Remember last week’s poll asking with how many cultures YOU, Balanced Melting Pot readers, identify? If you recall, there were four answers (if you don’t, just go check out the original post). Readers chose the following:

4 or more – I’m a global citizen.  38%

1 – I’m a simple person.  23%

3 – It’s a long story.  23%

2 – I had two parents didn’t I?  15%

So, I guess it’s no surprise that the majority of readers identify with four or more cultures. What am I saying – that’s crazy!!! I thought I had a hard time managing 3…I can’t imagine what it would be like to add a fourth to the mix. For those of you who chose this, I would LOVE to hear more about your experiences and any advice you have on staying sane

I did have a better response with this poll, so it’s definitely something I’ll be doing more of in the future.

Happy weekend!!!

On our way to school, my daughter was telling me about a teacher at her school and when she mentioned her name (we’ll call her Mrs. C.), I realized that there was a man at her school with the same last name. This following conversation proceeded:

Me: Are Mrs. C. and Mr. C. were related?

Her: I don’t think so.

Me: Why not? They have the same last name.

Her: Well, Mrs. C. is brown and Mr. C. is pink.

Me: Oh, okay.

Now, I have gone out of my way to keep her from using the societal labels of black or white, so everyone is either pink or some shade of brown. I was glad to see that her impressionable mind still hadn’t been tainted, but I also wanted her to know that people within the same family can be different shades; heck, even different colors.

So, the conversation ended like this:

Me: It doesn’t matter if they are different colors. They can still be family.

Her: WHAT!

Me: Yup. They can be brother and sister, cousins, or husband and wife.

Her: I don’t think they’re married.

Me: thinking *I’m not going to go there right now* Okay, well maybe they’re related in some other way.

Her: Maybe you’re right. I’m going to ask them today.

*sigh* I guess at some point I’m going to have a more in depth conversation with her about race. But until then, brown Mrs. C and pink Mr. C will have to do

At what age do you think it is appropriate to explain American race relations to children?

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