As our world grows increasingly interconnected, relationships between people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds are multiplying. As a result, multiracial identities are on the rise — in the U.S., more than 10% of the population now identifies as being of two or more races, and in states like Texas, this applies to nearly one in five people. But behind the numbers lies a more complex reality. While often seen as a symbol of openness or progress, mixed-race identity does not automatically erase inequality or lead to acceptance.

This is the central message of Léwis Verdun’s incisive work Mixed-Race Identity: A Strength or a Difficulty?, published in the REGARDS CROISÉS collection by Five Minutes. Through a rigorous approach combining sociology, psychology, and up-to-date demographic data (2021–2025), the book offers a balanced, evidence-based synthesis of a topic too often oversimplified or idealized.

Inspired by this analysis, we explore a broader yet essential theme: how can institutions, healthcare systems, and media better recognize and support multiracial identities? Because mixed identity is not an answer in itself—it’s a lived reality that requires thoughtful engagement.

The Myth of the “Happy Mix”: Between Erasure and Expectation

For years, mixed-race identity has been portrayed as the antidote to racism — a harmonious solution to ethnic division. But as this book reveals, this overly optimistic narrative often conceals systems of power and specific forms of discrimination experienced by multiracial individuals.

Drawing on studies published in Frontiers in Psychology and Mental Health America, Verdun shows that many mixed-race people experience deep identity conflicts — a feeling of never being “enough” for one group or another, struggles with self-definition, and external pressure to conform to imposed racial categories.

In many public institutions, the inability to tick more than one racial box continues to erase multiracial realities, both administratively and symbolically. Instead of being embraced as a strength, mixed heritage can be seen as a “problem of classification.”

The “happy mix” myth, even if well-meaning, masks the complex emotional landscapes, micro-aggressions, and systemic inequities experienced by multiracial individuals. Deconstructing this myth is key to creating genuine understanding and recognition.

Multiracial Identity and Mental Health: A Hidden Vulnerability

Multiracial individuals do not form a homogeneous group. Still, consistent patterns are emerging in clinical and longitudinal studies: a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

According to an analysis published in The Milbank Quarterly, multiracial young adults face greater psychological distress than their mono-racial peers. This is often tied to unstable identity anchors, lack of community belonging, and frequent exposure to conflicting social stereotypes.

In a world where mono-ethnic norms still dominate, hybrid identities are sometimes viewed as “abnormal” or “undefined,” resulting in subtle yet persistent psychological strain.

Verdun therefore calls for inclusive mental health policies that recognize and address the unique experiences of mixed-race individuals. This includes training for mental health professionals, improved diagnostic tools, and better data collection to reflect this growing demographic more accurately.

Resilience, Creativity, Adaptability: The Strengths of Mixed Identity

Despite the challenges, Mixed-Race Identity: A Strength or a Difficulty? is not a pessimistic book. Quite the opposite: it also highlights how many multiracial individuals develop exceptional psychological and social skills that can be major assets.

Among these strengths, the book identifies:

  • Adaptability: the ability to navigate diverse cultural spaces

  • Creativity: a unique blend of perspectives and cultural references

  • Resilience: early exposure to complexity leads to strong emotional coping

  • Intercultural competence: skill in mediating between groups

These qualities are not just personal traits — they are also strategic assets for organizations, schools, businesses, and governments. As such, multiracial identities deserve active recognition, not just passive “tolerance.”

Toward a More Inclusive Society for Multiracial Identities

To better support mixed-race individuals, Verdun proposes a range of clear, actionable ideas — which we summarize here:

Practical Recommendations:

  • Improve data collection: allow individuals to select multiple ethnic identities in administrative and medical forms

  • Adapt mental health services: integrate multiracial identity issues into training for psychologists and social workers

  • Deconstruct dominant narratives: promote diverse and accurate portrayals of mixed-race experiences in media and education

  • Recognize unique life paths: avoid both the erasure and the victimization of multiracial individuals

The goal is not to separate multiracial identity from broader racial justice struggles — quite the opposite. It must be fully integrated into anti-racist policy frameworks, as it reveals the persistence of racial hierarchies in societies that claim to be “post-racial.”

This critical yet accessible perspective makes Verdun’s book a vital resource for rethinking public policy, social inclusion, and mental health in an increasingly diverse world.

Discover Mixed-Race Identity: A Strength or a Difficulty? now on Five Minutes!