As many of you are aware, a national census is taken every ten years in hopes of gathering pertinent data in regards to demographical trends within our borders. The aim of such is to predetermine upcoming societal needs due to current patterns of change. Interestingly, the most recent census carried out in 2010 revealed that the multiracial population of our country is undoutedly on the rise. In fact, this sector has grown roughly by 50 percent since related information was first specifically solicited during the previous census of 2000. Additionally intriguing is the fact that the mixed-race population is exceptionally young with black and white being the most prominent combination.
The American author Richard Rodriguez is famous for having coined the phrase, "The Browning of America" which orignally, made reference to the growth of the Latino community in America. However, today this notion encompasses various "other" groups of people who are openly contributing to the many nuances of the fabric of the American society in terms of color. As an educator, for many years I've pondered how this shift will affect the manner in which we view ourselves and others around us. For instance, my late father often spoke of his experiences while attending a segregated, single room school as well of his first years teaching wherein integration was more agressively being implemented in the South. I find it amazing that the exact same area that was the notably divided is currently the region wherein the growth of individuals of a blended heritage is the greatest.
While the results rendered from the census can be helpful and lend possible insights, they typically only provides raw facts. We as intellectual beings must take this knowledge and wittingly collaborate together in order to harness and channel the positive effects of change in whatever form it presents itself. Personally, as a mom I plan to work diligentally along with my husband to assure that our son is raised in a manner in which we are both culturally sensitive and supportive as he becomes aware of his fused background so that he will be comfortable and confident with his identity from all angles. In my opinion, this is one of the best things we can do in raising all children, not just brown babies.
What are your thoughts on the Browning of America? Are you personally a person of mixed-race or are you raising children who are multiracial? Finally how can we work together celebrate diversity in such a way as to include those of a blended or not so blended background? Thank you in advance for your positive participation!
The American author Richard Rodriguez is famous for having coined the phrase, "The Browning of America" which orignally, made reference to the growth of the Latino community in America. However, today this notion encompasses various "other" groups of people who are openly contributing to the many nuances of the fabric of the American society in terms of color. As an educator, for many years I've pondered how this shift will affect the manner in which we view ourselves and others around us. For instance, my late father often spoke of his experiences while attending a segregated, single room school as well of his first years teaching wherein integration was more agressively being implemented in the South. I find it amazing that the exact same area that was the notably divided is currently the region wherein the growth of individuals of a blended heritage is the greatest.
While the results rendered from the census can be helpful and lend possible insights, they typically only provides raw facts. We as intellectual beings must take this knowledge and wittingly collaborate together in order to harness and channel the positive effects of change in whatever form it presents itself. Personally, as a mom I plan to work diligentally along with my husband to assure that our son is raised in a manner in which we are both culturally sensitive and supportive as he becomes aware of his fused background so that he will be comfortable and confident with his identity from all angles. In my opinion, this is one of the best things we can do in raising all children, not just brown babies.
What are your thoughts on the Browning of America? Are you personally a person of mixed-race or are you raising children who are multiracial? Finally how can we work together celebrate diversity in such a way as to include those of a blended or not so blended background? Thank you in advance for your positive participation!