“Mixed-ish” Trailer Highlights the Complexities of Race and Identity

“Today’s mixed kids can look up to rappers, ballerinas, athletes, a president and a princess. The only heroes we had were DeBarge.”

This was an interesting point made by Tracee Ellis Ross’ character Rainbow Johnson during the new trailer for Kenya Barris’ “Grown-ish” spin-off, “Mixed-ish.”

Due to colorism and Euro-centric beauty standards being dominant, many people see having lighter skin or biracial as a privilege without problems. There are benefits, but there are also obstacles to overcome like the ones featured in this trailer.

From Rainbow’s perspective back in 1985, things weren’t easy despite having a Black mother and a white father. Bow had to deal with not being Black or white enough to neatly fit in anywhere. She didn’t even know what being mixed meant. This coupled with the fact she was thrust from the comfort of her hippie commune into the “real world” made the situation trickier. The series will follow young Bow played by “God Friended Me” actress Arica Himmell along with her younger siblings and parents played by Tika Sumpter and Gary Cole through these challenges.

Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think.