Mixed Lingo - Part 2

More Mixed Lingo!

Hey friends!  I noticed that the original "Mixed Lingo" post has been pretty popular with y'all (found here).

I decided to expand on the list of useful terms when discussing multiracial, multiethnic, mixed issues.  Can you have too much of a good thing? Nonsense! :P

Mixed-Related Terms (Part the Second)

Internalized Racism: According to Wikipedia (yes, I know, shame on me), internalized racism is: "the internalization by people of racist attitudes towards members of their own ethnic group, including themselves" (Wikipedia.org).

It's like a form of self-hate for an idividual and/or community of the ________ identity.  

Internalized Racism is not the same as being critical of something relating to one of your identities.  For example, I'm personally not ok with some of the views about women (i.e. A woman's job is to have children.) traditionally held by the ________ (one of my identities)  community.  Does this mean that I hate myself and other ________s?  Certainly not!

Intersectionality: Intersectionality is the overlap between different focuses of social justice.

An example of intersectionality would be the exoticism and objectification of mixed women in the media.  This issue can be considered an intersection between women's issues and multiracial, multiethnic, blended, mixed issues.

Passing: When you can "pass" as something else, usually to your benefit.

One of the classic examples is a person of color passing as white.  Many of the privileges of that identity could be applicable to that "passing" person.  The issue of passing can be very problematic for mixed folks.

Pride: It's when you feel good about your identities. :)  I hope everyone feels some kind of pride for how they identify.

Mixed pride, I haz it! :D

Social Justice: As defined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW),  "Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities" (socialworkers.org).

Who deserves equality?  Everyone.  That's right, everyone.  Does the mixed community, and other communities, have the same privileges?  Unfortunately, no.

THAT is why we as multiracial, multiethnic, blended, mixed folks need social justice.  And what does social justice need?  You.

Are there any mixed-related terms that you'd like to see posted on the "Growing Up Mixed" running list?  What are some words, phrases or concepts that you use or want to know more about?  I'll post more in the "Lingo" series in the future.  

As always, feel free to leave a comment or question below.  This is a safe space.

Unwind!

<3 Elise "The Mixed Blogging Chick"