AIBU To ask if the term Mixed-Race is outdated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I don't want to cause offence by using outdated terms.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?

@PumpkinKlNG

I’m mixed race and prefer to be called mixed race, I’m guessing you are white? Seems to be white people that take offence on behalf of others, I do not like dual heritage or bi racial even worse. I will continue to refer to myself as mixed race.

💕

@Kiatu - nope 2 parents and 3 grandparents Welsh, one Irish.

@SerendipityJane

I like Bame as it encompasses all the races not just Black.

All the races ? Are you sure about that ?

Which races doesn't it include? I thought it pretty much covered everybody.

If you aren't black, asian, or a minority it doesn't include you does it?

@Kiatu

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

I hadn't thought of it before but I'm dual heritage. One parent from Northern Ireland from a very orange background, other parent from the south and a strong Catholic.

Not dual heritage.

My kids are dual heritage - white British and white Zimbabwean. It works well to describe the fact that their dad is from a different country and culture to me.

They're both white so not mixed race though.

@PumpkinKlNG

Same people saying black people should be called bame or person of colour yet every single black person I know calls themselves black just like every single mixed race person I know calls themselves mixed race, why do white people keep telling us what terms we should call ourselves 🤨

It appears to me that white people (as evidenced on this thread) are not telling, they are asking which is the preferred term, because nobody wants to inadvertently cause offence.

And of course getting contradictory replies, so we are no further forward, on this thread at least.

I thought mixed race was still ok. I'd it not?

We are some way forward as I always like to hear people's views. It is clear it is a minefield so "if in doubt, say now't" remains wise.

@ancientgran

If you aren't black, asian, or a minority it doesn't include you does it?

What other races aren't covered? I know every combination of ethnicity isn't listed, but was sure all the races were covered.

@Oblomov21

I thought mixed race was still ok. I'd it not?

From a mixed race person, its fine. Seriously. Ignore the absolute nonsense like "dual heritage" and "enriched" ffs. You crack on. Business as usual.

@gillysSong, the point is it is a catch-all name that is used for people of all races except white, which is problematic because it implies that white is somehow the default while everyone else gets lumped together in one category.

Mixed race here (but I look white). It’s fine with me.

I have mixed race children and use mixed race

@DaveMinion

Mixed race here (but I look white). It’s fine with me.

... and The Who's "Substitute" suddenly becomes tonights earworm ...

I describe myself as bi-racial. My children are mixed race. Mixed race is the most used term and I haven't come across anyone who finds it offensive.

I prefer mixed race. I couldn't use dual as I'm equally mixed black, Chinese, Greek and English.

Actually, I just listed some nationalities - not races.... Maybe mixed ethnicity is better? Sadly "ethnic" can sometimes get co opted to mean not white though....

[quote AlexaShutUp]@gillysSong, the point is it is a catch-all name that is used for people of all races except white, which is problematic because it implies that white is somehow the default while everyone else gets lumped together in one category.[/quote]
There are white races under the term BAME so it can't be the default. In fact you could argue that Black is the first mentioned.
Last time I looked Irish travellers and Roma are white.

Irish travellers and Roma come under minority ethnic bit. White British people who aren't minority ethnic aren't included.

I'm not sure that is why many black/mixed race people don't like it. For my DH he doesn't want to be an acronym. He finds it rude, dehumanising and it annoys him.

@Ursulasunderstudy

You need to use Dual Heritage not mixed race.

No she doesn't. Dual heritage does not describe all mixed race people

I'm not reading 15 pages, can someone summarise what I should be calling my mixed race kids please?
They have 4 races in their genetic make up.

@ancientgran

Irish travellers and Roma come under minority ethnic bit. White British people who aren't minority ethnic aren't included.

I'm not sure that is why many black/mixed race people don't like it. For my DH he doesn't want to be an acronym. He finds it rude, dehumanising and it annoys him.

🙌🏾 Exactly how I feel about BAME. Being packaged up in an acronym is dehumanising. And it positions “white” as default norm.

I like the term human.

Good enough for the census, good enough for anyone else.

@ShitPoetryClub

I'm not reading 15 pages, can someone summarise what I should be calling my mixed race kids please? They have 4 races in their genetic make up.

As you were. Mixed race is just fine