41 Comments

  1. Karen M. Ricks
    01/28/2018 @ 6:35 pm

    I actually said, “YES!” out loud when I read, ” . . .a lot of challenges in our interracial family are solved with food.” In fact, I think a lot of challenges in the world could be solved with food! The process of preparing and sharing a variety of world cuisines has helped us forge new friendships, learn different languages, and understand cultural and historic traditions in a variety of countries as our multiracial family travels the globe. It’s such a wonderful way to drink deeply of another’s experience and to taste the truth that we are all much more alike than we may outwardly appear. Wonderful piece, Bethany!

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      01/28/2018 @ 6:45 pm

      I am so grateful our worlds have connected Karen. Food speaks to the hearts and minds. Just like books, food and travel are fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. (Borrowed from Mark Twain.) I am so thankful to learn from you through your culinary adventure and bond over shared highs and lows as multiracial families!

  2. gra
    10/02/2017 @ 1:06 pm

    Wow loved the article and learning about your experience. It has given me food for thought for my children. We have not yet really discussed race with them because our families, friends and communities have been brilliant and we emphasis more on character but this will be food for thought to start educating them in a child friendly way in case they are confronted with rejection or inappropriate questions. My husband feels they will never need the talk so we decided to work something out. Thank you once again for this eye opening article if you ever have a few pennies to spare visit Cape Verde or certain countries in southern Africa or Europe where they have large mixed race communities

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      10/02/2017 @ 1:26 pm

      We love Cape Verde! What a beautiful island and even more beautiful culture! We have also traveled extensively through Southern Africa and it is lovely. Botswana, Namibia, and Kruger in South Africa are our favorites.
      I am so glad to hear it gave you food for thought; what I have found is supporting children early before the problem in a non-threatening way helps soften the blow when there are comments. The negative interaction is never expected and usually comes from the most unexpected places.

  3. Giray
    10/02/2017 @ 12:56 pm

    Such Such a Such a raw powerful account. I have an interracial family although our experience is different is I’m from Zambia and husband from Europe we live in a town where my family doesn’t experience much much harassment. Would you ever consider moving to a more multi cultural friendly town? I also come from a diplomatic family China back in the day was quite racist they would stare and think we were rich etc I know Eastern Europe has a history of being racist I hope you get to travel to some race friendly places London is great as we have many in the racial couples here we do have the odd racists BUT whey mostly keep their nasty opinions to themselves. Thank you for sharing you may also want to send this to MIXED nation and multi racial media with Alex Barnet.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      10/02/2017 @ 1:24 pm

      Thanks for your thoughtful comment Giray. We have lived and traveled to many cities that are very friendly… however the goal here was to point out that no matter where you live there is always an element of racial profiling you might encounter as a multiracial family. Even in San Diego, CA this past week, we had a few comments. San Diego could not be more friendly and diverse, but there are always going to be those that question our relationship or our kids. The goal for us is to teach resiliency to our kids so that there is minimal negative impact. London is truly wonderful. We enjoy the city every time we travel there. We currently live in Washington DC which is also very diverse. Thank you again for your comment and support!! Look forward to connecting with you further!

  4. Elise Cohen Ho
    08/11/2017 @ 1:03 pm

    This post quite literally made me cry. I felt for you, your husband and your children while at the same time drawing the lines of similarity between my bi-racial family and yours. I am so glad that we have met and created a bond.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      08/11/2017 @ 1:33 pm

      This makes me so very happy. There are things in this article that I didn’t want to write. But if it means finding people like you that have a similar journey and we can unite together, it’s worth it!! The feeling is mutual Elise; so happy to cheer you on with your amazing work in California and spread your message as far and wide as I can. By doing that, we render all the people who have said those awful things to us as irrelevant. We are powerful beyond measure when we stick together!! Cheers!

