As I grew older and learned how to talk about being in the Mixed experience, I found it was very important to keep my sense of humor about some of the conversations I had. To that end, I have also started a collection with a nod to my mixed roots as an adult. I started collecting zebras and mules and lately pandas. It’s silly, but fun. How do you like my mule. His name is Otto. Get it? Mule Otto? Do you have a silly collection that nods to your mixed roots background? —Heidi Durrow
Key & Peele: “This prize means belonging.”
Mixed Remixed Festival honored Key & Peele with a Storyteller’s Prize in June 2014. It was exciting to hear biracial celebrities we adore talk about their own Mixed experience. The Storyteller’s Prize is presented by the Mixed Remixed Festival to artists, scholars, activists, organizations and community leaders who illuminate and celebrate the Mixed experience. The complete Storyteller’s Prize presentation featured many talented performers including Khanisha Foster, Aaron Samuels and Mya Greene. Video footage of the show will be posted on our You Tube page. You can see Key & Peele’s acceptance speeches here:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/IrsXHId3eRo?list=UUNJXzxVW32o6p66tL9ySX2w[/youtube]
[youtube]http://youtu.be/D7VRVQgbDvE[/youtube]
Mixed Remixed Festival Friday Funny
If you follow us on Facebook, you know about our Friday Funny posts. Here’s the complete collection we’ve posted so far! Have a happy chuckle!–Heidi Durrow P.S. You can also find the gallery of images here.
The Problem with the “What are You?” Question
We recently asked you on Facebook what you hate most about the “What are you?” question. Here are some of your answers:
- “The way some people say it and look at you as though you’re from a different planet. Lol”
- “Nothing. I would rather be something different than something easily categorized.”
- “For me, it’s not the question. It’s the look of disbelief like I’m lying. Like “are you sure?””
- “If it’s asked early on in a conversation it is off-putting to me because I think they are trying to size me up based on racial stereotypes. If they ask me after we’ve been chatting for a while, about something relative such as history or culture or my personal experiences, then I don’t mind it.”
- “The inclination that I am nothing if I can’t be defined.”
- “It is a blessing to be asked because people cant pigeonhole u. If they ask, its a compliment. Rather than assuming.”
- “Sounds like you’re not “human.””
What do you think? — Heidi Durrow
What It Feels Like When Your Whole Identity Isn’t Recognized
On Learning How to Talk About Being Mixed in a “Non-Mixed” Crowd
I realize that sometimes people wonder why I’m talking to them about the Mixed Remixed Festival. What does it have to do with them if they’re not mixed? Well, this video explains how I learned the importance of talking about the Mixed experience in a “non-mixed” crowd. I hope you’ll check it out.
And please donate!