……multiculturalism
I received a post and the subject matter really resonated for me. I want to share it.
From: Eva Rose
on January 28, 2014 at 9:16 pm said:
Karen I always try to think of the appropriate words or phrase to describe your beautiful family and I think you hit it out the park with “Keep it Coloured”..For the people who think its insulting to be called ‘coloured”..well they should meet you all. The same people who think its insulting spend $$ or wish they had the complexion of you coloured people. And the way you spell it suits you just fine..to the American way… But we have to let the people know Karen that you have to , stay long in the sun to match your “coloured” relatives skin tone. Because, you are white to Americans but Caucasian to your people..& your lovely other half is a fine West Indian brother….making your children coloured.
Gregory, and the fans who don’t know you…. by now should be saying “what the heck is going on? What’s the point of this? I was just wondering Why are we so comfortable calling ourselves Black or White?. I am wearing a black pants & a white top and I match neither one. So tell me “who got my point of view?
I am coloured
Eva Rose Munoz
@Law
Here’s my reply:
I am with you on this one Eva. Black and white are certainly terms that don’t describe accurately a persons complexion. I find them limiting terms that separate and divide and don’t express the true diversity of what we are and who we are becoming… Here in America, what we term “African-Americans” are all mixtures of so many… from native to hispanic to european. I live in a multicultural world and I celebrate multiculturalism. I’m proud of all the components of which I am made. I even have “white” friends that after doing DNA tests come to find out that they have as much “black” in them as I have “white” in me. Go figure… But in all honesty what does it matter? It’s the culture a person identifies with that determines their style… What’s most important to me is a person’s character and in that character I always like to see a massive dose of tolerance.
Thank you for the post.
Anyone else wish to contribute?
October 8, 2018 @ 2:36 AM
I think of us as people of color, we’re all just a darker or lighter shade of brown!! We are multiple races and come from many different cultures. I don’t particularly like the term colored. If you look back to when it originated, it was a time of segregation when the terms, “Whites” and “Coloreds” were widely used. I interpret that to be basically the same as white and black. If you weren’t white, then you were colored? Maybe, I just personally think that the term “People of Color” is more inclusive and less restrictive?? Society tends to treat most “People of Color” the same regardless of ethnicity and maybe if we start focusing more on inclusion we can eliminate colorism within our own races?? Have you figured out yet that I’m Canadian?? Hahaha I love that we are a multicultural country and most of us are extremely proud of that fact, but unfortunately we are not without a small percentage of closed minded people!! We’re not perfect, but I do believe things are getting better because I regularly see white people stand up to other white people’s racist behaviors…I’m hopeful!!
October 10, 2018 @ 10:59 AM
Excellent thoughts and observations Toni. Thank you for sharing them. I am hopeful as well. Gregory
March 10, 2014 @ 3:39 PM
Spent last weekend in Martinique at my Dad’s cousin’s birthday and a family from North Dakota in America came up to us & wanted to know what tanning products we use to get such a bronze & even tan. We were not sure how to answer, without insulting them. So Mona my cousin’s wife replied by saying “its called DNA” Now that dropped a big fat elephant in the room ( we were sitting in a hotel lobby). Then one of my cousins said “we were born this way”..oops!! wrong answer!!
Things just got more awkward, until my mother who is very light-skinned, (like my sister Holly) but tanned making her complexion as dark as mine…explain to The Dokata Family that we are all mixed with blood from someone from Africa & also blood relatives from some Caucasian, Asian & Latin Ancestors She went on to elaborate on.. we do not use a suntan lotion/oil just a sunblock or sunscreen. The woman replied. “The black people in my State do not have your features or hair texture, so we thought you were white people..with a fantastic, tan… Wait that was not the worst of it.
I am not sure if everyone here have seen or know Crystal (Churnac) Von Heinz.. She is Mona & James’s 3rd child. She is also the one with the darkest complexion of all their children. She got married to Ivan Von Heinz (he & Halle Berry’s Baby-Father are cousins)..just wanted to give you an idea what Ivan looks like..just like Gabriel Aubry) He and Crystal has 7 children (including twins) Four out of the seven looks just like their father. Three of those (Chanel, Venice & Isiah) was there in the hotel lobby with Crystal-Joyl & Ivan. So my mother call their names out & told them to stand up.
