True dat, ucbalumnus. I think I read a number of years ago that approximately 25% of white Americans have some black ancestry. I wonder how accurate that number really is, though. Sounds awfully high, doesn’t it?
As for most multiracial black people being seen as black, that of course has everything to do with the infamous “one drop principle”, so strictly enforced here for a time. Historically, “black” people able to “pass”, who migrated north to escape oppression are probably the primigenitors of many whites surprised by the results of their genealogical research. My biracial children are genetically speaking more white than black. Their father’s grandparents on both sides were German immigrants to the United States. Combine that with the European ancestry on their mother’s side, and you get black people who are genetically less black than white, but who are reckoned to be fully black by the current rubric America uses to restrict privilege and influence. My children have, however, been frequently subjected to the “What are you?” inquiry, especially while growing up. S was suspected of being some flavor of “Arab” by coworkers in the his high security workplace, and D has had Indian people ask if she was also Indian.
But, they grew up in neighborhoods, and attended schools that are extremely diverse by American standards. They were by no means the only bi/multi-racial children among their friends and school peers. Our neighborhood is wonderful, in that most of us who live on this street know and are friendly with one another within 3-5 houses on either side of us. Many of us are active duty military, or former military, and we racially/ethnically/religiously run the gamut. I can’t imagine living in a place where there is little racial/ethnic diversity. I just wouldn’t feel comfortable. I think the key is having a great deal in common in the areas of economic parity, cultural values, and mutual respect. We on our street look out for one another, and keep an eye on each other’s property when we know someone will be away on vacation or deployment, for instance. I feel so sorry for those of you here who don’t know your neighbors, and never speak to them.