In my experience children born of AM/WF relationships are more inclined to acknowledge their Asian heritage than children of WM/AF relationships. It's just one man's experience based on about a dozen people but I do see a pattern. I wonder what other people have noticed. I'm guessing that the father has a big influence on a child's identity if the parents stay together. Let's be honest. Even modern, first world societies are still patriarchal to a degree. A child's name is also a factor. If your name is Chen or Nguyen you'll be less inclined to deny your Asian heritage. It's kinda like a stamp of Asian-ness on you and people will ask you about it. If your name is Russo or Edwards you may be more inclined to "pass" as white.

Personally, I'd want my children to acknowledge that they're biracial. Exactly how they work out their sense of identity I'd leave it up to them without putting on any pressure.

btw - I don't know any Asians with black or latino mothers so I won't comment on that. I don't mean to exclude.

This depends on many situations...but u r right, basically the golden rule is that if the Dad is Asian then the kid will feel almost completely Asian (if not looks, at least spiritually). Usually in a stable marriage, the male is the dominating factor in the child's identity. If I ever have a kid with a non-asian, I will indoctrinate him/her to be Chinese first...and whateva second. They will worship the same ancestors that i do....

Oh how "considerate". Would the kids' mother like it that you diss her culture and origine like that? Maybe she would have something to say about the kids' cultural heritage

If my kids won't be allowed to learn my share of their cultural heritage, I get a divorce and take them to my country to learn about my culture
MY culture is not "whateva" hillbilly jerkass culture. My culture is FINNISH CULTURE!!!



But before I think of divorce, I want to teach the kids to be bicultural and appreciate both sides of the culture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin

Honey-bunnyyyy...

my kids know their heritage but they pretty much look white. if asked, they will tell you what ethnicities they are but to them its not important. to them theyre just kids.

I am not saying my kid won't be allowed to learn his mom's culture. In fact he/she prolly should. But that doesn't mean I am any less determined to instill my cultural identity onto him/her. Ultimately, it's the kid's choice.

Then you'd be happy to see how Kristi Yamaguchi and Bret Hedican named their daughters

Kristi Yamaguchi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Let's not forget John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Sean Lennon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now you got me thinking. I'll make a list. I knew of a few Asian/black kids when I was younger, but don't know what they're up to now.

L1- daughter of AF/WM: Can't be more Asian if she tried, dating Asian guy.

L2- daughter of AF/WM: Super-Asian in community service, learning languages. Married to AM.

M1- daughter of AF/WM: Hangs out with lots of Asian ppl, dates openly, culturally neutral.

M2- daughter of AM/WF: Hangs out with other hapas, culturally neutral, scores points for always being extra nice to me.

A1 and S1 - daughters of AM/WF: still young, but has no exposure to Asian culture.

D1: daughter of AF/WM: Brags of her Korean Irish mix as she drinks every guy under the table. Culturally neutral, dates openly, scores points for being extra nice to me.

So nope, theory doesn't work with the people I know.

Well, I don't think the middle name is nearly as significant as the last name. Do you know the middle names of most of your friends and co-workers?