German | Ghanaian

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My parents met in the UK. My Dad was training as a doctor and my Mum was a nurse in the same hospital at the time. This was the early sixties. I don't think they ‘combined’, but rather showed huge respect for each other's cultures. So we grew up getting both cultures in pretty much ‘unadulterated’ form: food, Christmas, language, visits to Grandparents, etc. It was an exposure to both sides.

I think I learned the cultural differences quickly and tried to respect those cultural norms wherever I was. Fortunately, quite a lot is ‘universal’, but there are some differences also, for sure. I don't know if that means I ‘hid’ my identity, but definitely there was an effort to respect the norms as much as possible without ‘selling oneself out’.

At a deep level, I don't really accept the concept of interracial, since I believe we all belong to one human race and the sooner we abandon those thought patterns, the better. At the same time, I do recognize that there is a widely accepted narrative of ‘separate’ races which I need to respect at some level and acknowledge in my communications with others. Fundamentally, I believe if both sides accept each other as humans first and foremost, and not as something ‘exotic’ and ‘daring’, then there should be a good chance for the relationship to survive the irritable pressures that will come from the outside.

Overall, I do think that things are slightly easier for interracial couple in this day and age, but I don't know whether things have changed too much. I think being ‘biracial’ (a term I fundamentally reject) has forced me to take a deep hard look at a very nasty aspect of human nature. Although a very painful process, I do believe I have been enriched, ultimately, by this. I believe my perspective is of value, since it is born out of a love and respect for ‘both sides’ of this conundrum we have set up in human societies.

Fundamentally, we need to raise our mentalities to the point where we see each other as humans, first and foremost. The concept of different races is by my definition, racist, and therefore a dead end as regards dealing with the issue. This might sound naive, I know, but I have spent a lot of time thinking about this and logic, truth and my own humanity (existence) don't allow me to come to any other conclusion.

I have lived for long periods of time in both worlds. The experiences have definitely broadened my outlook, while some aspects have been very painful. Now at my age, I realize that I have my own viewpoint, which has been shaped by my very unique circumstances and it is impossible for society at large to fully accommodate my perspectives, since I am unique. I have come to accept this as a fact of life.

At a high level, I would say that my mindset evolved as follows:

Childlike innocence (I am a human)

Horror of realization (these people hate me because of my colour/background)

Period of Struggle (deep introspection and painful self-analysis)

Liberation: Return to original truth (I am human first and foremost)

If I had the opportunity to be reborn I would return as a butterfly, just to enjoy God's wonderful creation for a while, with no thought of anything. I realize that my viewpoints may appear somewhat strange, but I always try to be honest with myself and others, and this is how far it has brought me at the age I am now. It is possible and likely that my thoughts will continue to evolve, of course.