' ? Is it the media ? black people 'staking a claim' ? I think it is rather insulting to Obama's mom and gran as to call him black is to dismiss their genetic and nurturing role in his upbringing - after all his father didn't waste any time hanging round to be a parent. Lewis obviously gets his interest in motorracing from his dad who was involved in motor racing but that's not to dismiss his mum's role, or indeed any mum's role in nurturing their children.
- Squiz, Islington, 05/11/2008 11:32
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Yasmin, you should study heart-shade not skin-shade.
What's this, a successful non-white [if only for the genuinely truthful and pragmatic reasons of simplicity and clarity of definition, after a generation of deliberately crude political confusion by none other than your lefty commerades] of 'ethnic heritage' adoptively raised by a white grand'parent'.
Where now stand you and 'your' fellow social engineers that cruelly deny and prevent [whatever the hideous costs to lives and humanity] tragically deprived children, who are desperate for love and acceptance, from being adopted by families of a 'different ethnic heritage' by using horribly 'lawful' policies that have been so cowardly condoned and accepted for twelve years by you and your wildly PC Labour Government friends?
When will strangely biggoted latecomer 'commentators' like your priviledged self, who opportunistically 'arrive'
from former non-white colonies, realise that fair-play, multiculturalism compassion, tollerance and 'good' abounded in the British psyche throughout their islands long before 'your' ridiculously unecessary Human Rights Act was imposed on us by 'your' EU [which is, face it, your substitue dependent fix for a surrogate empire]?
Tragically, your crazily over-socially engineered, yet horrifically undemocratic EU suffocated Great Britain's greatest value, that of 'Common' Sense.
- Dave, cumbria, 05/11/2008 11:17
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"Plain black"? This is a pathetic analysis which perpetuates racism, disguised as realism. Better to stand up today and say, "Today, from now on, we are all black". As black as the hairs in our groins, as black as the pupils in our eyes.
- Bloke, London, 05/11/2008 10:43
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Thank you for writing exactly what I feel - as a now single white mother of a beautiful bi-racial child who looks "white", I strongly believe that all bi-racial people should stand up and be proud of their dual heritage and that the media should support this too, rather than just lumping everyone together based on the shade of their skin.
- Pumpkinpie, Brighton, UK, 05/11/2008 10:36
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