“just pick one”: stories of a biracial girl (author q&a)
In this post, Young Mormon Feminist Tinesha Zandamela answers the most frequently asked questions concerning the publication of her book titled “Just Pick One”: Stories of a Biracial Girl. You can purchase the book for 99 cents on Amazon Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/Just-Pick-One-Stories-Biracial-ebook/dp/B00YO2UZLO
Q: Why did you choose to write this book?
A: It’s funny; it took me a long time to be able to write this book. I was very convinced that it would only be beneficial to me. Growing up as a woman of color, your experiences are always discounted. White people’s experiences are the norm, and your experiences sometimes seem “too small” to matter. I think society teaches us to try to be small. I felt like that a lot, and so I ultimately decided to write this book to rise above that feeling. My experiences are important, and they have important implications for the way we view and discuss race in the United States.
Q: This book is just about your life. How is it relevant?
A: Each time I get asked this question, I want to just say “next”, because I’ve never heard anyone complain about books White people write about their lives. The stories I tell are able to put together a picture of what living as a biracial girl was like. After talking to other multiracials who also do not claim a monoracial identity, I have found that while many things differ person to person, that struggle of trying to be recognized and grappling with identity is incredibly common.
Q: Will you write a longer book?
A: Yes! Absolutely. When I finish my undergrad degree,that is my plan.
Q: Is this available in print?
A: Not yet. 🙂
Q: Do I have to have a Kindle?
A: You don’t have to get a Kindle to read this book. Luckily, you can get the free Kindle app on your computer, tablet, and phone – https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&ref_=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd
Q: How does your religion and your feminist views affect the way you racially identify?
A: They do not change the way I racially identify. However, I do believe I am a daughter of God, and I believe that I am strong and I can accomplish a lot of wonderful things. Those are two things I take away from Mormonism and feminism. So for me, understanding those two things play into the way I identify. My racial identification is important. It is important to me, and it is important to my Heavenly Parents. I have the power to talk about why it’s important, and I will.
Tinesha Zandamela is a biracial, 21 year old senior at Brigham Young University studying Sociology and French. She has written and spoken extensively about race and gender equality within the Mormon Church. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, research, and visiting art museums.
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