In an era defined by unprecedented migration trends coupled with globalization and interconnectedness, the fabric of society is increasingly woven with threads of diversity. From bustling metropolises to remote villages, the world is witnessing a remarkable convergence of cultures, ethnicities, and races. This convergence has given rise to a rich tapestry of multicultural, biracial, and multiracial trends that are reshaping societal norms, identities, advertising, and challenging traditional boundaries. From Athletes that look like Naomi Osaka and others participating in the Olympics, to the realm of politics; Donald Trump told journalists on Wednesday that his presidential opponent Kamala Harris “turned Black” for political gain, multi-cultural, race, and identity are impacting our society.
Embracing Diversity in Urban Melting Pots
The 21st century is witnessing a seismic shift in demographics, with migration, globalization, and technological advancements serving as catalysts for the intermingling of cultures and races. Multiracial children represent one of the most rapidly expanding segments of the U.S. population, reflecting a profound shift in the nation’s demographics. Over the last decade, there has been a 276% increase in the population of multiracial people in the United States. This surge is propelled by the growing prevalence of interracial marriages and relationships, alongside a rise in transracial and international adoptions. Nowhere is this more evident than in urban centers, where the confluence of cultures creates vibrant “melting pots” or “salad bowls” of diversity.
Cities like New York, London, and Tokyo have long been celebrated for their cultural kaleidoscope, where individuals of different ethnicities and backgrounds coexist and thrive. Looking at the U.S. specifically, Justin Guest, an associate professor specializing in politics and government at George Mason University’s School of Politics and Government, highlighted California’s prominence as the top state for interracial and intercultural marriages in the United States. He described California as a “pioneer” state due to its early actions in repealing anti-miscegenation laws in the 1950s, preceding the landmark Loving v. Virginia ruling that struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriages.
Similar mixed-race population trends are seen in the U.K. The 2021 Census revealed a significant 40% increase in the number of people identifying as ‘mixed/multiple ethnic groups’ since 2011. This growth is accompanied by increasing diversity within the mixed-race population, with various combinations of ethnic backgrounds represented. This has several important implications. First, migration and the development of new diverse communities create new entrepreneurial ecosystems in goods, products, and services such as food, travel, books, and hair products to name a few. These all create positive externalities for new businesses. While London has emerged as the primary center for mixed-race populations in the U.K., significant mixed-race populations are also found outside the city. As the world becomes more diverse, documenting and sharing mixed-race history across the globe is crucial, calling for greater representation and recognition of mixed-race experiences in public discourse. More importantly, this can create space for communities to gain a greater sense of cultural competence, tolerance, and greater acceptance to become better global citizens.
Biracial and Multi-Racial Identity: Navigating Complex Identities
One of the most profound manifestations of this global trend is the rise of biracial and multiracial individuals who straddle multiple cultural and ethnic identities. In the past, such individuals often faced challenges in reconciling their dual heritage, grappling with questions of belonging and identity. Other cultural issues may stem from feeling the need to choose to belong to a certain cultural group over another based on the existing majoritygroup.
On a Sunday in Taichung, Taiwan, my family and I were crammed into a mall elevator when a six-year-old boy pointed at my nephew Quisan, who is Black, and exclaimed, “外国人”, or “foreigner” in Chinese. Although the boy clearly meant no harm, his comment had inadvertently revealed to us society’s deeper struggle to adapt to the increased presence of multicultural families within Taiwan, as well as the rest of the world.
Sonia Smith Kang, the visionary behindMixed Up Clothing, hails from a diverse background with an African-American father and Mexican-American mother and shares insights into her journey of multiracial identity. Growing up, she recalls grappling with a sense of otherness, realizing early on that her physical appearance and language set her apart in her predominantly white community. “Entering school, I felt the difference immediately. Being my first time speaking English and residing in a predominantly white area, I could sense the uniqueness of our family,” reminisces Richard Kang, Sonia’s husband and a first-generation Korean-American.
