Pale Sunday is a Brazilian indie pop band. They're from Jardinopólis (15 km… Read Full Bio ↴Pale Sunday is a Brazilian indie pop band. They're from Jardinopólis (15 km far from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo). The band was originally formed by Luiz Gustavo (bass, vocals), Sineval Almeida (guitar) and Fabrício Cantoni (guitar, producer).

They have two releases on Matinée Records, an EP from april 2003 called "A Weekend With Jane" (matinée049) and a full album from april 2005 called "Summertime" (matcd037). Pale Sunday also have songs on two Matinée compilations, "Matinée 50!" (matinée50) and they also play a cover of The Smiths on the album "Romantic and Square is Hippy and Aware" (matcd030).

On february 2007 the band announced they were disbanding and even played a last show, at Penelope Club (Ribeirão Preto, SP). At april 2007 they announced a new line-up, with the additions of Tiago Fuzz (guitars) and Gustavo Az (Drums).

With this new line-up, for the first time in it's history, the band have made several gigs on later 2007 and early 2008. Nowdays they are composing the songs for the long awaited new EP.

Sunday Morning
Pale Sunday Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sunday morning I will meet Pam
The sun shines so bright, the blue sky don't lie
Sunday morning light

I walk through the empty Sunday morning streets
The wind blows so warm, the sunlight can't hide
Sunday morning light

I wonder, what a perfect (Sunday) morning
I could lay down on the ground, say to everyone around:
Feel this Sunday morning light!

My dear Pam, can you feel this morning light?

I'm sure that you do, anyway I'll share with you
All this Sunday morning light

Overall Meaning

The song Sunday Morning by Pale Sunday is a tribute to the beauty of Sunday mornings. The lyrics describe the singer's excitement to meet Pam in the morning and the beauty of the day. The sun shining brightly and the blue sky add a positive and optimistic atmosphere to the track. The first verse sets the scene of the empty streets, and the wind blowing warmly present feelings of freedom and possibility.

The second verse emphasizes the beauty of the morning, with the singer wondering at the perfection of the day. The song brings out the graphic imagery of the singer wanting to lay down on the ground, feeling the warmth of the sun, and sharing the feeling with everyone around him. The chorus emphasizes freedom, love and beauty of the morning as the singer sings to his love in the person of Pam, urging her to savor and enjoy it as much as he does.

Overall, Sunday Morning by Pale Sunday is a song that appreciates the little things in life that we tend to overlook, and the power of love to make everything feel just right.

Line by Line Meaning

Sunday morning I will meet Pam
On Sunday morning I have plans to meet with Pam.

The sun shines so bright, the blue sky don't lie
The bright sun and blue sky indicate that it is a beautiful day.

Sunday morning light
The light on this Sunday morning feels special and different.

I walk through the empty Sunday morning streets
As I walk around, the streets are unusually empty and peaceful on this Sunday morning.

The wind blows so warm, the sunlight can't hide
The warmth of the wind and brightness of the sun cannot be ignored.

Sunday morning light
The light on this Sunday morning continues to feel unique and special.

I wonder, what a perfect (Sunday) morning
I am struck by how perfect this Sunday morning feels.

I could lay down on the ground, say to everyone around: Feel this Sunday morning light!
The feeling of this morning is so amazing that I could lay down and tell everyone to experience it.

My dear Pam, can you feel this morning light?
I ask Pam if she is also feeling the special quality of the morning light.

I'm sure that you do, anyway I'll share with you All this Sunday morning light
I believe Pam already feels the same way, but I still want to share and enjoy the unique Sunday morning light with her.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

01the white tambourine2:48

02Mary3:38

03Sunday Morning1:57

PT1M57S

Pale Sunday

04Twiggy Superstar2:43

05My Punk Girl1:31

06Never Fall Apart2:55

07She'll Never Be Mine2:24

0819782:56

09A Safe Place3:18

10Strangeways3:36

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Darna Gutter

I too am mixed. Allow me to encourage you to live life on your own terms.

