DNA and Race – Black or Asian?

DNA and racial identification.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/12/us/12genes.html? _r=1

The idea that people are using DNA results to qualify for affirmative action, college admissions and scholarships and membership in wealthy casino tribes.

There’s alot of comments going back and forth in one of the mixed race groups I’m part of online. At first whenever convos start on whether affirmative action is a good or bad thing I could only think of myself. I mean hell yeah it’s a good thing if it gives me an extra boost in areas where being “black” meant being passed over or limited. Now after having my son my views on affirmative action has expanded in an unexpected way.

A few months ago one of my sisters bf, Kevin had some very interesting things to say about Daniel and my insistence that he can claim being black. Seems Kevin thinks if Daniel doesn’t look black then no one will think he is. He felt that Daniel will never be allowed into…

- The projects…unless he’s delivering food
- Basketball court…unless he’s with black friends.
- Howard University…unless he can prove his blackness by taking me along

Now, I tend to take uneducated comments like this in stride. No sense trying to explain something’s to some people. But it did make me wonder about colleges and such. I mean of course I want Daniel to go to college but it’s not cheap so I can use all the help I can get right? But what happens after filling out the applications, getting all the required paperwork and Daniel has to go in for the face to face interview? Will they say he’s a faker to the claim of “black-hood”? Can he claim protection under the umbrella of affirmative action? What happens when having 50% of black blood doesn’t show? Will Daniel have to walk around with DNA evidence to not only prove that he’s black but he’s also entitled to all the rights that come with it…if he chooses to claim them that is. He might just claim to be Asian and get into college that way. Shyt, No problems there right?

Hmm, I only have questions with no answers…but maybe Daniel and I will have to make our own answers.

Raising a Baby Black vs Asian

Today Daniel and I went to NJ to visit with Ketty, John and the family. After running around with the kids, having a family meal and bugging John a bit we settled to sleep happily along with another blasian family.  

 

In the morning Ketty and I took the path train into the city.  During the drive we started talking about race issues.  As usual we came across a point we disagreed on. I want to raise Daniel with a strong black sense while she feels I should raise him mixed.  My argument?  Most people don’t see Daniel as “black”. Even Ketty and John said he looks totally asian…that he has nothing for me.  Since people will treat and react to him as he’s NOT black or even mixed, bi-racial, etc, I feel I have to take a strong stand to say he IS black and it’s ok.  Ketty feels I don’t have to do anything, that seeing me everyday will show and teach him about blackness. I think she’s wrong…what Daniel will see is that I’m his mother and by extension that I am a black women.  He will not know he IS a black man and does not have to be ashamed of it.  

 

Back in the city while waiting at BK for breakfast this black women came up to me and of course ask…”Is that your baby? Boy or girl?” These questions have become standard so I can answer on autopilot…meaning not paying attention. Besides Daniel was being cute and I wanted to play with him. Still this woman wasn’t satisfied. She then asked “did you have him or adopted him?” She got my attention quickly and not in a good way…I answered very quick with “I HAD him!!!”  

 

I guess my answer must have had some attitude with it cause she went on the defensive saying…”some people adopt them ya know.”  I wanted to point out how much he looks like me but like most people she can’t see past the skin tone. I just left with a “I had him naturally and he’s mine” comment and walked away with my giggly baby.  That’s the first time I heard that but if this strange women felt the need to ask then I’m figuring it won’t be the last time.

Baby Steps Towards Korean Traditions

Daniel is now 1 Month. Well officially he will be on Sunday since that’s the 27th of the month. But since I go weekly by Fridays then I’m counting today. With Daniel getting older I want to follow the Korean tradition. Sadly I’m behind in getting his clothes and having professional photos done. The delay is partly because I didn’t finish researching what type of clothes he needs and what happens with 1 months olds Korean boys. I’ll have to ask the women in the NKMTK (married to Korean men) group for info and suggestions. I’ll also tap my Korean co-workers now that I’m allowed to visit. Shucks might as well also try the Korean adoption yahoo group. I hope to get all info and take his photo by the end of the month. A little late but I’ll try to be more prepared for the 100 days and 1 year tradition.

 

Oddly, Guyanese folks don’t have any traditions for the 1 month mark. I’ll have to find a Guyanese tradition to celebrate with him.

 

*UPDATE*

Well I got the info from my co-workers and women in the married to Korean men group. Seems no one celebrates the first month. My Korean co-workers had a good laugh at me about being early. Darn them.

It’s the 100th day (baek-il) and 1st birthday (Tol) that’s celebrated with special clothes, photos, foods and a party. I doubt I’ll do the party…who can I invite? But the other parts should be fun. I have to dress him in a “Hanbok” and get photos taken. My Korean “mom” Young Mi will get one for Daniel since I’m clueless about where to shop and they cost about $100 and up. Yeah I know. We’ll see if I’ll take the photos myself or have them done by a pro when the time comes. For sure I’m not trying to cook any of the treats. Best to get those by a pro or someone who knows how to make them. Yummm

 

Odd bit of insider info about the photo requirements. Seems along with dress-up photos, I should have no-clothes photos also. It’s custom to proudly show off the penis of the baby boys in the photos. While I want to respect my son’s heritage there’s a limit to how far I’m going to follow tradition.