Multiplicity And Race – An Ongoing Controversy
Within the plural community on Tumblr, there is a lot of controversy regarding multiples who’s race is different than that of the physical body. For some reason, this argument holds solely to multiples who’s race in headspace varies from the body which is always white (or at least we have yet to see anyone argue anyone not white bodied but who is white in their headspace is wrong somehow). We are going to be breaking this argument, myths associated with this argument, and the consequences of said argument down.
The Myth Of I.D.ing As “X” Race
People who make this argument maintain that the people who say they are “x” race in headspace are somehow also claiming to identify as “x” race in meatspace as well. This is simply not true, and here’s why.
When a person I.D.’s as a certain race, they are making a statement of fact. They are stating the race for which they were born, but there is so much more to identifying as a certain race than just your skin tone. There is also that which they’ve inherited as a person of that race, the culture associated with it, certain dialects, certain styles of dress and hairstyles and so on, as well as the continual problems of racism and cultural appropriation. To identify as “x” race is to lay claim to all of that, plus other important aspects of said race.
The people who say they are “x” race in their headspace are not laying claim to those experiences or to that heritage or to those societal issues. They are not claiming to experience that which the people of that race experience. They are simply stating a fact of identity, an identity that is different from that of their collective identity and of the way people perceive them.
The people who say this realize they have “white privilege”. They know they don’t have the right to culturally appropriate the cultures associated with “x” race. They know they do not face racism or cultural appropriation. They know that, even though they are “x” race in headspace, they are still perceived as white and always will be.
Note: If a person is using “I am ‘x’ race” to culturally appropriate other cultures or to excuse such behavior, you have the right to (and should) call them on it. However, a statement of being “x” race in headspace is not an action, nor is it actually appropriating anything. It is a statement of fact, nothing more.
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