Don't take this "passing" thing too seriously. No one has the right to cast shame or guilt upon a person for identifying with their duo heritage. It is your God given right.

Historically bi-racial people, like Jews, were in life and death situations that led to the choices they made. No one has the right to judge them.

The term "passing" is an evil persecution in my eyes. No one has the right to make anyone feel ashamed or guilty for identifying with either culture of their parentage.

Movies on this "passing" subject are propoganda to fan the flames of hatred against mixed people. If you have ever watched one, noticed how they always demonize the mixed person.

I feel a duty to educate and liberate mixed people to not be taken in by this shame game ideology of "passing". It is an evil persecution.

All comments from YouTube:

Rachel Derenoncourt

2y↑1.3K

Why is the black experience always compared to the homosexual experience? I don’t have to tell anyone I’m gay but everyone knows I am black immediately.

La S

@Tasha Xi Damn really, now I gotta watch this

Gre Thi

@KevenTalks you're wrong

Love of Sciences

@Ya momma then you didn’t listen Hall directed this for her mother because she didn’t know or accept who she was

Oedhel Slater

@Rachel Derenoncourt I had a whole response but decided you weren't receptive to anything other than your own perspective. So I'll leave you with this:

From my experience as a white man, you're embodying everything black people say they aren't. Maybe you should ask yourself if this cliché angry black woman is productively encouraging intercultural communication or if you're just venting your own racism.

No real response needed because I think anyone who sees your comments can tell what your real motives are.

137 More Replies...

Marsha Beamon

2y↑518

My Dad and his siblings were always being confused for Caucasians and could have easily passed but chose not to and it upset them when people made this assumption. They didn't want any part of the disparity of how whites treated blacks and the love of their heritage far outweighed the negative treatment they received...they didn't take the easy path and I so respect them for this!!

LaToya Parks

My grandpa could pass as well but never did… his mother was half black and white and his father was a white German.. and I think it’s because of this my family is all shades of brown and neither of us were treated different because of the color of our skin… my grandpa looked white and my grandmother was very dark skinned(the color of his mother)…my sister is very fair skinned with light color changing eyes and long wavy hair and if anyone ever commented on what she shouldn’t do because of her light complexion my mother would correct them each and every time… so in my family the darker skinned family members don’t feel any less than the lighter skinned family members

Glory Mosby Floyd

2y↑3

Kudos
Great ,strong lineage to descend from
Stay proud

L S

2y↑4

If you look a certain way people assume you are that way. It’s human nature; maybe not a healthy attitude but definitely not racist. Getting upset with those people doesn’t help anything, they’re not mind readers.

Natassia Edwards

2y↑8

Just like Fredi Washington the original actress from Imitation of Life such a poignant title

7 More Replies...

Nothing2SeeHere

2y↑820

Passing is NOT a thing of the past, it is still happening today.

Renata Lemus

It is. I always been told and i know i am not. So i just smile and feel a little awkward.

Vanessadora V Hill

@Abdulrahman Raheem .So true, Elvis Presley dam show stole black people music.

Tony G.

2y↑2

@Lee Irby agreed I have been saying that on other boards like kind can only bring in like kind

37 More Replies...

Dawn Washington

2y↑211

This whole concept of "passing" just highlights how much of a social construct race truly is.

Marcos Fontes

100 % true. The ""passing"" is alien concept in brazilan culture.

GrammiesSpirit

2y↑1

@Dawn Washington Hitler did it on hair and eyes

Nunayo Bisnez

It doesn’t matter whether or not race is a social construct. People say that as if it means race isn’t something to be contended with.

rich763690

2y↑1

@Dawn Washington People aren't grouped by skin color...their recognized by your dominant ancestral physics which gives insight incite into unique your ancestral origin.........
Your unique ancestral origin is real tangible quality that took hundreds of thousands of years for my ancestors to cultivate in their unforgiving environments without long lasting degenerative birth defects...........