Mother continued to introduce the children first,,then Crystal as the biological mother of them.. (the family all cover there mouths & a man said. to Crystall “Too much sun it not good” ..another said “its amazing how dark you can get” These people could not accept dark-bronze-skinned woman could give birth to blond, blue & green-eyed children. I am going to post a picture of Crystal-Joy on my Google page… Chanel (Prideaux ) is in my “circles” & Venice is on somebody’s page ( I think its Rose Williams) If I find it I will post it too..
I would sure like to hear all similar situation to what iI wrote above …..2..B..CONTINUED 🙂
February 15, 2014 @ 12:51 PM
Hi Gregory
This is a topic that can generate some powerful conversation. So far I like everyone’s “point of view” I will be back to elaborate.
One Love
February 15, 2014 @ 2:29 PM
Came across an article I thought was appropriate to continue the conversation….
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/13/one-drop-rule-black-identity-photos-yaba-blay_n_4775100.html?utm_hp_ref=tw
February 17, 2014 @ 9:43 PM
Whoa Gregory Did not expect to see that face. Too disturbing for me to look at. What is the article about? Summarize if you can.
One Love Heather
February 18, 2014 @ 8:06 AM
Well Heather it continues the conversation we started. The rest of the photos are all of different mixed race looks and the perspective they have on their identity. I think the author used the first shot to grab our attention (which it does). The woman in the photo is actually attractive except for her skin condition which is taking pigment away. But if she were to choose makeup to match either her brown complexion or her white complexion she would look completely natural… I think the author is suggesting the question… which one should she choose, and what does the outside color of a person have to do with what they feel inside….
February 20, 2014 @ 7:37 PM
My reaction was the same as Heather’s. But I thought she got burnt in a fire. Leaving her with 3rd degree burns. What ever the reason, its is disturbing to look at.
March 10, 2014 @ 10:31 PM
Hi Gregory Abbott
If I am here on your blog..it means I am on the road again. Jet-Blue from Fort Lauderdale to JFK..on a layover to LAX. There is a lot more post since the last time I wrote on your blog..so much more I can’t find where I read or wrote. I skip past the Valentines one since my V- day had no XOXOXO because i had a fight with my main squeeze the day before. But, we recently made up 🙂
Anyhow, I like the writings on the topic of colour.. and the linked you posted ..sure got my attention SIR!!.. The girl does look like she got burns from a fire. But I’ve heard of women using cream to bleach their skin and when ..the process goes ..”south”….this is what can happen too.
I was born in Jamaica. Both my parents are mixed with Indian & Lebanese…and our country’s motto is “Out Of Many One People” Those words should be a Motto for the whole world. Speaking of world..This one we call Earth..is a small, small..one…where your fans are concern. One of them hunt me down & found me..because of what I wrote in your blog..which was I was in a Jet Blue terminal & your songs (about 30r4 of them played over the PA system and i also wrote how elated I was to here my faves, Shake You Down..Prove it to You & others. It so happen she works for Jet Blue & was responsible for getting your songs on their playlist. How Cool is that? Her name is Joshuana Ruiz. She lives in California, sometimes. So I hope we can get-together. We already had a girls-night-out in Miami Beach.
Okay its time to jet again..Until next time. Keep on Rocking it gently..AND Shaking it down..4ever
IRIE MON
February 9, 2014 @ 10:45 PM
Hi Mr Abbott
Its that time of year again, when the show begins to celebrate the most watched union in my family. This time its all aboard for all the twins who help to multiply this family & other family & friends as we set sail on a ship…….destination French Martinique in time for my father & my stepmom CC to cut their 30th wedding cake. So in case you missed the regulars on your blog..well they have been packing. But quite a few will not be on board this Love Cruise. Only Aunt Rose & Uncle Tyler from BVI will be sailing. They have a twin connection. Aunt Rose married a twin & her brother’s wife had twin girls. All of Father’s children get to go, whether or not they have a twin connection. Some people wanted to know all stops on the ship. My Aunt Iris says she’ll post it on her Google page. I’m just the messenger:-)
Nuff Respect to all & Bon Voyage to us..:-)
February 13, 2014 @ 3:16 PM
Hi Chevonne
Hope you have an internet connection on the ship. We never got to meet you but sure know & love your Dad & CC. They are our Gregory Abbott Connection..and we’ll be forever grateful to them for setting the mood about how to romance with his music/songs. Although I did hear from Brad’s (my husband) mother about Mr. Abbott but never paid attention to the lyrics and how its really about everyday living & love among ordinary people like us. So “bravo” to them and I say it will be another 30 years. * beyond cutting the cake for your Dad & CC. I still remember & hear her laughter in my head. 🙂 Please tell them we say..”Happy Anniversary on Valentines day forever”
February 3, 2014 @ 3:05 PM
A pleasant good afternoon to Gregory Abbott..his fans..& all the people who know who I am.
