Is it okay to tell someone that’s mixed race that they aren’t really that race (read context below)?

I’m mixed...I’m often told I’m not really this or that and not gonna lie...it bothers me (doesn’t define or inhibit me, but yet- it sticks in the back of my mind). It makes me feel like I’m too light for one side and too dark for the other that neither are willing to embrace me as their own. Ppl don’t dare have the audacity to tell someone that’s mulatto that they’re not black so why is it okay for someone to say this to me? What do I say back?

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SW-User

It bothers me too. I'm told that I can't claim to be anything but white since I don't look Asian despite being half.
However, I think it's true. Mixed comes with it's own experience that "full" isn't going to understand. And it's possible that being mixed prevents fully understanding. Maybe it's better not to argue with them about it.

DecafD

@SW-User I get that and I never argue that I have it or experience things the same as being full. I’m just so dumbfounded when it happens that I can’t say much. People make rude comments if I eat and like the food or understand the language and can say a few things back as if their culture was so secret and reserved only for pure breeds. But also best believe if you or I ever got famous- those haters would be the FIRST to be like omg that’s my people! Lol

SW-User

@DecafD Ha! Good point. People always do.