It was way back in 1967 that Mildred Loving, a black woman, and Richard Loving, a white man, convinced the Supreme Court to end race-based marriage restrictions in America. These days, mixed-race babies account for 7% of the kids born to American moms every year. One of those babies has risen all the way to the office of the presidency.Ā So why are theĀ parents of biracial kidsĀ still hearing the same tired, old comments our parents and grandparents heard (or, God forbid, made!) back in the day?
Turns out America is still full of a whole lot of racial bias, and it's not just the people you'd expect. WhenĀ CafeMomĀ talked to moms and dads, we heard a lot of people say things without even seeming to understand that they're being rude. Could this be you?
More from CafeMom: 8 Things Never to Say to a Mom of an Only Child
Take a look at this list of things moms and dads of biracial babies have heard:
1. But your kids are really white!
2. A family member of mine told me that I should consider not having children with my husband because our babies will be biracial and will be teased. Needless to say, I didn't listen and our babies are gorgeous.
3. After practice a few years ago, I actually had a parent STOP my daughter as she ran to me, asking, "Where's your Mom, sweetie?" Ummmm … hello. I'm right here. Seriously.
4. Aww, look at the cute zebra baby.
5. He doesn't look anything like you!
6. Oh, she's so cute! What province did you get her from?
7. What was it like giving birth and seeing this Asian baby come out of you? (As if I had given birth to a frog.)
8. Look at her cute chinky eyes!
9. At least her father knows she's really his!
10. Are you the nanny?
11. Wow, you're lucky they're so white.
12. While I was pregnant, someone asked, "I wonder if her hair will be nappy?"
13. Are you sure they're really yours? (directed to the father of two light-skinned children)
14. I was shopping with my two daughters and one of my daughter's friends. An employee handing out samples of granola of some sort started pointing at each child. She pointed at my oldest and said, "She's yours!" She pointed at my daughter's friend and said, "She's not yours." Then she points at my youngest, who was maybe about 1 year old, and she said, "What country?" She is very lucky she was about 70.
15. Aww, you're so lucky. Biracial kids are soooo much cuter.