This is my first time writing on a personal blog. I have my own professional blog..being a Nurse I do have quite a few opinions & advice about the medical field I chose to be apart of.
However, I was asked by my sister-in-law (Drew Anderson) to answer all the questions that have been asked about the new arrivals in our family..and because I was one of the Nurses in the delivery room I personally could give a more detail description of what went down when Gary knew for the first time he was having twins.
First let me say I was reluctant to write on the last topic (Wrapping Up) but since the twins have been born into a mixed-race family well the topic Multiculturalism seems more appropriate. Before I get to the drama with Gary I just want to thank everyone for their wishes & hope for my nephews. They will be 1 month old on February 10th @3:25 pm for Zaire Nesta (birth weight was 4lbs 14oz & Zion Marley @3:27..weighing 4lbs 9oz. They are about the same weight today over 9lbs. AND they are still identical except for a crease on Zion’s ears. Babies get that when they don’t have enough room to move around in the womb and its not only from the mother’s carrying twins. Single birth babies get that as well, mostly because baby is too tall for the womb. I am visualizing, when this is read..the reader will be checking his or her ears, because it never goes away..So Zion Marley Anderson has a signature look. or according to my Mom…”his own i d”
Okay ‘back to the day of birth’.. Well Gary’s twin brother (Greg) was also in there filming the drama. He keep the camera on him. and poor Gary never got to see the live birth of baby#2..because he fainted. Nobody, predicted that..We knew he was going to freak out..but we never saw that coming. Of course, my first instinct was to rush over to Gary..but the doctor had Zion in his hands & I just continued to do my duties as a Nurse & forget the sisterly love. I don’t think the hospital is going to approved anything like that again. I had to pull some big strings to get it approved. But that video has gone viral among our friends & family. AND NO it will not be on Youtube. 🙂
Yesterday, we had 44 people over at G & D ‘s house for the Super Bowl (its the 1st year it was not at mine, but because of the twins I had to move the party there) and if it was at my place… I’m sure it would not have been the worst Super Sunday EVER. We showed the video to our guest and it sure took care of the bad night we were having.
Well Gregory Abbott, Fans & People..who I know, hope you are satisfied with my re-enactment of Gary’s reaction to his surprised and the birth announcement of his bundles of joy.
Once again Thanks for your blessings
Sincerely,
Grace
February 2, 2014 @ 1:08 AM
I am coloured..by birth and i love it..
Only my shoes & pocketbook is black
February 1, 2014 @ 9:45 PM
WOW!! I think I have read it all. And everything I would have written is already printed here about race..’colour’..aka multiculturalism. Born in Egypt from an Egyptian mother and a Morroccan father, I never had to really look in the mirror at myself until I moved to America. Its then I realized I am only a #..&..a colour (and that is how its spelled in the other countries I’ve been). Even the word is changed to spell a different way…in this country. My parents use to think they made a mistake coming here because not even the teachers knew how to spell. They would say..”if its English..why is it different? Well they never lived long enough to see how “different” America can be. My, how it has changed since my 13th birthday That was 30 years ago. So now its 2014 and I feel empowered to say
“I am coloured and this is my favoured topic ever”.
