Is It Better to Be Mixed Race?

Comments

1. This was a very interesting program, although I felt that simplifying humans to heterozygous and homozygous genes didn't prove much since there are so many other factors which contribute to our health, intelligence (etc.). There probably is a small genetical advantage, but I would say that the difference it makes is negligible. I am mixed race, my intelligence is due to my upbringing mainly- my mother is artistic and my father is mathematical and I am thankful that I have been encouraged in both these areas. I would say this would apply whatever the race. As for looks, I'm not a supermodel! Although some mixed race people are, but so are non mixed race. Healthwise, I feel I have no advantage and again, this is because of the condition in which I was brought up in. I don't understand why there is so much competition between who is better than anyone else. What's the point? Even if you're a 'super human' and live to be 300 what is there to gain? Socially, I think it is important to be accepting of different cultures, but you don't have to be mixed race to do so. However, just to reinforce that this was a very interesting program and it did make me think a lot, so thanks for doing it.

   Posted by dualheritage on 09/11/2009 10:46:59

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2. I found the programme to be of interest to me. I am the mother of a mixed race child(Ghana/uk) It was nice to see the programme from a parents point of view. i would have liked to have know more details of how my child may be 'genetically stronger' but this has left me wanting to research too. I also appreciate that there are other issues to address when talking of this topic but i think channel 4 answered the questions they originally intended to and that the series of prgrammes surrounding race, may have addressed other issues people may be interested in watching/dicussing.

   Posted by sally w on 08/11/2009 15:26:43

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3. I am of mixed heritage (black Nigerian father and white English mother), and have serious concerns about the motives and premise of Aarathi Prasad's seemingly well intentioned, though ultimately flawed film. She seems to view being of mixed race in some objectified awe, as if being parent to a mixed child qualifies her in some way to make such a documentary. This I seriously question, as her premise seems to be based more on a sentimental ideal fuelled by her daughter's existence that I feel is in urgent need of a reality check. Personally speaking, I could honestly care little whether being of mixed heritage embodies me with some scientifically calculated intellectual/physical advantage in the human chain, as this is rendered pretty much inconsequential in a society that has already stratified your position prior to birth; in the case of post-war Britain, being viewed as 'Black' in accordance with my visible brown skin and the kink in my hair, by which I have conveniently (or otherwise, depending on one's opinion here) chosen to define myself (I consider myself a human being first and foremost), with full acknowledgement of my white heritage. What would have made more interesting viewing, I believe, was some analysis also of the historical experience of mixed people in different societies, and the ways in which our identity has accordingly been shaped by each particular experience. A simple de-constructing of the racially mixed gene pool I feel is not enough here, least of all from someone who demonstrates at best only a facile understanding of race and racism in all of its complexity. Dr Prasad travels to Brazil for a case study of the 'ideal' melting pot, though only faintly touches upon the key issue. 'The rich areas seem to be full of white people', she observes, 'and it looks like the darker you are, the poorer you are;' pretty much a given, for anyone, like myself, who's travelled to said country. Far from skin colour being rendered impotent as a tool of oppression due to the high level of African, European and Native Brazilian inter mixing, those whose skin is darker have been unjustly made to suffer for their racial appearance. As Dr Rinaldo Periera poignantly notes, 'In spite of all the admixture we also have strong signs of discrimination and racism', which can be attributed to Brazil's colonial past as a former slave holding society; a point largely ignored by the narrator. Being of mixed heritage may indeed, qouting Prashad, lead to 'more robust mental health' (big deal, I say!), though conversely this could be used as a tool to justify sustained racial oppression; the kind of de-huminising logic European apologists for slavery used in the continued subjugation of African peoples, arguing the latter were better pre-disposed to withstanding the sub-tropical climatic conditions of the Caribbean and Americas, as if this was in some way pre-ordained. This documentary, I am convinced, would have been far better served by someone themselves of mixed (ie African and European) heritage; aware of the crucial life-shaping socio-historical dynamics at play, to ensure a more roundedly informed perspective, viewed far less in the abstract (however nobly intended), and in the event, more qualified in its final conclusions.

