This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The secret fetishization of people who look mixed
I don’t get offended by it. However, I do start to wonder if people have preconceived notions about what a black individual is supposed to look like, which I believe is more accurate.
Is it due to my being a lighter complexion (even though I’m not that light), having certain features, looking different, having high cheekbones, my parents and family members looking different, or other reasons unknown to me?
Sometimes when I ask why people question if I’m black, I get responses such as:
You look different.
You don’t look/can’t be all black.
Straight black people look different.
Black people don’t have hair like you.
You must have something else in you.
I don’t get offended by people questioning my ethnicity, but I find some of their responses insensitive to the black race.
The primary individuals asking if I’m mixed are blacks and whites.
Everyone has diverse ancestry. It’s impossible to be one thing. But we still usually have a predominant gene pool; mine is black.
Not All Black People Look Similar
It might sound silly to say this, but I have news for folks, and this applies to any group of people:
Not all black people look the same. Our group has a bucket of characteristics, as in any other group. Some of us have:
Long hair
Short hair
Taller builds
Shorter builds
Thicker bodies
Slimmer bodies
Lighter complexions
Darker complexions
Athletic dispositions
Non-athletic dispositions
There are no typical characteristics of black people.
I’m not mixed.
I’m black.
My parents have other genetics in them, but my predominant characteristics are black.
The Fetishization of People Who Look Mixed
Some people find people who have mixed characteristics or appearances intriguing.
Both of my siblings look different than me. One looks to be more Latin. The other looks to be something unbeknownst to me. But we’re all black and have the same parents (for real).
Throughout time, people have all questioned our parents’ roots and what we are.
It’s a hard curiosity you cannot remove from many people fascinated by racial differences.
Since euro-centricity is the standard, those deviate spark curiosity and questions that the standard appearance will never experience.
In my firm opinion, I don’t think I look anything other than black. Some people who actually are mixed look more “mixed” to me. But it shows that everyone has different perspectives.
Some people get an ego boost when people think they’re mixed. Being associated with something other than black can seem positive or attractive since being black has plenty of negative connotations.
But as a black female, I take pride in my black heritage and don’t find anything to feel negative regarding my blackness.
Can We Please Stop Using The Phrase “GOOD Hair”?
Insulting our heritage and genetics is just plain ignorant
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.