Gina Heslop
Paris Jackson, the daughter of the famous singer Michael Jackson, recently shared why she identifies as a black woman. Although she appears white, Paris explained that her father always encouraged her to embrace her African-American heritage.
She remembered him saying, “You’re black. Be proud of your roots.” This statement from her father made a strong impact on her and shaped how she sees herself.
When Paris spoke about identifying as black, it sparked mixed reactions. Some people supported her, appreciating her acknowledgment of her black identity.
Others, however, were skeptical because of her white appearance. Wendy Williams, a well-known media personality, mentioned that even though Paris identifies as black, people still see her as a white person.
This brings up the challenge that many white-presenting biracial individuals like Paris face. They may identify with their black heritage but do not experience the same discrimination as those who are visibly black.
Paris’s experience sheds light on the difficulties white-presenting biracial people encounter. They often struggle with understanding their own identity and how society views them.
Even though they acknowledge their black heritage, they might not face the same systemic oppression that visibly black people do. This situation calls for recognizing the privilege that comes with appearing white and the importance of understanding the broader issues of systemic racism.
Paris’s story emphasizes the need to recognize the complexities of racial identity. It highlights how important it is to understand and address the different layers of racial experiences.
By sharing her journey, Paris is encouraging a conversation about racial intersectionality and the need to work towards a society where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their appearance.
