My Perspective on Race/ White Privilege

Being a bi-racial Black woman has given me a unique perspective growing up. Although I am bi-racial, I identify as socially and politically as Black. Historically bi-racial Black individuals have endured the same struggle of all Black people and continue to do so today. Many people would say that because I am bi-racial, that I can only identify with my heritage in part. Some put emphasis on the fact that I am "half" white and others on the fact that I am "half" Black. The problem with this idea is that I am one person that can not be split in two, I am a mixture of both.

As stated before, I identify socially and politically as Black, because in the history of the United States any individual of African descent has been viewed as Black and endured the oppression that comes as a result. Although my mother is white, I do not benefit from white privilege. I can not reap the benefits of a white male hegemonic society without denying my Blackness. Some people would argue that because of my lighter complexion, I can "pass as white", but by doing so I would be denying who I am and the experiences I have had being the daughter of a Black man.

I am looking forward to going to Ghana with a racially mixed group. I think the fact that this trip is happening and that it happens annually is a reflection on how far the University of Texas has come. I am interested in how the Ghanaian people will see me, a very light tan woman with blue eyes and an afro, and how they will see others. I think the entire trip will be an enlightening experience on how the concept of "race" functions outside the United States.