The One Drop Rule

The "one drop" rule is also known as "our government is too lazy to change what's been done for oodles and oodles of years" rule. While that may apply to a variety of social issues, the one drop rule can also be found under that category.

Again, I get it. If you've never experienced it, it's likely not that important to you. When people can't relate, it's hard to be empathic. I understand, I am currently working on changing that about myself.

One Drop rule basically means that if you're any parts African American, you're thrown into that category. Recently I received a letter in the mail seeking information about myself in order for them to update their prospective juror list (fingers crossed that I am called for jury duty!....I know, who actually wants jury duty?! Weirdo, party of one!!). They ask the typical descriptive information such as age, gender....and ethnicity! For the first time I filled in two boxed.

The black box
         &
The white box.

According to the one drop rule, the person doing data entry will either roll their eyes and place me in the African American column or will chuckle...all while still adding me to the African American column. What if I had only checked the "white" box? Would I then have a warrant out for my arrest for falsifying a government document?!

I know what you're thinking. Why don't I just fill in the "other" box and then I won't be categorized as black or white. The answer is, I do. Sometimes. Honestly though, who wants to be an "other"? What does that even mean? You're not black, non-hispanic white, Hispanic, or Asian, but you're an "other". In the grand scheme of life it doesn't really matter. I still take my next breath and continue living. It's more about the principal. Most people who fill out documents requiring a check in the ethnicity box don't even think twice about what they are going to put. Their eyes are already reading the next question. Yet something as simple as checking which ethnicity I am, requires second thought and is yet another reminder that my circle doesn't fit in the square.

It's just food for thought.

When data and poll results are released about African American and Caucasian views on various issues, how many of those results include biracial statistics. I'm classified as black, but maybe my views correlate with another ethnicity. What about those who are Hispanic and white, or Asian and white? I would be willing to bet money that they are dropped in the Hispanic or Asian categories, and not white.

I love white people, but apparently it's damn hard to be considered white unless you're "full bred". We're quick to place people in minority categories.

Trying to change document wording would be a monumental undertaking that I quite frankly am not up for. I will leave that to the more powerful people who know how to advocate such change.

Bringing awareness is the goal. We preach different is a good thing and to walk through life colorblind, yet all important documents ostracize a large group of individuals. And let's be honest, people that are colorblind still see black and white and being different will always be considered non-conforming.

A biracial box never hurt anybody.