Difficulties of Being Mixed Race in America

Mixed race individuals may face micro-aggressions such as being asked to "choose" a racial identity, being told that they "don't look" a certain way, or being referred to as “exotic."

Being mixed-race in America can present a number of unique difficulties and challenges. Mixed-race individuals may struggle with identifying with one particular race or ethnicity, and may feel a sense of not belonging to any one group. This can also lead to feeling like an outsider, and even being treated like an outsider, in both racial and ethnic communities. Likewise, they may also have experiences that are not acknowledged or validated by society, due to lack of representation and visibility in mainstream media and popular culture.

Mixed-race individuals may face micro-aggressions, subtle or unconscious acts of discrimination, from people of all races. These micro-aggressions can take many forms, such as being asked to "choose" a racial identity, being told that they "don't look" a certain way, or being referred to as “exotic." They may have to navigate and reconcile different cultural backgrounds and traditions, even within their own families. This can be difficult, especially when those cultures have different values and customs, and can be complicated when those cultures have a history of tension or conflict.

It's worth noting that being mixed-race can also have its own unique benefits and strengths, such as having a diverse perspective and the ability to navigate different cultures. But, the difficulties mentioned above are real challenges that many mixed-race individuals face in America and around the world. Awareness and understanding from family, friends, and community can be incredibly valuable in addressing these difficulties.

Kaci Smith, LMFT 

I am a licensed psychotherapist in California. I run year-round online, drop-in therapy groups for women in California, and online psycho-educational workshops for couples. Visit my website to learn more