  5. Becca @ Homemakers In Action
    06/11/2017 @ 9:50 am

    In this day and age this is SO important! I will be sharing all over social media to get the message across 🙂

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/11/2017 @ 11:22 am

      Thank you Becca!!

  6. Skye
    06/11/2017 @ 1:42 am

    Great article. I love your honest and real approach to a difficult topic.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/11/2017 @ 2:38 am

      Thank you for reading Skye!

  7. Ryan
    06/10/2017 @ 12:39 pm

    This was a great read. Love your attitude on all your family has been through.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/10/2017 @ 1:38 pm

      Thanks Ryan. There are definitely a lot of good days to focus on when it gets tough. I think sharing both sides has been cathartic to deal with some of those difficult days.

  8. Emily @ The Multitasking Mom
    06/10/2017 @ 10:13 am

    This is an excellent post and important topic. While my kids are technically mixed, their mix is not so obvious. I’m a Latina, with fair skin and my husband is white, mostly German and Italian. I ended up with two blondes and the girl has blue eyes. While we don’t face racist or hurtful comments I make an effort to expose my kids to both their cultures as well as many others. Living in NY does help with that.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/10/2017 @ 1:41 pm

      I think making an effort is so commendable Emily. You are right that living in a more diverse place makes it easier, but not all parents take advantage of that. Good for you to expose your kids to the wonderful culture of their Latina, German, and Italian sides. I am sure your home has some amazing Sunday dinners!!!:)

  9. Caitlin
    06/10/2017 @ 8:15 am

    This is such a strong and well organized piece. Sometimes you don’t realize how much some families go through because our world is so diverse. Thank you for sharing!

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/10/2017 @ 1:43 pm

      Thank you Caitlin. There are advantages and disadvantages to travel for sure. I know we would not have had some of the difficult times had we stayed in San Diego, however I feel the good experiences FAR outweigh the bad and experiences with the amazing people and cultures has been worth it.

  10. Jasmine Hewitt
    06/10/2017 @ 5:23 am

    I love this post-you have some wonderful insight, and really strong, necessary points!

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      06/10/2017 @ 1:47 pm

      Thank you for reading Jasmine!

  11. Esse
    05/30/2017 @ 11:37 pm

    Thank you For sharing with us! Your family has been through so much and I can’t even begin to say how difficult it mushy have been for you and your family.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/30/2017 @ 11:42 pm

      The difficult times are followed by such wonderful times; but I would be remiss if I didn’t write down our story to encourage others who may share the same experiences. Sharing is powerful, but definitely makes you feel vulnerable. Thanks for commenting.

  12. Marina
    05/29/2017 @ 3:30 am

    Get eye opening! So well written as well 🙂

  13. Nafisah
    05/28/2017 @ 8:18 pm

    Thanks for sharing these great tips!

  14. Esperanza
    05/27/2017 @ 3:13 am

    What a great post. I found all of your stories and experiences so eye opening! I come from a bi-racial family as well, my mother is Colombian and my father is Italian but I’ve never had to deal with any of these kinds of situation. Thank you for being so open and honest about this topic 🙂

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/27/2017 @ 10:26 am

      Thank you for your comment Esperanza. More often than not, our multiracial family experiences love and support. However, there have been hard days as well. It is so hard to be vulnerable, but sharing our story might empower someone else to share theirs. And we can change the stigma of being biracial in many places by simply sharing. All my best.

  15. Patricia
    05/27/2017 @ 2:34 am

    Great post, Bethany! It’s sad that in 2017, you and your family STILL have the stares and the racial insults directed at you all, and that some other people won’t get to know you on the INSIDE because of how you look like on the OUTSIDE. But it’s great that you are raising awareness of the problem that racism exhibits to all peoples today.