   Posted by A K on 05/11/2009 17:32:34

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4. I have always loved channel 4 for their thought provoking documentaries. What I find ptreety distressing as a black person is the fact the you claim mixed people a better(better in some cases or all cases).Mixed people find themselves in the median range they are more likely to better of healthwise due to the genetic mixing.Anything else(intelligence,mental agility and many more)is more likely be defined by the environment,cultural values, and exposure to many stuffs in life.As a Ghanaian in the U.K I have come across extremly intelligent well behave black people.It's unfortunate that I came to England and started hearing about rcial sterotying. Malcpm X and Rosa Parks considered themselves as black people dur to the era in which they were born and they did obviously experience more racial discrimination.As a 24 year old black handsome gentleman and well behaved, also studying biomedical science society is so ignorant to the extent that political,social and racial views have dominated our society.Sadly our politicians sit relax instead finding ways of increasing the rate of racial integration. Most mixed raced people of white and black heritage seem to have more balck feature with the "Afro hair"n but slightly fairer skin than most black people.What about a mixed raced child lookin black with with a white mother.Are they not qualify enough to mixed race?Is mixed race just based on phenotypic features and totally ignoring the genetic aspects? Channel 4 shouldhave being more precise on how better it is to be mixed raced? I think most mixed race benfit more genetically ability to withstanf fairly a large variation of illnesses.Cultural aspect of both sides cannot be dismissed as well. So I think whoever is ingahrged of channel 4 programmes should think critically and more objectively before phrasing headlines for documentaries.

   Posted by Llyod Dzokoto on 04/11/2009 21:22:06

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5. An interesting programme and some important discussion which I believe whether you agree or not is always important to express... It may have been more useful to explore the social side of race more - longer programme, or series perhaps, in conjunction with the hard science. Perhaps also it would have been interesting to look at not just dual heritage, but those who are really mixed (I am a mix of English, Italian, Indian and malaysian and my partner Native American and African American). One of the social aspects of being mixed is the confusion of your race and identity which is even more of an issue when you are a combination of numerous races. Although according to the programme this may help with genetics the social barriers (that were not given equal air time) prove to be much more relavent in our social world with regards to how they impact individuals.

   Posted by tess on 04/11/2009 21:04:20

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6. Please can anyone help me with the title of the beautiful background music played at the end of this documentary (Is it better to be mixed race?). Many thanks. Richard

   Posted by Richard Gunu on 04/11/2009 18:15:08

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7. I think this programme made a big mistake titling itself 'Is it better to be mixed race?' It would have been more accurate to have called it 'Are there genetic advantages to being mixed race?' which isn't as snappy and probably not controversial enough. Saying any race is 'better' then another is naive and unmeasurable. You would have to look seriously in the meaning of 'better' to be able to back up such a question, which the programme didn't. However, I thought the programme was fascinating and eye opening. The subject of mixed races is hardly ever brought up and I think it is going to become more and more of an issue as time goes by. It is good to see mixed race people on television identifying themselves as mixed race rather then just being black or asian as can often happen. By the way the comment on here that the white race is dying out is ridiculous and full of ignorance which is why programmes like this are important.

   Posted by Maria on 04/11/2009 08:06:43

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8. Here we go again. Another reason for mixed race people to potray their true nature of believing they are better than others. GOD HELP US ALL! Before you start group hating i am mixed race myself so ha please ssssshhhh. Can we have less: "i'm mixed race.....me too.................oohh my kids" blah blah blah. Can we all be analytical please!

