Most Americans tend to be mixed race, whether the mix is all from European descent or from multiple continents and cultures. Yet, each person’s individuality tends to be overshadowed by their given stereotypical identity.

“I mean, everyone is different and we should embrace that. I do not think we do that enough,” freshman Hannah Rozenson said.

Having an Asian-American dad and Caucasian mom, I have had multiple people ask which side I identify with. The thing is, this question is extremely difficult to answer. Who ever said biracial people had to pick a side?

Sometimes, we are simply deemed the one that shows up most to the public. For example, the President of the United States, Barack Obama, is half African-American and half Caucasian, but is typically called African-American for lack of a better word.

However, genetics are split half mom and half dad, and not one or the other is more or less. That is a fact. Why can the rest of the world not see that?

“We all kind of find ourselves during childhood, so having to label yourself before you even know who you are as a person would be pretty hard,” freshman Thea Ferdinand said.

Even on forms and surveys, people are still asked to pick one race to identify with. No young person should have the responsibility to choose between two parents.

“Stop labeling and start living, just like Cara Delevingne has in her Instagram bio. Judging people is natural, but it is also natural to be kind,” said Ferdinand.

As a mixed girl myself, I ask, please fix this. There is no shame in asking someone their race, but be courteous and respectful. Do not try to label a book by its cover.