January 30, 2014 @ 12:40 PM
Dear Gregory & Fans
I had to go back & read Karen’s post to understand how this topic began. I can only say that her family actually take the color of the skin & eyes very seriously when it comes to who gets to marry into the family. But if its just for socializing..it does not matter as long you never smoked a cigarette or are attracted to your own sex..That is Taboo!..but they sure appreciate all the talented entertainers out there and watch their performances with admiration. You just won’t see them as a guest in their world. So its not only “keep it coloured” its “keep it straight” too. But most of all to know them is awesome.
January 30, 2014 @ 2:34 AM
Well Well
This is some interesting..but surprising subject….and I like it.
I think of myself as a black latino. Born to Venezuela mother & Dominican father…I would say I am multicultural. But in both countries, the natives are offended if you use “black” to describe them..or youself ( I’m talking about the cocoa/amber people like me) but the light skin mixed people..really don’t mind if you say “white” to them.
I am a Flight Attendant and i would say the country that hates being called Black or White is those “Damn J’cans” lol When you land there “yuh betta wash yuh mouth:-)
Ok G,,Gotto Jet now..this was a short & sweet layover 🙂
Luv ya <3 <3 XOXOXOX
January 30, 2014 @ 8:56 PM
Indeed it is an interesting/surprising subject..but worth mentioning…if you live up North down South and borderline in The United States. I say that because Americans will never get it. They can’t even comprehend the meaning of their own country “United”..They say they don’t like racism, but yet its the “elephant in the room” whether you live North East West or South of the border. But kudos to the heterosexual couples who mixed it up. Their children will be in the coloured majority sooner than later . Another thing to think about is: the ratio of white couples having children are 1-2 per household. For the blacks its 2-4..but they won’t be in the demographics because society & politicians will have them behind bars..”sooner than later”. So who’s going to make up the population? The answer is Coloured People. Not from the Atlantic ocean…Not from the Caribbean Sea..but from the Persian Gulf/Middle Eastern Countries. Ya’ll getting my point of view?..Sure you do.
I will also agree with Gregory about “character” of a person comes first…if you are not looking for a significant other. Honestly, if you are That Look” is always up close and very personal. Some of us just won’t admit it. I personally know I am easy on anyone’s eyes. Mixed with Trinidadian Chinese & Jamaican Indian. Those are my parents ethnicity. But I have a Scottish fair-skinned grandmother a British dark skinned grandmother & both grandfather’s dark-skin Asians, born in Jamaica….the country of my birth & residence. But travel the world for mostly business purposes. I’m a Linguist by profession for The Jamaica Tourist Board..and the most frequent question I’ve been asked or whispered when I am gone is. She does not look Jamaican. Why is that? My hair is naturally straight my complexion is suntan & I have Chinese eyes. I could be the poster child for “Multiculturalism” What do you bloggers think? Aren’t you attracted to the good looking outside first..then you take a chance on what’s inside. 🙂
One Love & Nuff Respect
For All Mankind
PS My nose is straight too..lol
January 31, 2014 @ 11:28 AM
OH YES JENNIFER
I ALWAYS LOOK FIRST..BEFORE I LEAP LOL
February 1, 2014 @ 9:52 PM
love your creative writing, Jennifer…..just like Gregory i can feel how this resonates with you too
Safe Travels to all
Julia Salazar
@GanD
February 3, 2014 @ 3:10 PM
Hi Jennifer
One day I am going to make the time to reply to your wonderful comment(s) on this topic
btw..great writing skills
January 30, 2014 @ 12:52 AM
This is what you call a “wow” factor. Only in this country you are seen just by the color of your skin. I do not have a problem with that it everyone wasn’t so colorblind, because I have never seen a person the color of my black or white shoes. So yes I too wanna know who’s responsible for this B&W chart?
January 29, 2014 @ 12:21 PM
BRAVO! BRAVO!
To Eva Rose & Gregory for that remarkable reply to Eva Rose’s post of being “coloured” in a Black & White America. I like many can relate to this multicultural race around the world. I never describe myself as being white and growing up always was drawn to people with a darker shade of me. That would explain my coloured husband & our children..who according to “America” is black. One parent is white>.the other is black. So why are you black? And who made that law? Well I taught my kids to say & write “other” whenever they are asked.
Gregory this is what I call Seasons Change..like the color of one’s skin.
Peace & Love
I am coloured Stella via the Sun 🙂