   Posted by Lynne on 04/11/2009 01:18:35

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9. Though there MAY be biological advantages to having mixed heritage I think the more important advantages are the cultural and social ones. Being biracial myself, I can say that it has granted me the ability to embrace other cultures with greater ease than some 'pure' races can. I have been exposed to both English and Jamaican, both of which I am grateful to have experienced. As far as humans are concerned and can percieve, we only live one life and to break free of the constraints of a single culture in my opinion makes life more worth living. One thing which I was not comfortable with while reading through the comments was Noel Elliv's statement that mixing is becoming excessive!!! How can there be any numerical limit that can be imposed on the birth rate of people of any particular race? I just think that the comment is in truth quite rude and irrelevant. Native Americans were essentially forcefully pushed to the brink of extinction by Europeans. Nobody is forcing Europeans to have children outside of their own race and in fact it is done so through choice! What I will say though is that attempting to PROVE scientifically that any race is superior is asking for trouble and spits in the face of the advancement that humans have made in terms of embracing other cultures. Another issue with being mixed race is the ever prevalent tendency for some races to selectively categorise mixed race people. From experience I have noticed that black people exclude people of mixed heritage when it suits them, but when a mixed person achieves something then they are deemed 'black'. Classic examples: Obama, Lewis Hamilton etc. In school I was teased by black boys for having a lighter shade of skin but when I achieved good grades, I was then classed as a 'black achiever'. On the other hand white people tend to describe anybody of ANY skin tone other than white as 'black'. During the presidential elections I could not help but notice the constant reference to Obama as the first 'black' president. The underlying issue is that mixed race people should be acknowledged as being so instead of being categorised by some people of 'pure' races. Overall the programme was interesting and I liked the fact that it challenged political correctness which often stifles culturally sensitive research.

   Posted by Zavian Pennant on 04/11/2009 00:41:00

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10. What a fabulous and interesting programme. My boyfriend and I watched it and found it fascinating.It's very relevant to us because we are a mixed race Englishcouple; I'm from a Latin American background and he's from an English anglo saxonish background and one day we might have children together. This programme was accessible and easy to understand because it was based on science rather than any "agenda". At the beginning I felt quite uncomfortable watching it,with the weight of this society taboo about race. We place a lot of importance on the political and social and economic implications of race. Sometimes with good reson, sometimes not. I liked the perspective that Dr Arathi brought to this debate, it's such a fresh, candid and helpful approach to think about the real benefits of mixing races. I'm now quite intrigued and will definitely watch more Channel 4 programmes on this topic.

    Posted by Marie on 03/11/2009 23:12:33

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11. wooo! its greattt thatt mix race people are being given this oppertunity to have a say for a change! when people talk about racism they think, oh blacks and whites. But were ALWAYS forgotten about! I'm half zimbabwean and half english, but know little about Zimbabwe, quite tanned but could be seen as just european. Live in a very white orrinated city and feel like i have to chose between the black 'lifestyle and music' and the white ' lifestyle and music' its difficult, when your familys more black and your friends are more white!! but i am in top sets at school and aiming for A,A* and B's in my GCSE's. i'm one of the only mixed raced students in my school, and the other who recently left has gone on to a good college. My brother also mixed race is doing a degree, compared to my white friends, mixed raced people seem to have a better work ethic and get further in life. I geuss its good, we get the best of both worlds! but also the worst. Where ever we go, we wont really fit in, either too pale or too dark. But racially intergrated familys are only a way forward, and we have to learn from the past and realise why things have changed. i hate the BNP tbh. ;)

    Posted by JadeChris on 03/11/2009 21:16:04

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12. Although the programme wasnt exactly negative, I found it should've explored more on social views as well as science. And it annoyed me at how excited the presenter got when being told its better to be mixed race, as if her daughter and other mixed race people are automatically superior. What I find interesting about being mixed race is the fact that theres two cultures there, which is a cool thing but,Im not mixed race, Im a 17 yr old Black girl, and I find it annoying and sometimes quite offensive when people claim their race is better than any other and that their race is more beautiful, strong and healthier, which is what the programme was doing, so to me being mixed race is no better than being a 'full' race, saying that about ANY race will make another race feel inferior which has been shown how many times and still is shown today. People who are not mixed race shouldnt be made to feel inferior because of this and mixed race people should be made to feel either. No race is better than another.

