People who define themselves as mixed-race recognize the look and they’ve come to expect the question: What are you? In our Race-obsessed nation, if a person doesn’t fit nicely into a single-category identity box, undoubtedly it causes a commotion.
In March 2008, Lori Tharps and Tesia Barone created ?RU, a line of hip and funky clothing and accessories that challenges people to wear their identity in style. ?RU products redefine normal with items that are beautiful to behold and just a little bit different.
“?RU products are for anyone who chafes at identity boxes,” said Tharps. “And for anyone who wants to redefine normal,” echoed Barone.
?RU
October 17, 2009 by Kate
Huh. I’m not sure how I feel about the “mixed to perfection” one, at least for my 1-year-old. It always strikes me as random and weird enough when total strangers remark on her as if she’s a combination meal. But some of the t-shirts are pretty fun.
I had somewhat mixed (no pun intended) feelings about the clothing. I liked the playful sense of pride in one’s identity, but I’m not entirely sure what I think of all the results. I’m interested in others’ thoughts.
I think my favorite was “b + w ≠ gray.”
I liked the playful sense of pride in one’s identity
Yes, I liked that too – growing up adopted, I couldn’t really take my identity too seriously, because as a Korean with a Hungarian father and a Polish/Swedish mother, it was just ridiculous. When people asked “what” I was, or wanted to know “where’d you get her?” my dad often said, “well, you know, if you put a Hungarian and a Pole together, you get a Korean. Where do you think they came from?” – Which was amusing at the time because he was clearly mocking these nosy people, but then, I also wonder if it allowed them not to take their thoughts and questions about our family seriously, too.
And I am legitimately proud of and slightly amused by my daughter’s mixed heritage, but me making jokes about it is somewhat different than encouraging other people to do so, know what I mean? I was kind of uncomfortable when a friend of ours referred to A. as “your little UN baby.”
I definitely know what you mean.
hmm.. interesting