Carla
Los Angeles, CA
This comment is what I often heard from many people, including my own regarding my daughter from birth until about 8 years of age. I believe people actually thought they were complimenting her and maybe even me….someone who is for the most part unmistakably of African ancestry. Sometimes I would take the time to ask, why is an attractive “Black” person assumed to be directly diluted with another race? On a bad day I would answer, “Yes, she’s mixed with Doberman.” On a really bad day, I would ask, “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” On the worst days, I would remain silent and scream inside…..wondering what do I say to my little girl, how do I help her understand and manage this.