Navigating their interracial marriage brought its own set of challenges. While Sonia’s parents welcomed Richard with open arms, the adjustment was more nuanced for Richard’s parents. “I was determined to marry Sonia, irrespective of my parents’ reservations,” Kang reflects, echoing a sentiment shared by many in similar situations.
Their children, raised in a multicultural environment, proudly identify as multiracial, honoring the diverse heritage of both parents. The Kangs have made a concerted effort to instill in their children an appreciation for each culture, utilizing literature and films that mirror their family’s background. While they strive to create a nurturing environment at home, Sonia acknowledges the hurdles her children face outside their doorstep.
The Kangs’ story resonates with countless families navigating the complexities of multiracial identity. As they continue to embrace their unique cultural tapestry, their journey serves as a beacon of resilience and unity in an increasingly divisive and diverse world.
In today’s increasingly inclusive society, there is a growing recognition and celebration of diverse identities. Biracial and multiracial individuals are embracing their heritage, forging unique identities that draw from multiple cultural influences.
Similarly, raised as a Chewish (half Chinese, half Polish/Russian Jew) boy in a predominately Gentile neighborhood, Jason Kingdon, I learned how to embrace his multiethnic identity by coming into myself. Jason notes this entailed being cognizant of where he defined himself antithetically against those around him and where he forewent idiosyncrasy to amalgamate. He also needed to understand how he was nurtured. To framework the way his parents raised him, he actively sought out his immediate family’s war-torn legacy and how it shaped our traditions that kept cultural norms alive. This is how Jason learned to build his base of self by understanding his exogenous influences and internal drivers.
“For me, in short, it was about taking the time to learn about both cultures, encouraging exploration, and respecting their unique blend.” -Jason M. Kingdon
Fifty Shades of Black
In the sitcom Blackish, Anthony Anderson (known as “Dre”) debates how the N-word can or should be used. Jack, Andre’s son said the n-word at school quoting a Kanye West song and faces suspension for it. Dre examines the way the word is used and towards the end of the show he articulates that the “N” should only be used by people who are black, and as he is going down the list of Junior’s friends deciding who can and can’t say the N-word. There are two white kids who he clearly says not to but there is another friend who looks mixed and so Dre as he looks at the mixed kid says, “I need to see your Mama.” The point here is increasingly diverse communities are redefining identities so that there is no one monolithic notion of Black, Brown, and the list goes on, Black comes in many different shades, colors, shapes and sizes and no one can define your black identity. I remind my children (Francis and Mia) who are both black and Asian about this often.
Breaking Down Barriers: The Power of Representation
Representation plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes towards diversity. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort across various industries to promote diversity and inclusivity in media, entertainment, and advertising.
Television shows, movies, and advertisements now feature a more diverse array of faces and stories, reflecting the multicultural reality of our world (Figure 1). This increased visibility not only validates the experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds but also helps to break down stereotypes and foster greater understanding and empathy across communities.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Progress
Despite the progress made in embracing diversity, challenges persist. Discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequalities continue to hinder the full inclusion and acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, educators, institutions, and civil society to promote equality and social justice for all. An important first step is for educators to promote more diverse story-reading books in curriculums starting in elementary school but continuing through middle and high school. More importantly, to mandate study abroad at the undergraduate level would be an invaluable experience for all students, as some universities are finding.
Nevertheless, the trajectory is promising. As years pass, the world becomes more interconnected, and the boundaries that once divided us continue to blur. In this evolving landscape, diversity is not merely a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of our shared humanity. From Crayola’s Colors of the World campaign to Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, brands are harnessing the power and importance of multicultural trends sweeping across the globe, reshaping the way we perceive identity, community, and belonging. As we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we must also recognize the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding. By embracing our differences and celebrating our shared humanity, we can build a more equitable, tolerant, and culturally competent world for future generations to inherit.
Special thanks to Lorena James for contributing research, editorial edits, and pictures for this article. I am especially grateful to Neal Hejib, Serena Li, and Jonathan Hong who provided content, quantitative data, pictures, and read numerous drafts for this article.
