So I thought I needed to act. I looked around for books, dolls, music, etc., that suited my daughter, that were made with her in mind with images and words that would make her feel “normal.” I came up with very little.
I decided to develop some of these products myself. I wrote coloring-story books that described her life and her experiences. When a look of understanding and just plain happiness came over her face as we read and colored them together, I knew that I was on to something. Then I thought about reaching all the other Alaafia Kids out there.
I knew there were many, some the children of friends, who, like me, served in the United States Peace Corps and then married people of other races from the countries where they had served.
I did a little research and discovered some incredible statistics: 1 out of every 25 marriages in the United States alone is mixed! 7.2 million Americans indicated on the 2000 census that they were “mixed.” (Click here for more statistics.) From my travels abroad, especially in Europe, I would guess that these statistics are higher, and some research proved me right! I got the impression while I was in Europe that having two different colored parents, and being mixed race, is more accepted and more acceptable there than here.
At least for now it’s more accepted and acceptable there than here. A major goal of Alaafia Kids is to raise awareness and acceptance of interracial people (namely, children), in American society. Attitudes won’t change overnight. Not even a generation ago, interracial marriage was illegal in many states. In fact, one state just removed its law banning interracial marriage in 2000 and another did so just two years before that! Feelings that interracial marriage still should be banned may persist in our society. The carryover of this feeling results in certain children being rejected by other children. This needs to change, for their sakes.
I am hopeful that a transformation will occur one person at a time. The United States, a historic melting pot, still is, but in a different, 21st century way. This is a reason to celebrate. Viva multiculturalism!