5 More Replies...

Aaron Michael

2y↑184

I had a friend who passed in high school in the late 2000s. The amount of racism she was able to expose was incredible.

D_money

What is the late 2000s. You mean like 2009 or 2010 or what???? Because don’t put the year “2000” in it if you are referring to the mid 2000s which is 2007 onward 🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

Marcos Fontes

2y↑2

@JaeMe Bereal GOOd history. It Will was a great movie : The girl between two world. LOL . EXCUCE my poor english.

Ivy Jackson

2y↑2

@Frederick Griffith wow, great story.

JaeMe Bereal

2y↑3

I tried to pass, as. 9-10 yr old in the 60’s, in Southern California. A rural and racist area, full of trailer trash and poor immigrants. I wanted to look Mexican. It was pure survival on my part, because “I didn’t want to look ‘purple’” (My white grandmother thought that was soooo funny). Hated my face, would have cut off my nose & lips, to spite my face. Luckily, my Black grandmother found out, unluckily because she came to see me at school and I ignored her. I made it up in my mind that she was an outsider. Furious, she had me removed from my mother’s care, and put in my father’s, which was inner city ghetto. It was a HUGE change from being called a N*##ger to being a “white girl”. But that’s another story.

Frederick Griffith

2y↑1

@tamitam8 Yes I understand your point.I guess it's bordered on sarcasm.I was referring from a societal point of view.Because both parents ingrained in us to love who we are.And my maternal grandmother was such a beautiful woman inside and out.With beautiful dark skin.But because the mid 1960s was filled with so much raw racial hatred there were moments of hesitation in terms of self acceptance.I myself am a very fair African American.And I remember my darker skinned relatives telling me that I would be treated better.At the time I thought that was ridiculous.But as I look Back there were many subtle incidents that made me wonder.And unfortunately there was colorism in my maternal grandfather's side of the family.The love, support and encouragement seem to always come from the darker side of the family.These elders had such a remarkable sense of strength and humanity within them.Most were able to disguise their emotional pain inflicted upon them in public spaces But I began to understand the physical toll it took on them.That extra level of stress.I call it the Jackie Robinson syndrome.

3 More Replies...

SCORPIO NOIR

2y↑358

My sister is very fair skinned and she tells me about how people think they are complimenting her when they tell her how exotic she looks or when they tell her she looks like she can be mixed. She even had a boss tell her she could pass for Mediterranean for which she'd rather not pass for anything but be recognized as a black American with African ancestry for which she is. We come from a proud black family thanks to parents that taught us to love ourselves and everything it means to be black even in a society that may not agree or see our beauty. I admire the black people that lived in their truth even when they didn't have to.

Rick Myles

@Sandra Atkins um they can’t pass for black either. You cannot say majority anything unless you tested every black persons ancestry which you have not .

Spice Gyal Lili

@S thank you for articulating why I have always had an issue with the word exotic

Once again it’s looking from a white European perspective

Rick Myles

2y↑2

@Jocieemma you are still
Mixed . It’s ok to be mixed

Jocieemma

I’m fair skinned like ur sis and same here!! From ppl telling me I’m exotic- someone told me I look “Egyptian”. Like I’m proud to have black ancestry and to still have features that pop up.

19 More Replies...

ChiUp

2y↑670

The black experience is not the same as the homosexual experience and I wish it would stopped being compared.

lucindakristina

💯💯💯💯

Polo Black

Nina no it’s not

my name

Absolutely. It is an insult to compare the two

58 More Replies...

madree p

2y↑19

I am biracial and look racially ambiguous and am quick to correct someone when they assume that I'm not Black. I understand why some people pass, but it's something that I've never felt comfortable with, even when it's assumed. Part of me loves the look of surprise on the faces of people when I correct them because I feel like they're thinking 'why would she want to be Black?' All of my siblings are darker skinned with dark hair and I came out with a pink glow and red hair. And I love my Blackness. I could never pass. Intentionally or otherwise. I hope my ancestors would be proud. Their struggles weren't all for naught. Without them there would be no me. I have a tattoo on my arm that says I am because you were. I will never forget who I am.

