LEARNING TOGETHER: The Story of America
Mulatto is an old term used to describe a person who has a parent that is Black and a parent that is white. In the past it was considered an offensive term. Today, at least in American, this term is rarely used. It’s been replaced with terms such as mixed, mixed race, biracial, multiracial, multi-ethnic, or Black. However, mixed race people (Black parent and white parent) are hardly ever called white. Why? Some self-report themselves as Black, some are assigned Black by society (simply put if you look Black, you are considered Black), some experience the same level of racism as Black people (both parents are Black), some are raised in Black households, etc.
During slavery in America a person who was three quarters African and one quarter European (or the opposite) was considered mulatto or quadroon, or quarteron. Mulattoes were more likely to be house servants. They were treated better than the other slaves (those 100% African or Black or with darker skin). Mulattoes were considered more intelligent, beautiful (especially the women) than the other slaves. Some mulattoes viewed themselves as better than the darker slaves.
This problem of colorism still exists today in our society, including in the Black communities where light-skinned Blacks are valued over dark-skinned Blacks. Remember, that it wasn’t that long ago when Black people used the “brown paper bag test” to discriminate against darker skinned Black folks. If you were darker than the bag, you were not allowed into fraternities, sororities, clubs, jobs, schools, even some churches. Fortunately, this indoctrination of Black people is loosening its grip. We are beginning to embrace the beauty of our Black skin regardless of the shade.
The usage of the word mulatto can be traced as far back as the 16th century. Mulatto is a Spanish and Portuguese word mulato, or mula (meaning mule). Offensive. There was some weird belief that mulatto people were sterile similar to how mules are sterile. However, the term mulatto is still used in other countries, such as Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, etc.
Mixed race people make up 6.9 percent of population in America.
Noteworthy Fact(s):
The “tragic mulatto myth” were fictional stories in books, magazines, and movies about mostly mixed raced women who lead troubled lives while passing for white. She was selfish, self-loathing, and a seducer of white men. Hated by both races. Her life usually ended in some tragic way.
In the not too distant past, you could easily find ads for employment that would ask specifically for light-skinned Blacks or mulattoes.
OUR HISTORY MATTERS
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