Mongos

So-called "mixed" people in America are the fastest growing self-identifying demographic in the country.

I note "self-identifying" because if you say you are Irish or Asian or Jewish or Italian or, may the gods help us, "White," you are claiming something but you really don't know what you're saying.

Virtually everyone in America has DNA that is an amalgamation of numerous genetic combinations going back thousands of years. Those of us who call ourselves "mixed" are often claiming the past few generations back of blended ethnic heritage between our parents and/or grandparents, etc.

My wife likes to point out that "we're all from Africa." I like to think that we're all just a bunch of confused Americans who don't really know what the idea of actually being individuals is supposed to mean.

Key characters in Sound Effect Infinity, though, are mixed-race people. They get the problem of racial identity. The story takes place nearly two generations from now in 2052. By that time in our future, there will not be a "majority" group in America. The main reason for that, could well be due to the fact that the fastest growing self-identifying group are blended people who refuse to treat the idea of single sourced individuals as anything other than a goofy fantasy or language game.

By then, the story goes, that group will be known affectionately as Mongos, which is a version of Mongrel. I am personally, along with many others, proud of knowing that I am a blend of so much. I am willing to think of myself as a Mongo. Definitely now some tint or hue that isn't even real yet to so many.

Nothing is simple though, even if we stop being so silly about people's heritage. Read the book and find out.

Thanks for reading.