German | Ghanaian

Photo credit: Provided by subject

I identify as mixed-race, but more Ghanaian from a cultural point of view. My Mum is from Ghana and my Dad from Germany. They broke up when I was younger. Although my Mum is Ghanaian, at home we eat more German than Ghanaian food. Yet, there are some delicious Ghanaian specialities which I prefer the most, for example Jollof Rice or Fufu.

I think nowadays mixed relationships are no longer a problem and are accepted by most. However, in the past, mixed relationships were seen as something bad and described as a racial disgrace. 

During my 13th year of life, I began to think about myself, my origin and my affiliation. Looking at my skin colour, I was quite light compared to my twin-sister and my half-brother. So at that time I started to see myself as a freak who was neither Black because of his skin color, nor White because of his curled hair and his African roots. I remember the time in school where I've been called albino or half-cast. I thought both of them were insults. But my brother told me they were not. An albino is a normal human being as everyone else and a half-cast/half breed is just what I am, and it was not a shame or something bad to be different.

When I was 15, I visited Ghana, where I noticed that the people there were quite lively and happy. Furthermore, I learned something from my Grandma. Family is one of the most important things in life. My outlook on being mixed has definitely changed from a child to an adult. As you grow older, you learn and gain experience about life and about yourself.

At some point in my life, I no longer saw myself as a freak but as a mixed breed that could be proud of its origins. I don't think it is a bad thing to be different or not to feel part of a ‘group’. Since you should know: You are not the only one who is different. It's not a shame to be different, it's a blessing you should be proud of.