Light, Bright, and Damned Near White: Biracial and Triracial Culture in America

(Hardback)

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The election of America's first biracial president brings the question dramatically to the fore. What does it mean to be biracial or tri-racial in the United States today Anthropologist Stephanie Bird takes us into a world where people are struggling to be heard, recognized, and celebrated for the racial diversity one would think is the epitome of America's melting pot persona. But being biracial or tri-racial brings unique challenges - challenges including prejudice, racism and, from within racial groups, colorism. Yet America is now experiencing a multiracial baby boom, with at least three states logging more multiracial baby births than any other race aside from Caucasians. As the Columbia Journalism Review reported, American demographics are no longer black and white. In truth, they are a blended, difficult-to-define shade of brown. Bird shows us the history of biracial and tri-racial people in the United States, and in European families and events. She presents the personal traumas and victories of those who struggle for recognition and acceptance in light of their racial backgrounds, including celebrities such as golf expert Tiger Woods, who eventually quit trying to describe himself as Cablanasin, a mix including Asian and African American. Bird examines current events, including the National Mixed Race Student Conference, and the push to dub this Generation MIX. And she examines how American demographics, government, and society are changing overall as a result. This work includes a guide to tracing your own racial roots.

Reviews

This work contains some interesting information regarding race and multiracial identity. . . .Based on interviews and case studies, this book presents much information that is new, insightful, and fascinating. It is easy reading and could be appreciated by anyone from high school and on. * MultiCultural Review *
Overall, this book is deeply researched, yet written in a simple style that is accessible for audiences at a high school level and above. * Catholic Library World *
The country is experiencing a multiracial baby boom, and this volume is on the cutting edge of documenting its special impact. * Midwest Book Review *

Author Bio

STEPHANIE ROSE BIRD is an independent scholar and anthropologist. She is herself tri-racial, and has been interviewed on the topic by media including ABC, National Public Radio, and the Public Broadcast System.