A baby with one Black parent and one white parent is often referred to as biracial or mixed-race. There is no single definitive term, and the preferred terminology can vary depending on individual preference and cultural context.
Understanding the Terminology
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Biracial: This term accurately reflects the child's heritage, indicating a dual racial background. It's generally considered a neutral and respectful descriptor.
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Mixed-race: Similar to biracial, this term acknowledges the child's mixed heritage.
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Mulatto: While historically used to describe offspring of Black and white parents, this term is now largely considered outdated and potentially offensive due to its colonial origins and association with racial hierarchy. [Reference: "...the term 'mulatto' was originally used to mean the offspring of a 'pure African Negro' and a 'pure white'..."]
The use of other racial labels like "African American" or simply "Black" depends heavily on personal and societal factors. In some contexts, the child might identify primarily with one race, while in others they may embrace both. [Reference: "In the USA, they would be called “African American”, no matter whether they were actually American or for that matter African."] This is influenced by factors such as how their family chooses to identify and the cultural environment in which they are raised. [Reference: "...my hometown is small enough that I almost never have to explain my background — everyone knows my parents."] The experience of biracial individuals is diverse and multifaceted. [Reference: "...the mixture of black and white is called a mulatto regardless of the sex of the parents."]
Examples from Different Perspectives
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Zoe Kravitz: An example of a person with a mixed Black and white heritage, stemming from parents who are both mixed-race. [Reference: "Zoe Kravitz is a good example of this, both her parents are half black and half white, so like them she is also about half white and half black."] This highlights the generational complexity of identifying mixed-race individuals.
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Adoption: When a Black child is adopted by white parents, the child's racial identity remains unaffected, even if the upbringing is in a different cultural context. [Reference: "What White Adoptive Parents Need To Know About Raising Black Children... I am a black woman who was adopted by white parents..."]