Paulla Jackson

I am multiracial, but was adopted at birth. I know all about racism and being African American, Caucasian, and Latina, I had to deal with many things. I did not know my ancestry until recently and I'm glad I found out later in life so I could stand with pride for all my lineage.

Jus Living

2y↑441

Even the Schaumburg museum has an interesting story. The Founder of this Harlem, African American institution was a Latino gentleman from Puerto Rico named Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. He was way ahead of his time. He was a mixed race Afro Latino who was never shy about his Black ancestry and studied his full history & shared his findings with the world through his museum.

Carmen Goldilla

@Joanne his father

Carmen Goldilla

Maravilloso regalo que nos dejó Alfonso

Ileana Hope

@vee wilson ?

Ileana Hope

@Queennoneya. Puerto Rican ok

31 More Replies...

Sunrae McDonald

3y↑832

Passing isn't just a Black thing. My own Native American ancestors did some of their own "passing", sometimes being forced to "pass".

Cecilie Noble

@Heather Jones If their hair was not straight, then they would have had a mixture of another race! American Indians came from Asia, over 50k years ago! Their race has been mixed, like everyone else's!

We also had a tribe, that was blond hair and blue eyed! That tribe of Indians; are extinct now! They were of a European mixture; as well!
I doubt, very seriously if; there are any pure races..! As long as man has traveled the world, he will continue to create and put his DNA, where he lands! 🚢⭐🚢

latione2009

@Heather Jones this is in response to the opening statement. Some native Americans feeling the need to(or being forced) to “pass” because some who were darker were labeled as black which then brought the pain and torture black people endured. Nothing condescending about that… it’s fine to ask a question for clarification but maybe in the future leave the insults at the door? Because now you sound condescending to an opinion you honestly just needed further clarification or conversation on.

Heather Jones

@Cecilie Noble not all Indians have bone stra8 hair. That’s another misconception…

74 More Replies...

Jennifer Wagner

2y↑686

Imitation of Life is my favorite movie (1959 version). Mahalia Jackson puts me in tears every time.

Divine Diva

Yes, my fave.♥️

GrammiesSpirit

@Tanisha Reyes 🕊️

Keith Boyd

2y↑1

That movie was Deep a lot pain and truth came out of that movie

Tanisha Reyes

I saw that one too young. Broke my heart knowing what my own parents went through , but to know "it" was everywhere .... That vexed me. Definitely made me feel outside of both worlds looking in, wanting to fit SOMEWHERE. #TRAUMATIC to say least.

GrammiesSpirit

@Klondite I was very young when I watched the original and it has has an affect on my entire life..what happens, the sadness, if you just don't accept your truth.

70 More Replies...

Salvatoré

3y↑702

The first clip from that old movie where the black woman's daughter betrays her is heartbreaking

Have Faith

The newer version, "Imitation of Life" Mahalia Jackson .....whew sings at the end.

Frankie Lima

2y↑1

Was the actress really biracial?

Maria Stewart

@Daimon Mario Perez That's the version with Lana Turner and where the great Mahalia Jackson sang at the funeral in the end

xfiler2013

2y↑1

You need to see both versions of imitation of life . The original had Freddi Washington who easily could have passed but choose not to and the second version where Susan k played the daughter who looked white but was Mexican. Rita Hayworth was Spanish yet passed for white.

Riva

@Timothy Fitz Remember she said they had been looking for her for a long time. Probably thought she was dead and shocked, not trying to embarass her. And you have no idea what every family would never do. She could've shouted it, but she whispered.

96 More Replies...

2legit64

2y↑427

I've been told for years that I don't "talk Black" when I'm just speaking my mother tongue. I have a love for the English language and strive to speak it well. When I'm on the phone, it becomes very apparent that there are major assumptions made on the other end as to whom individuals think they are speak to. It's very interesting. Once an acquaintance of my sister was applying for a job as a high-school principal. The first interview was over the phone. When she walked in for the in-person interview, there were gasps in the room when the interviewers saw a regal Black woman. Without skipping a beat, she said, "Yes, I do sound thinner over the phone." Heh. That was a woman who knew the drill and was prepared for everyone's discomfort.

