Defining Identity: Mixed Heritage and the Concept of Person of Color

Introduction

The concept of being a 'person of color' is often used in discussions of racial and ethnic identity. However, the categorization can be complex and subjective, especially for individuals with mixed heritage. This article explores the nuances of identifying as a person of color and the diverse ways in which individuals with intersecting cultural backgrounds perceive and understand their identity.

Understanding Identity and Heritage

The term 'person of color' is used to describe individuals who self-identify as non-white based on race, ethnicity, or cultural background. However, individuals with mixed heritage complicate this categorization by blurring the lines between 'race' and 'ethnicity'. For instance, being of mixed Filipino and white heritage introduces a unique set of experiences and challenges.

Consider the case of Someone (a pseudonym), who is half Filipino and half white. Despite not possessing the typical facial features associated with Asians, Someone's wife, with Spanish ancestry, frequently faces challenges in being recognized as a person of color. This highlights the subjective nature of racial identification and the role of societal perception.

Mixed Heritage and Cultural Identity

People with mixed heritage like Someone often find themselves navigating multiple cultural identities. Someone identifies as 'mixed race' and celebrates the diverse cultural influences in their life. When asked about their heritage, Someone typically emphasizes the Filipino side due to their upbringing and cultural experience. This reflects a common approach among individuals with mixed heritage, where the dominant cultural influence during upbringing plays a significant role in self-identification.

Someone's perspective is not unique. Another individual, described as half white and half Black, emphasizes their white identity due to the absence of physical traits associated with Black people. This further illustrates that cultural identity is not solely based on physical appearance but also on personal and social influences.

The Perception and Treatment Debate

One perspective argues that how society perceives and treats an individual is central to their self-identification. In the case of Someone and their Filipino heritage, they feel that while they are 'asian' in the cultural sense, they are not typically perceived as such. This leads to the question of whether one should consider themselves a 'person of color' based on societal perception rather than self-identification.

Someone identifies as a person of color primarily because they are visibly not white and are often marginalized due to this identity. In contrast, a friend of mixed heritage with light skin and blond hair does not identify as a person of color, prioritizing social perception over racial self-identification.

Conclusion

The term 'person of color' is a subjective concept that varies based on individual and societal perspectives. For some like Someone, it represents a significant part of their identity and a way to connect with diverse cultural experiences. However, others feel that their mixed heritage and perceived whiteness complicate this classification.

Ultimately, the classification of 'person of color' is influenced by both personal and societal factors. Understanding and respecting these complexities is essential in fostering a more inclusive and nuanced conversation about racial and ethnic identity.