Third Identity

Download or read book Third Child: Blurred Identity written by Patricia Sizer and published by Patricia S. Carver. This book was released on 2020-03-10 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A memoir in which the author tells of two forces beyond her control, her status as the third of her parents' four children, and her status as a light-skinned African-American woman who is often assumed to be White by both the Black and White communities, leading to prejudice and alienation from both groups and a lifelong pursuit to establish her own unique identity. She also includes events which influenced the direction of her life. Her diverse ethnic background includes a White Confederate soldier, an African slave, and an Irish immigrant, among others. At a young age, she is shocked to realize the prejudice that exists within the Black community regarding skin tone. Interspersed with memorable and sometimes humorous events, she recalls the verbal and physical abuses she endured. Even within the family unit, there are tensions created by birth order. Her family struggles financially, and yet they maintain a loving home driving by strong family values, discipline, and hard work. A segregated society also contributed to the challenges she faced. Growing up in the South during the "Jim Crow" era of separate but equal, her elementary schools hmany times lacked basic equipment and supplies. In spite of this, she is able to succeed in life, but life also presents challenges.