The Beiging of America, Personal Narratives About Being Mixed Race in the 21st Century

THE BEIGING OF AMERICA, BEING MIXED RACE IN THE 21ST CENTURY, is an anthology edited by mixed-race scholars Cathy J. Schlund-Vials, Sean Frederick Forbes, and Tara Betts, featuring narratives from 39 contributors, including poets, writers, and activists, who explore the complexities of interracial life in the U.S. The collection addresses themes such as discrimination, self-identification, colorism, and childhood memories, reflecting the lived experiences of mixed-race individuals and challenging traditional racial constructs. Inspired by Hua Hsu's 2009 article on changing demographics and interracial marriage, the anthology highlights the frustration of contributors who often face the question, "What are you?" This underscores the ongoing significance of race in a society that claims to be post-racial. Overall, THE BEIGING OF AMERICA offers a profound exploration of racial identity and alienation, emphasizing the intricate realities of mixed-race experiences and delivering an empowering message to readers.