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I don't like the term "bi-racial" or "mixed" either, all of humanity is mixed; the term is superfluous. In fact I like biracial even less because it implies a mixing of characteristics that are arbitrary and randomly inherited. This is why one sibling can come out looking 100% Black (using your terminology), and another can come out looking 100% white--but they are both bi-racial?! The people I was thinking about who are very dark but have straight hair live in southern India, as well as other parts of the world. I assume you would put this young lady in the "Black" category, since she has naturally straight hair. I would then have to presume kinky hair is not a requirement for being Black. Of course, I could provide additional examples of humans without broad noses, thick lips, and or even dark skin, that you would probably call Black, or not, depending on your arbitrary definition. But I doubt any of this will have any impact on your belief in race, you as well as most people since to want to rigidly adhere to the belief in race. @Cynique, has anyone ever asked you "What are you?" As in what is your race. The question may sound pretty innocuous, but what they are really trying to determine is what "race" you are, so that they can associate all of the characteristics of that race too you. It is a lot easier than actually getting to know you. Over time I hope humanity will come to embrace reality, and dispense with archaic racial categories, and the resulting prejudice and bigotry that accompanies it. Perhaps without racism as a distraction, we can deal with our real enemy.

@Troy It's the most natural thing in the world for black people to say they are discriminated against because of the visible physical characteristics that set them apart from Caucasians who happen to be in control. Why? Because this is their reality. Yes, it is demoralizing but it is borne out by the racism they encounter in their day-to-day lives. What is accomplished by attributing this discrimination to a "social construct" except to make those who claim this feel like they're more in the know than others. Black folks don't need to be told that their oppressors are full of BS they just need to figure out how to deal with this and it's more positive to celebrate what makes them different from others instead of what makes them the same as everybody else. I meant that because sociology and biology deal with people they are not as consistent as the science of mathematics or physics. (And I get my information about being able to tell a person's race from things like hair strands and bone fragments from all of those true crime forensic programs I watch. ) No, DNA does not tell the complexion color but it detects other racial markers. And superficial traits like big chests are genetic rather than racial so there is no danger of them being used to reinforce racism, especially since big boobs are considered an asset. And, no, I don't know any dark-skinned people from the continent of Africa who have straight hair. (Caucasian South Africans don't count.) Just like I don't know any Asians with blue eyes. And the obvious answer to your question about what I call myself would be "mixed" . I have light skin but my hair is not straight or my features keen. Why is it that you can't wrap your brain around people being bi-racial". The whole debate about race is really an exercise in futility because it deals with too many contradictions.

Yes using each other's sites they way we try to use social media, as long as both sites link to each other it is all good. If someone discovers say, your review of VL Towler's novel on AALBC.com they can discover your site (and so can the search engines).

@Pioneer1 We are engaged in a discourse that is simply a difference of opinion, beliefs that are drawn from personal experiences or generalities stemming from popular misconceptions. In retrospect, I tend to agree with you about Brittany who, although very articulate really did little more than recycle what had already been said, or did she offer any academic credentials to qualify her as being an authority on the subject. But, the fact that you didn't challenge her says more about you being intimidated than about her being presumptuous. @Troy I don't think using people whose race can't be identified by how they look is relevant to your argument because these "hybrids" are a mixture of different races. Let's talk about a pure African or a pure Caucasian or a pure Asian, specimens who all exhibit stark differences in skin color, hair texture, body type, and predisposition to certain conditions, and who can be distinguished from one another through their DNA. And a lot of this controversy has to do with terminology. Maybe the definition of race should be changed to align it more accurately with actuality. What eyes perceive should not have to defer to what words say. And maybe the attempt to discredit racial classification is also a social construct.

I know that it is a very strong possibility that this will never be read,however I have been in LOVE with this book FOREVER. Sadly I can not find one under $379. If I could afford it I would have it, NO DOUBT. I've tried to hint about it being a nice birthday present. But with the economy as it is I don't think that will happen. Should anyone know where I can get a decent copy at a more reasonable price please email me at sajby55@gmail.com I know this may sound silly to some but I have always felt that it was one of the most beautiful LOVE STORIES that I ever read.