Racial Identity Determination: A Personal Perspective

Should parents have a role in determining their biracial child's eventual racial identity? The answer, to me, is simple: one's racial identity should not be the primary factor in defining who they are as an individual. Everyone, whether biracial or not, should be celebrated and respected as a whole person - a human being first and foremost.

The Misconception of Racial Identity

The idea that one must identify 'as something' beyond just 'a human being' is a minor quibble in the grand scheme of life. Sure, one's ethnic background is an important part of their heritage, but it should not overshadow the myriad of other factors that contribute to their identity. Skin color, cultural upbringing, interests, talents, and personal qualities are just as significant, if not more so, than merely their race or ethnic group.

The Overemphasis on Racial Identity

Take, for example, the complex web of my ancestry. I'm potentially a blend of 15 different nationalities. Who cares? I respect them all, and I find many of them fascinating, but I do not select one to define my perspective. I don't view the world or others through the lens of 'OMG, my ancestors were also Irish' or 'OMG, my ancestors were also Native American'. These background stories, while historically significant, do not dictate how I perceive myself or the world.

Individualism and Personal Liberty

The core values of self-determination, personal liberty, and responsibility are shaped by personal choices and qualities, not birthplace, race, religion, or financial status. These factors might influence one's character, but they do not define it. Individualism is the philosophy that emphasizes the freedom and autonomy of the individual, allowing them to shape their own identity and destiny.

Identity-Politics and Its Destructive Impact

Identity politics, where everything revolves around immutable characteristics beyond individual control, such as race or ethnicity, is fundamentally at odds with individualism. It is a deceptive philosophy that seeks to undermine cultural stability and national unity. While it seemed that our culture was moving away from these divisive ideologies, recent years have seen a resurgence and amplification of such thoughts. This is concerning as it detracts from the progress we've made in promoting personal liberty and responsibility.

My Personal Experience: My Biracial Daughter

Take, for instance, my daughter, who is half-Czech. She is an American in the USA, and that is her primary identity. When she was a toddler, I encountered a woman who, in a bizarre moment, questioned how I could have "stolen" her when my daughter looked like me and her father but not like me. It is bizarre to consider that she might identify as Czech, given her upbringing and American identity. She is an American, and that can encompass a multitude of ethnic identities. Our nation's philosophy is grounded in "we the people" and the universal ideals of freedom and liberty, not in race or religion.

Mixed Heritage and Cultural Identity

I have several family members who are part or half of various minority ethnic groups. It is simply a part of who they are, but they are individuals first. It's not about their ethnicity but how they choose to live their lives. If they have been raised in a particular culture, they might incorporate those elements into their lifestyle, but ultimately, one's culture is a product of how they were raised. We should not be limited by any immutable characteristic we had no control over. Instead, we should focus on the person we are consciously choosing to become, as opposed to an identity shaped by historical or genetic factors.

Conclusion

Every individual, no matter their racial background, should be celebrated for who they are as a whole. Racial identity is just one part of a complex and multifaceted identity. We should strive to promote a society where personal choices, individuality, and personal responsibility are valued above all else. Let us continue to evolve our culture in a positive direction, rather than allowing divisive ideologies to drag us down.