Why is it that if a person has one white parent and one black parent they are considered black?

Question

I'm not trying to be rude here, I am just wondering. I just saw a question asking how many Black players were in the NHL and their names, and Jarome Iginla is listed. His Father is from Nigeria I believe but his Mother is white, so why is he Black and not White? Same as Halle Berry she was the first Black woman to win an Oscar but one of her parents is white. I am confused.

Hey Free At Last I am not being a Racist, Just because you are "Tired of White People" doesn't mean I am a Racist, this is a legit question, and Yes I am a RHCP Fan, Rock On.

Answer 1

Don't be confused. My father is half Black and half White and he considers himself half Black and half White American. The reason why people feel the need to stereotype people sadly based on "skin" color and outer appearance is rather questionable.

Stereotypes don't exist unless you let the mass media take over your subconscious mind and lead you to believe who you are based on looks.

I am Italian, Black, Japanese, Irish and damn proud of having a HOTT look. No one could look at me and say your white, your Asian, your black, your Latina ...nope no one knows they are just nice to me because I am nice as a person and I accept all beautiful faces and can see above that whole stereotype frenzy. It's all about cooperate marketing and we can't allow ourselves be ruled by a few who are making a profit out of it.

We need more role models who aren't afraid to say that they "are half black and half white and that is what I am" (if need be). My dad never cared about that and would not allow a stereotype few to rule his life.

Cheers to you!! And liberate yourself from the mass media!!

Happy New Years!!

Answer 2

There are 7 of us "mixed" children in my family with a white mother and black father and our skin are all different shades of brown. Some bi-racial people don't have a choice what to call themselves because they look all black or all white and other people make up they're own minds. I am assumed white everyday but I only feel the need to speak out when it's necessary. My brother has very light skin but a wide nose, big lips, and an afro. He got spit on and cursed by white kids for being black and beat up by black kids for not being black enough. It is very confusing for a lot of people.

Answer 3

First let me address an incorrect statement made by Michael Coloma

MULATTO IS NOT A POLITICALLY CORRECT TERM. It is offensive. I am not yelling, but everyone needs to know that. MULATTO means mule and my child is NOT a mule. Please do not think that the word is acceptable. Thanks!

Well, the reason is people go by what they see. Before anyone told you, did you know Halle was anything but black? People love to put things in little boxes so that they can feel comfortable. In history, the law said any drop of black blood made you black. and some people believe that still today.

My daughter does not consider herself black or white, she says it plainly "I am biracial" and even checks "Other" in the race box and if their is no other she checks both black and white.

Biracial is the correct term to use, multiethnic is also okay.

Mulatto is not okay. Just so everyone knows. Not offended because I know it was not meant to be offensive.

Answer 4

I was really bothered when Halle Berry did that. I dont know why people claim it now, maybe to show the struggels they overcame to get where they are. As sad as it is, even half black people still seem to have to fight for every bit of notariety they get. I still think its unfair because of two reasons, they are denying part of their heritage when they do this, and they are denying the fight that actual black people have to endure to get anywhere. When a real black woman wins an Oscar, she wont be able to say she was the first, even though she will deserve to.
Now to contradict myself, society probably accepts this becasue during slavery times, in all countries not just US, one was considered black if they had one drop of black blood. Which I think would make us all black now. hmmmm.....

Answer 5

While it is anyone's right to declare themselves to be of any race I often feel that the leaders of the Black Movement (for lack of a better name on my part) seek the affiliation of popular personalities to further the cause. I don't appreciate it but I can understand and accept that it occurs.

"Blessed" makes a very good point too. I didn't consider the fact that I'm Caucasian but I'm from Italian, Irish, and Slavic ancestry. I guess this is just a moot point. I thank you, Blessed.

Answer 6

Cover your ears because people will scream. It is due to racism. . Most of us label anyone who is "less than all white" automatically to the lesser catagory, black in this case. It is the same in my case, which I wish I could deny. There are also cases where one might identify themselves as, say , Native American when the percentage may be 1/4 or less. It still implies one race is superior over another.

Answer 7

That goes back to the 1900's. Think about the words quadroon(1/4 black) and octaroon(1/8 black)...one drop of black blood in you made you black in those times. We're apparently not as far away from that as previously thought.

Answer 8

properly, he's a real African-American. he's multiracial, even nonetheless, what you spot once you seem at him is a black guy with an surprisingly gentle complexion. humorous factor is each and every persons is blended with something, I evaluate myself black or all American, no longer African-American, yet all American fact is i'm close by American and white (do no longer the place that comes from, eire, regardless of.) What human beings see whilst they seem at me is a mild skinned black lady. this is a lot greater handy to declare one race for me. i don't comprehend why we are able to easily examine human race and be finished with it.

Answer 9

The law sees it that way. Whites defined 'Black' as being anybody who was 1/8th Black. One was called an 'octoroon' during those days. It's the pathetic legacy of racism in America. In a real sense, anybody who has bi-racial parents is as white as they're black!

Answer 10

Because in the olden days if you had "one drop of black blood" you were considered black. This rule will probably change when interrational relationships are so wide spread white become the minority but until then there you have it.