How much of each ethnicity would I be?

My mom is white. My dad’s dad is black but my dad’s mom is half-black, half-white. So, I’m guessing my dad is 3/4 black and 1/4 white. What would that make me and my other siblings?

Answer #1

Hi crazyforspongebob,

There is a lot of weirdness in this. Whenever the ethnicity of any person is discussed, there are cultural differences between countries. And historical differences, too.

Read this article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_drop_rule

I think in the early 1900s in USA you’d be considered black. In Brazil, people might consider you white, because there’s more white in you than there is black in you. In South Africa, people yould say you’re colored or mulatto.

I’d say, first of all, you’re 100% human. Everything else is mostly irrelevant.

If you want to come with exact numbers, get a genetic analysis or do genealogical research. You might find out that among the ancestors of your dads (apparently black) father there are actually several white people. You might find out that you’re 98/128 white-european, 12/128 black-east african, 16/128 black west-african, 1/128 native american and 1/128 japanese. Or anything other unlikely combination.

But then: what use would that be? What good would it do you to know about that. You’re still you. And you still look the way you look.

I’d put it simple: If you want to have an indication for your ethnicity, pick any that feels right. So if you want to be called a mixed-race person, then tell people you’re mixed-race. If you want to consider yourself black with slightly white influence, then do. If you want to consider yourself white with slightly black influence, then do. If you feel black, you’re black. If you feel white, you’re white. You are what you feel you are. Period.

Answer #2

I do agree with you rotten sheep but I want to know because I’m proud of my ethnicity and want to know more about it. I love learning about cultures and I would want to know more about each ethnicity/nationality. :]

Answer #3

Your dad is 3/4 black and 1/4 white, like you said. You divide that in half and add it with your mom’s ethnicity cut in half. From your mom you are half white, from your dad you are 3/8 black and 1/8 white. That makes you 3/8 black and 5/8 white.

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