I'm a biracial mother. Here's why Prince Charles' latest scandal feels personal.
Imagine that upon your engagement, instead of congratulations, you hear that your future father-in-law has begun musing about your future son or daughters complexion. Now imagine how that would feel if you were biracial and the first Black-identified person to marry into the modern British royal family, and none other than the next king of England was allegedly speculating about the race of your hypothetical children.
According to the new book Brothers and Wives: Inside the Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan, written by Christopher Andersen, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, didn't have to imagine how that might feel she lived it. Among other tidbits, royals expert Andersen claims Prince Charles discussed the potential melanin levels of his future grandchildren over breakfast with his wife, Camilla.
Charles spokesperson told reporters that the claim is fiction and not worth further comment. But we do know that this type of identity questioning is far too common for the multiracial demographic and that it often impairs ones social belonging, which is key to feeling positively about yourself. In fact, recent research has shown that in a sample of 293 multiracial people, over 94 percent reported having experienced questions like What are you? as they relate to their physical appearance or skin color. And although not all multiracial people mind questions like those if they are asked out of genuine curiosity, these types of encounters can be dehumanizing and othering.
Charles reported comments also shine a spotlight on racial microaggressions a subtle statement or behavior, whether intentional or not, that communicates something negative and yet still ambiguous about a person of color. While they are often small and even seemingly insignificant, microaggressions cause significant psychological harm, research shows. And if you have ever heard a question like Is your hair real? or Do you speak English? or Where are you from? you also have most likely faced a racial microaggression.
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/prince-charles-meghan-markle-power-racist-microagressions-ncna1285125
__________________________________________________________________________________
In my older age, I've come to the conclusion that race is an artificial construct. I have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. All but one are multiracial of some variety. What are they? Beautiful young people.
Solly Mack
(90,795 posts)appalachiablue
(41,187 posts)summed up Charles many years ago. She was correct.
Kids are beautiful and innocent. The bigotry and racially- based hate now rising is age- old, scientifically unfounded and inexcusable.
At college, students who learned where my sibling and I were from asked, 'do you wear shoes?', 'isn't that hayseed falling from your hair?' Tee-hee. Minor in comparison but obnoxious.
K/R Thanks for sharing and what a treasure you have in your beautiful children.
delisen
(6,046 posts)Joinfortmill
(14,489 posts)Seems strange he would say that.