My novel, “Of Mixed Blood” was based on events that happened during the ’60’s. During that time frame, children of mixed blood were abandoned by nearly everyone. Mothers were ostracized and suffered social stigma.
Mixed blood children are treated as pariahs, shunned, ridiculed and locked out of jobs and schools. Mixed blood children had a high drop out rate in schools.
Blood is the determinant in defining Koreans. They consider themselves a nation of pure blood. However, times do change and even they are becoming more multicultural these days. The Korean government has opened up several multicultural family support centers to offer help on education and vocational training.
It is noted that the terminology such as pure blood and mixed blood used in Korea by the government is widespread and may reinforce the concept of racial superiority. Yet, there are Korean criminal law provisions that may be used to punish those that practice racial discrimination but has never been used.
Hines Ward, former NFL player is of mixed blood. In 2006 he donated one million dollars to help more children of mixed blood.
There have been improvements since the ’70’s when mixed blood children were spat upon, beaten up and couldn’t go to school. Improvements are still needed.
Ron Penczak 