race doesnt matter but knowing where your is importantNEW by: Anonymous
I'm a full blooded eritrean who was raised as an american in philadelphia. I've had issues with my identity growing up, I wanted to be african-american like everybody else because no one even heard of the small country of Eritrea and even though I was one race, I could pass for a black/arab or indian hybrid. My parents knew this about me and often scolded me but in high school and college I finally realized where I belonged. I was proud of my eritrean ancestery but I was also happy to be around others different from me. Hopefully your daughter can understand this.
Oct 03, 2010 Rating
Your Child's LifeNEW by: Anonymous
Congratulations for ruining your child's life. Seeing you were given the chance of being normal, but you denied that to your child. I hope you feel real proud of yourself.
Sep 18, 2010 Rating
take it from me... im half eritrean half whiteNEW by: cherae tesfai
exposing her to various cultures wont help her. you need to expose her to her own culture. Take it from me... I am half Eritrean and Half white.
I grew up around an eclectic group of children and i identitfied myself more closely with african americans. but i never knew any eritrean people and i was never exposed to the culture. in fact i was quite ashamed. i wanted to be african american, not african, because thats what all my friends were.
the black kids would say, "african booty scratcher" when they found out that i wasnt "black" but "african". i knew nothing of Eritrea or eritrean so therefore i had nothing to be proud of.
As an adult i began to reasearch my culture and this past year i traveled to Eritrea. It was a life changing experience. i am now so proud to be eritrean, i know i have a beautiful culture and come from beautiful people.
My advise is give her something to be proud of. Buy her an owejetti or a zudia (traditional dresses) have your husband teach you and your daughter how to make enjera, or just look it up on the internet, put a bit of Eritrean artwork in your home, find a language class and educate yourselves.
Jul 05, 2010 Rating
do it for your daughter. NEW by: Anonymous
I went to college in Brookings. I am from Seattle. Everybody said I was crazy for moving down there and yes they were right! I am African-American. I thought I would just bled in, but it was harder that I thought. If you don't have anything holding you in SD, please move to a different state. Your daughter will be exposed to a culture and people in states like Washington and we also have very good schools. I moved back to Seattle a year after. I am sure you are doing everything you can to protect you child. I wish you luck.
Apr 12, 2010 Rating
Its The Person Who MattersNEW by: Anonymous
Black isn't beautiful, neither is white. It's if one has a beautiful personality or not which makes them a beautiful person. If anyone makes a comment just tell her to ignore it and to be happy, ignore ignorant people and pay attention to good people. The worst thing that you can do is give an ignorant person the negative attention that they want. Ignore them and know that you are a better person than them because you do not treat people negatively.
Mar 05, 2010 Rating
Multi-racial AcceptanceNEW by: Melissa
South Dakota is a great place to live? I grew up there. Your daughter has a great mom. Remember, actions speak louder then words! As a mother, you have taught your beautiful daughter one of the most powerful expressions of multi-racial acceptance: you loved and married a man who is not of your own culture.
From a troubled-youth counselor.
Oct 20, 2009 Rating
History is Key to Biracial ChildrenNEW by: Dani
Teach your daughter about the history of Eritrea and Eastern Africa, tell her about the many accomplishments credited to her ancestors. Also teach her about your culture and where your family comes from. It's easy to just say "black is beautiful" or "you're unique because of ______."
I find that teaching biracial children about their culture and its contributions have allowed me to come to terms with my bi-cultural as well as racial upbringing. I am half Dominican and half Puerto Rican but my parents come from different stock. My mother's side is creole , my mother being 3rd or 4th generation biracial and my father's family is more Caucasian in appearance as well as influence.
Being multicultural/racial is not always easy in a world that is quick to define and box you but it does make life more interesting and I find I've been given more opportunities because I can relate to so many as opposed to my peers who were brought up in homes where there was not much diversity. I wish you the best of luck.
Jul 26, 2009 Rating
Personality and kindnessNEW by: Ashley Z
I am from West Virginia. Not only is the state's population 97% Caucasian, but I also attended a private school that had even smaller minority margins. I am biracial. My mother is an Irish American with blonde hair and freckles. My father an african american with dark brown skin.
As a child I had a lot of trouble being different. I had problems with self worth that still haunt me today.
The best advice I can give you is to choose the people that you surround yourself with great care. They will create your child's world and thus her image of herself. They can heal any small wounds inflicted during the day.
Jun 02, 2009 Rating
updateNEW by: Jessica
Just to update my comment, My daughter is now 6 and no longer has any issues with being biracial. She accepts and is proud of who she is! She is exposed to a variety of cultures (even in South Dakota :) and realizes that everyone is unique and special in their own way.
May 30, 2009 Rating
Please NEW by: Anonymous
Please move out of South Dakota.
May 08, 2009 Rating
Biracial Children and Self-AcceptanceNEW by: Anonymous
Children never want to be picked on or different so I understand why your daughter might feel like that. But you must teach her that she is beautiful the way she is and that she is actually special because she is different. Try to expose her to different races of people and show her that everyone is different and special.
