The Interracial Experience: Growing Up Black/White Racially Mixed in the United States (Hardcover)

by Ursula M. Brown (Author) "Throughout the history of the United States, children of black/white interracial couples have struggled with acceptance and racial group membership questions..." (more)
Key Phrases: racial status laws, interracial people, racial group belonging, United States, Black Power, Civil War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The number of black-white mixed marriages increased by 504% in the last 25 years. By gathering hard data as well as a series of intensely personal and revealing vignettes, Dr. Brown offers a rare glimpse into the lives, struggles, frustration and joys of mixed race people. She investigates psychosocial issues unique to mixed race children. Also, experiences that influenced their adjustment in a country that has subjected them to racist abuses from the white as well as black side of the racial divide and has shoehorned them into a racial category that denies half of their physiological and psychological existence are explored.

About the Author
URSULA M. BROWN is a psychotherapist in private practice in Montclair, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (November 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275970469
• ISBN-13: 978-0275970468
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,850,884 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From a Parent of an Interracial Child, February 18, 2001

By A Customer

As a parent of a mixed race child I have been troubled by the extreme lack of research and literature that addresses the adjustment of mixed race children. This book finally addresses this gap. The author highlights the unique emotional and social needs of interracial people. I found her discussion of experiences in the family, community, school and dating that help or undermine the adjustment of interracial children particularly helpful. I enjoyed hearing about their longings, ambitions, social lives and love relationships. I was also very pleased that she challenged some of the myths that have tainted the image of interracial people. The stories of the people the author interviewed are extremely poignant and so is the analysis and interpretation of their accounts. I learned a lot of new information from this book. Most of all, however, it helped me to better understand the needs of my child.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tremendous Book, January 3, 2001

By A Customer

The book is a wonderful discussion of the factors that influence an interracial person's racial identity. Some books I have read on this topic were nothing more than an individual's reflections on the issue. Other books were too scientific and uninteresting. This book, however, is an incredible mix of excerpts from dozens of interviews with interracial people, as well as an on-point analysis of the import of what they are saying. The book also speaks to many things that interracial people think and feel, but seldom discuss with others.

I am glad someone wrote this book as it relates to far more than just black / white mixes. Indeed, it relates to any racial or cross-cultural mix.

5.0 out of 5 stars intriguing book, January 20, 2001

By A Customer

i enjoyed this book immmensely. everyone should read, especally those of mixed heritage. the book helped me understand issues that i went through and showed me that i am not alone in my struggles as an interracial person.