Discrimination and Multiracial Families, Research Paper Example

It is clearly evident that, some disciplines including family science are widening the scope of research to encompass more diversity. Additionally, there are many individuals and organizations that are advocating for increased acceptance and equality for marginalized communities. However, there continues to be judgment, intolerance, and differential treatment, socially and within public policy. The family portraits in “Of Many Colors” are a clear indication of prejudices which are a manifestation of common experiences for members of multiracial families (Gigi, 1997).

In “Of Many Colors” family photos and interviews of family members, including small children, teenagers as well as adults are presented with a theme of bridging racial divide as a result of their involvement in active interracial relationship as well as adoption (Gigi, 1997). According to the perception of race by many, it is usually considered as a formidable barrier among people, thus hindering their healthy interaction. However, the richness as well as the value that is associated with diversity has been cherished by many people, thus being embraced in their lives as a basis of multiracial families (Roger. 1995). Out of these multiracial families, a lot is knowledge concerning racism and racial identity has been learnt and acquired (Choi, Harachi, Gillmore & Catalano, 2006)

Great strides have been made in prevention of bullying courtesy of “Of Many Colors” and its wide use in communities, schools as well as college (Gigi, 1997). In these institutions, safe environments have been created through development of empathy and cared among students, their teachers as well as the entire staff fraternity in these institutions. “Of Many Colors” is therefore an incredible resource in prevention of bullying as well as addressing adverse behaviors associated with bullying in many global venues (Gigi, 1997).

Multicultural children in society are notable epitomes of the effect of diversity in society. The children and their parents appearing in “Of Many Colors” express the experiences of their relationships in live in a candid manner and the steps taken in addressing issues related to race. “Of Many Colors” is very resourceful to the parents in their efforts of teaching a wide array of family life that ought to be adopted by their children. Teachers also benefit from “Of Many Colors” as they dig deep in to racial as well as identity concepts (Gigi, 1997).

In my opinion, I suggest that all efforts aimed at breaking the barrier that exists between people of different racial background and color should be supported. This is a significant development in strengthening an anti-bias commitment that has proliferated in many learning institutions nationally and internationally (Alethea  & Andrea, 2013).

Conclusion

In a nutshell, discrimination and prejudice are particularly serious problems with serious implications to a wide array of people in the society (Alethea  & Andrea, 2013). The affected person, the discriminator as well as the entire society are all affected equally by discrimination and prejudice. However, the effects of discrimination and prejudice can be reversed using a number of steps that can be adopted. The starting point is obstructing the occurrence of discrimination and prejudice before they prevail. All people must play an active role in identifying amicable solutions to discrimination and prejudice to make the society less judgmental while making the people more comfortable being what they are.

References

Alethea, R. & Andrea, G. H., (2013). “Racial Socialization of Biracial Youth: Maternal Messages and Approaches to Address Discrimination”, Family Relations

Choi, Y.,  Harachi, T. W., Gillmore, M. R. & Catalano, R. F., (2006) “Are multiracial adolescents at  greater risk? Comparisons of rates, patterns, and correlates of substance use and violence between monoracial and multiracial adolescents”. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Vol 76(1), 86-97.

Gigi, K., (1997) Of Many Colors: Portraits of Multiracial Families. University of Massachusetts Press.

Roger. D. H., (1995). “Developing Biracial Ethnic Identity: A Review of the Increasing  Dilemma” Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development Volume 23, Issue 1, 29–38.

Volume 62, Issue 1, 140–153.