    Posted by LaLa on 03/11/2009 19:05:31

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13. The UK Channel4 show "Is It Better To Be Mixed Raced" made a number of important errors and omissions. Firstly the comparison of white vs mixed race stress levels in Brazil was unscientific as it did not compare the stress levels of mixed race people to those if black populations in poor areas of Africa. Also factors such as social cohesion among the poor vs the paranoia of the rich can play a big part in stress, as can acceptance of ones situation. So the mapping of stress levels to heterozygousity was too misleading and incomplete to draw conclusions from. The fact that mixing benefits white people the most as whites come from the narrowest gene pool, while it benefits blacks the least as the worlds black population is highly heterozygous and represents 90% of the world's genetic diversity, was also overlooked. Also overlooked was the fact that the the benefits of genetic diversity through mixing only lasts one generation and is then diminishes if mixed race people mate with eachother or with whites. Yet the heterozygic benefits increase if they then mate with blacks, due to the diversity in the black gene pool. So in reality the benefits of heterozygousity are more relevant for whites, Asians and Indians who mix Africans (in that order) than they are for Africans who mate with non African's. From the chart shown at the end of the programme the increase in heterozygosity in mixed race people is very small compared to amount of heterozygousity already present in black people. But the hetetozygousity of a mixed race people compared to their white parents is very large indeed. Basically the further from African one is the better the genetic benefit to your child of you mixing with an African. Yet the genetic benefit to Africans of mixing with other races is either non-existent or negligible, since Africans already possess the benefits of a high degree of genetic diversity. If you think about it, surviving as a group for so many tens of thousands of years should result in a greater range of genetic adaptations compared to those who have only done so for much less time. That the principle of the genetic advantage of diversity was known in ancient times, is demonstrated by the fact that after the the royal families of Egypt mixed with Eurasian royalty at the end of the New Kindgom, the priesthood of Thebes/Luxor made it law that future pharoahs must choose a wife from among the daughters of kings or priests of southern Egypt and Northern Sudan. At this time the people living along the Nile valley contained most of the, already genetically diverse, African groupings that later spread out to populate the African continent. So the potential longenvity and health of unborn future kings was improved by drawing on the most ancient and therefore diverse gene pool. This approach when implemented by European Royal families only resulted in-breeding, due to lack of genetic diversity among Europeans. Ultimately what the heterozygic theory demonstrates is that the African gene pool is by far the most significant gene pool in the future survivability of mankind. Also given the lack of diversity in white peoples genes the black gene pool will always be far more diverse that the gene pools of mixed race people also. Some mixed race people may possess heterozygousity equal to or higher than Africans but as a group the diversity of the mixed race gene pool will always be less than that of the African gene pool due to the limited diversity European or Asian genes present. It seems mixed race couples and people are unwitting agents in the re-allocation of the material and genetic resources that the other race needs. The question is how will the terms, of this trade between the races evolve, now that the information on the genetic advantage of heterozygousity in mixed race individuals and African people both individually and as a group is out there.

    Posted by Amen Ra Neter on 03/11/2009 18:37:53

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14. A very well presented and thought provoking program about the possible benefits of human genetic diversity. Perhaps the program could have focused a bit more on the cultural benefits of mixed heritage. For example, I would imagine as mixed children benefit from two different cultural backgrounds they are much less likely to hold racist or intensely nationalistic views.

    Posted by AJ on 03/11/2009 18:11:30

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15. Thank you for an excellent programme & all the positive comments that everyone has placed here. I am white but I have honestly always been envious of my many mixed race friends who have twice the influence of diverse cultures, cuisines, family history and languages in their lives. I feel that by coming from only one racial background you miss out on so much that can help to make you a person of interest and understanding. We are, after all, one family in one world united by a need for love, home & kinship. The more we mix, the more we are exposed to, and the more we learn.