  16. Genie | Gallivanting Bean
    05/27/2017 @ 1:53 am

    I absolutely love this post and the issue it brings to attention. I feel like people always breeze through this subject or think that it’s not a big enough issue to talk about. I have biracial friends who do struggle with a lot of points that you bring up

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/27/2017 @ 2:38 am

      Thank you Genie! I agree; a lot is swept under the rug because it makes people feel uncomfortable. I felt uncomfortable posting such personal stories. I know I have searched for these topics and finally I wrote on this topic with the hope of others like me may find solace and comfort from our unique struggles.

  17. Mobasshera
    05/27/2017 @ 1:35 am

    Wow I really enjoyed reading about your biracial story, am sure there is so much to learn there!

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/27/2017 @ 2:29 am

      Thanks for reading!!

  18. Lauren
    05/25/2017 @ 10:31 pm

    As someone of mixed race, (NZ Maori and Caucasian Australian) I am so thankful for people out there who have compassion and write these types of books.

    I was bullied all through my childhood because of my skin colour and background. Something I am very proud of.

  19. Diane Ruff
    05/25/2017 @ 6:34 pm

    Great Post! By the way, I nominated you for a Blogger Recognition Award! Check out the post here:
    https://littleladyinthebigworld.com/2017/05/22/blogger-recognition-award/

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/25/2017 @ 8:10 pm

      Diane, this is amazing! I read the post and what a WONDERFUL story you have. I am thankful for you including me amongst a very powerful and amazing tribe of bloggers!

  20. Anna
    05/22/2017 @ 4:10 pm

    Thank you SO much for sharing your family’s experience openly. Such an important topic and one that gets brushed aside too often. Hugs to you!

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/22/2017 @ 4:30 pm

      That means more than you know Anna. Hugs to you for your support on such a delicate topic that I feel so strongly about sharing. We have made so much progress in global world views thanks to the internet and books with brave trailblazers I admire. Yet too often, experiences like ours are hidden. I could not keep our story hidden anymore and was compelled to write it for people like me who searched for help when encountering these issues! Hope you share this not for promoting me, but to help others like me find their voices too. Together we are loud and strong and people cannot help but take notice!

  21. Lauren
    05/21/2017 @ 2:37 pm

    I am mixed race too, my mum is NZ Maori and my dad is white Australian. I had a lot of challenges at school and even in the real world when I get comments that I don’t “look Maori” or that I’m perceived as a liar because my sisters have blond hair and blue eyes.

    As a parent you can teach them all about acceptance and tolerance. It’s the outside world who think otherwise, and for a small child going to school, it can be very tough.

    The racism and bullying I copped, still affects me today

  22. Elena
    05/21/2017 @ 2:30 pm

    I see that you have been through a lot. I just think that ignorant people would ask to take a picture with someone who is different than them. I have never thought about anything like this before and I see that you are covering the issue very well.

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/21/2017 @ 5:23 pm

      I had never seen this either until it happened. Then I started talking about it and found others that could relate. It was lonely for a while until I started sharing and found people who also felt a similar way about these issues, whether or not they experienced themselves. There is power in dialogue, and also power in taking action. Thanks for your comment!!

  23. Shauna
    05/20/2017 @ 2:29 am

    Wow!! Bethany your family has been through so much from the world’s perception I truly appreciate your heart-felt writing especially your empathy on what your Husband has been going through and people of color. My family is extremely diverse My Mother is Puerto Rican and my Dad is African American. Yet, I have Hawaii, Caucation, and more in my family. We love how no one really looks alike we take great joy and pride in that. I speak Spanish and look more African American which confused folks growing up and caused a lot of discomfort for my siblings and I. We were brought up to treat people as we would want to be treated and we raised our children the same way…although the world is behind on such a simple act as respect for others no matter who they choose as a partner I’m so happy I only see ???? happy to connect and I ???? Lucy

    • Bethany M. Edwards
      05/20/2017 @ 8:24 am

      Thank you for the encouragement. It’s amazing how people’s expectations are so close minded unintentionally. You are so correct with the simple act of respect transcending race, background, and so much more. I am so glad I ❤️Lucy helped us find each other on the web so we can champion each other. ????