AIBU To ask if the term Mixed-Race is outdated

[CambridgeEntry2022]

I don't want to cause offence by using outdated terms. Would it be more appropriate to use the term multi racial?

I always have to clarify on forms!

No you don't.

@SerendipityJane

I always have to clarify on forms!

No you don't.

Why are you telling her what her forms request? Some forms ask that you clarify anything that's outside their boxes.

@SerendipityJane

I always have to clarify on forms!

No you don't.

Yes I do If you tick "mixed other", you're very frequently asked to give further information about what exactly that "other" is. It's no big deal!

Bit late to the party here - but, the reason why “mixed race” is outdated is because “race” is a social construct. It was created by white Europeans during their colonials conquests. There are more genetic variations within white populations than between white and… here’s a new one … the global majority (GBM). This has been offered as an alternative to POC and BAME as it doesn’t position whiteness as the norm.

Previous posters have quite rightly pointed out that POC is problematic. Yes, not just because it’s basically the same as “coloured person” but also again, it positions whiteness as the norm. BAME the same, also don’t make me an acronym. I struggle with Global Majority somewhat but it’s a good launching point to turn around the systemic power structures, upon which racism thrives.

I used to refer to myself as mixed race but now refer to myself as multiple heritage. The point being that the concept of “race” itself - as we have had it- cannot hold.

@GreyhoundG1rl

It's hopefully a good title to fight racism too. I'm not being goady, but how would this help? Genuine question.

Because BAME covers the lot, so includes all races. You don't get the same whataboutery, which is a big barrier to fighting racism as as a whole. I don't believe we should talk about white priilage as it takes away from racism existing for white people, which in some cases runs parallel to discrimination and racism faced by Black people along with the history of slavery.

Yes I do confused If you tick "mixed other", you're very frequently asked to give further information about what exactly that "other" is. It's no big deal!

Are such questions compulsory by law in the UK ? What happens if you simply (some readers may wish to sit down here to process the shock ) don't answer at all ? As I have been doing for the better part of half a century ?

@SerendipityJane

Yes I do confused If you tick "mixed other", you're very frequently asked to give further information about what exactly that "other" is. It's no big deal!

Are such questions compulsory by law in the UK ? What happens if you simply (some readers may wish to sit down here to process the shock ) don't answer at all ? As I have been doing for the better part of half a century ?

I used to specify as they often ask but now I just go for “prefer not say” because…CBA. I might just opt out entirely next time!

I'm mixed and so Are my kids, it's fine

@Deadposhtory

I'm mixed and so Are my kids, it's fine

I'm Brian, and so's my wife

@GreyhoundG1rl

Honestly, SerendipityJane, you're making yourself look a bit deranged in your efforts to appear adorably clever Most people understood that she meant "there's a question which asks for further clarification" and wasn't actually implying somebody stands over you with a shotgun until you've answered it. You've spend the thread asking bizarre, sneery questions. I wonder what your point is.

well that's the last time I try to fit in.

@SerendipityJane

What would your preferred term for me be?

Surely, in this context, you are a "Mumsnetter" ?

A mum of net.

What do I call DB now?

@TheLovelinessOfDemons

What do I call DB now?

Mixed race, if that's what he is? Ignore the nonsense that race is a newfangled concept that only exists in some people's heads...

He wouldn't stand for any of this bullshit, he's mixed race.

But aren't we all mixed race? I'm Welsh and Irish

Oh come on. Seriously. We've covered this

My DC are mixed race - Asian and white British - mixed race doesn't offend me nor DH

Many people are dual heritage but not actually mixed race, so I think I mixed race is more accurate

I’d consider you dual heritage @luckylavender. But only if one of your parents was Welsh and one Irish.

But aren't we all mixed race? I'm Welsh and Irish

Exactly it doesn't tell you anything really does it!

I get some people need to know ethnicity for medical reasons or surveys into different races etc but the majority of people don't need to refer to someone as mixed race for any reason other than to point out they have darker skin (but there are so many different tones it won't narrow anything down) but we can all see that anyway so wheres the relevance?

I watched an interview with a past footballer recently and he referred to himself as mixed race. The interviewer jumped in and said they’d rather he didn’t use that term. I think an adult male can decide for himself. Its like - I’m fat. Please don’t ask me to call myself plump or cuddly.

Not once did I say the concept of race was “new fangled” 🙄 Try reading the full comment. Or even, answering why you think it is wrong and what evidence you have to question the idea that it’s a construct.

But you carry on trolling everyone. Don’t worry about educating yourself - it’s fine!