    Posted by clara on 03/11/2009 17:39:11

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16. In your programme you state that the mixed in brazil are in shanty towns in brazil because of discrimination, but the same cannot be said about mexico where the mestizos are the majority, and they are a third world country. You state that it is best to have as wide a variety a mix of genes as possible, but would it be better to introduce a broken allele for breaking down alcohol in your liver into your population? Also, sometimes the reccessive traits which require homogeniety are beneficial, for example, blue eyes are a recessive trait, not only is it beneficial in finding a partner, but scientists say that it also improves ones time-planning ability and they tend to be more studious and strategically minded, so in surfing or banking or golf, blue eyed people make a majority. In terms of female beauty, wider eyes are recessive, thinner noses and lips are recessive, fairer skin is recessive, thin wavy fair hair is recessive. Although you state that mixed race models are becoming increasingly common, realistically, the vast majority of heart-throbs for girls like chace crawford, zac efron or robert pattinson are of northern european descent and many film stars like kirsten dunst, scarlett johanson, malin akerman and reese witherspoon are of scandinavian descent, mixed race celebrities are people whose features we can more relate to due to the fairer traits being recessive. You had a list which showed traits which were more common in particular ethnic groups, I could only spot skin cancer for europeans. I do think that there should be some mixed race children and people, but I think its gotten to a point where its excessive, with the birth rate of europeans near all time lows and immigration, the unique features which make europeans europeans may disappear.

    Posted by noel elliv on 03/11/2009 17:02:16

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17. This is fantastic! I have mixed race children and they have already faced discrimination in their peer group at the ages of 7&5. To be able to say to them they are special and have an advantage will counteract the negative comments and influences they encountered. Will definatly be letting them watch this.

    Posted by Zelda Angir on 03/11/2009 14:22:37

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18. I liked the programme and was pleased to see people who call themselves 'racially mixed' portrayed in a positive light. But I have misgivings about what I would call the objectification of a normative hypothesis i.e. that diversity is always better. At the start of the programme the presenter mentioned that you cannot mix anything that isn't separated in the first place, isn't there a danger then that by suggesting that being mixed race is better, and that that is an 'objective' fact, maintains by default the radical separation of races that got everyone into so much trouble not so long ago? Isn't it then the case that if we were all mixed race (which we all are) scientists would then, using finer measurements, proceed to distinguish hetero from homo as much as was done in this programme? Wouldn't we be back to square one?

    Posted by Simon on 03/11/2009 14:04:21

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19. Channel 4 do it again, and ask the questions that others choose to run away from. As the programme highlights, we are a very young species so our difference is miniscule compared with our commonality. Differing ethnicities have been mixing as the human species has spread across the globe for many millennium. There is only one race, the human race. The sooner we accept this the better. There are many ethnicities within the human race, but these are influenced by geographic, economic, social and other factors, which may result in health, education, etc, differences due to greater or lesser affluence We can use quasi-science to prove whatever we wish. An example of this is that more people of White Western European Caucasian decent die as a result of Great White Shark attacks each year. Is this due to these predators finding White European people more tasty, or is it as a result of the fact that White Western European Caucasians are disproportionately wealthier than other ethnicities, and have more leisure time available to spend swimming in warm waters where such predators live? As an Asian with mixed heritage, the odds may be in my favour, but I still do not think that I will choose to swim in such waters. Personally I am all for the mixing of ethnicities, as this creates a far more diverse and vibrant society.

    Posted by Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera on 03/11/2009 13:34:56

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20. I wish this was a two parter, with more discussion of the social science as well as the science. I suspect that most mixed race people (I'm one) get pushed to identify more with one ethnic identity than the other. I live a white lifestyle completely at odds with my Indian heritage, yet I 'feel' more Asian than white, probably because the experience of racism has made me feel that way. Perhaps that's also a factor of age, as I was born in the 1950s, when people could and did say outrageous things to my parents. But like others, I was pleased to be seen in a positive light for once.

    Posted by Soraya on 03/11/2009 11:22:07

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21. what a great show, intelligent and interesting. Liked the presenter, good to see someone who has the expertise and genuine interest for the subject present a show for a change

    Posted by bob on 03/11/2009 03:39:19

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22. I am half Jamaican and half Engllish (white) and I found this programme so insightful and thoughtful. I do believe that we have the best of both worlds as mixed race people, and I love it haha! If we look at Pedigree dogs it is true that mongrels suffer less health issues than Pedigrees. If cross-breeding in animals and hybrid in plants is proven to be beneficial for the offspring then why can the same not be said for humans? We are, after all, merely animals... CATHERINE JASAT: Haha "The future is beige!"

    Posted by panjea23 on 03/11/2009 02:08:10

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23. Just finished watching ur program and found it really interesting!i am from a diverse mixed background,from Asian(from what i know at least two diff countries),African and European backgrounds.I am South African,a 'coloured' south african to be exact,i would have found it alot more interesting if you pursude my community.I would have loved to see the rate of gene diversity among a community that streched back to the 1700s and to this day the majority of people still 'interbreeds'.What implecation do you think that would have on my community?

    Posted by lee on 03/11/2009 00:56:46

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24. I have just enjoyed watching this! My Mother’s English and my Father’s Indian, thus I could really relate to this rare type of documentary. It highlighted and celebrated integration, which I still consider a taboo in modern times. It made me feel proud of my ethnic background and wonderful to be of mixed-blood. Thank you for producing such a well researched and respectfully presented show.

    Posted by Tash on 03/11/2009 00:09:56

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25. I am white british and my husband is Egyptian. We are expecting our first baby and are very excited. Your program has been very insightful. We should all be proud of our race, colour, cultural background etc. Mixing the races can only enhance and expand this! Enjoyed your program immensely. Thankyou C4

    Posted by Sara on 02/11/2009 23:01:15

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26. As a daughter of a white English mother and anglo-Indian father, I enjoyed watching this programme. I have always been proud of both my heritages, even if others have sometimes thought it strange. I hope that programmes like this will help to open people's eyes (and minds) to the beauty of mixing cultures and races.

    Posted by beario on 02/11/2009 22:03:39

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27. What a wonderful programme. My mixed heritage (white and Indian) children are intelligent, beautiful, athletic and vigorous! My husband and I have talked about when it was likely that our ancestors diverged, how wonderful to know that 40 000 years of experience and evolution have come together again to produce our unique boys. There is nothing sinister or wrong with mixed heritage children, indeed the exact opposite is true: not only the valuable mixing of genes, but the blending of cultures and the sharing of values and tolerance. I wonder if Aarathi Prasad was inspired by her love and pride for her daughter to produce this programme? I know that I am bursting with love and pride for my delightful boys every time I look at them. The future is beige!

    Posted by Catherine Jasat on 02/11/2009 21:49:30

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28. I loved the show! I am a Korean and my husband is white. So, my daughter is a mixed-race. I always suspected that mixed race people are better off ever since I learned the benefits of cross-breeding in animals and hybrid in plant breeding when I was little. This show strengthened my belief.

    Posted by Yana on 02/11/2009 21:27:02

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29. fantastic show! i'm irish (and white) while my fiancee is canadian (and indian), so i'm all for mixing races. and i think this show proves heterozygosity is a good thing.

    Posted by ed on 02/11/2009 20:49:16

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30. So glad a programme on mixed race was scheduled by C4. We are finally acknowledged as something positive and not negative.

    Posted by Sadie on 02/11/2009 20:44:32

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