Helifano Dobezanozi

@R R I would argue that it is most openly spoken about by members of the Black community. However, there are literally thousands of Black actors who have been told, "they don't act or sound Black enough." The fact that this attitude is pervasive in supposedly "liberal" Hollywood means that it is deeply pervasive in the general society.

Glory Mosby Floyd

Nice, real nice

R R

Sadly, that "talk Black"criticism is mostly flung by those in the black community

2legit64

@L S You must be one of the luckiest people on the planet. Good for you. Thanks for sharing though.

Helifano Dobezanozi

@ShanteRoxxane Spot on! I couldn't agree with you more!

61 More Replies...

Bronze Woman

2y↑122

15 years before Jackie Robinson, There was Romare Bearden born in Charlotte NC, his family moved to Harlem in New York. He was asked to play baseball, but they asked him if he would pass for white. Romare said no, I will not hide my identity. He had 2 Black parents. Look up his story it will fascinate you!

Troy Whitaker Pellerin

His art is amazing.

Bronze Woman

2y↑5

@Elleminopee what you're not Black unless you're dark-skinned? I don't subscribe to that gauge of blackness. My husband is very fair, my boys are lightskin. I teach them to be Black and proud. They may not qualify for the dark-skin club, but they still Black.

S

2y↑3

@Elleminopee Black people like all people can come out looking all type of ways. :/

9 More Replies...

Priyanka Lamichhane

2y↑95

Wow, when Ruth said you walk in a room and scan it and you do it unconsciously. I can relate to that. I'm sue so many people of color can.

Carol Jackson

2y↑11

Yes, I do too, but very cautiously because unfortunately/fortunately “ALL SKIN FOLK AIN’T KINFOLK”.

Lechiffresix six

2y↑1

i picked on that part. because i do it too , but its like a radio antenna that picks up frequencies randomly and you can point to a direction. I was at the dentist the other day and there was a dude my age who "passes" also .we clocked one another on the spot and we smiled.

romstar

3y↑173

“ I did it all for you.” 😩😩😭 I felt that! Most parents will do anything so that they’re children won’t suffer-so many people of color did that, knowing the pain That have dark skin in this society means and does to a person...🙏😘

mi3helle707

2y↑1

@The Adventurous Daydreamer Sad but a harsh reality especially in those times. You'd do anything so your children wouldn't go through all the racial abuse and trauma that existed during that time.

The Adventurous Daydreamer

2y↑7

Yeah. It's really sad they felt they needed to do this.

ᏟꫀꫀᏟꫀꫀⲊᥴꫀᥒꫀ ᏆᎢ

Right

DominoChild

2y↑4

It took me a few times of rewinding this to understand what she was saying. Thanks.

1 More Replies...

Bel M

2y↑249

I get it when she says " black people who have done extraordinary things" Way too often, the accomplishments of black people are not acknowledged. If they are others unashamedly take credit for them or gain from them. Its important though to emphasise that with or without being" extraordinary", my black ancestors don't have to be written about to be worthy. Their exposure to the harshest and inhumane of conditions meant their survival alone was extraordinary.

Tannia B-Tine

Now This!!! I whole heartedly agree.

CA CA

2y↑1

My gosh! Your comment made me tear up! So true 😢👏🏾👍🏾

Riva

2y↑1

Yesss!!!

Monica Hill

2y↑2

Word!!!💯

Moonchild

2y↑2

You could be a writer....That moved me love!

7 More Replies...

Jaesha

2y↑45

I just had an interview last week and the CEO complimented me multiple times on not having an “accent” and “presenting” well. He’s in his 60’s so I’m well aware of what he meant. I’m a BW who doesn’t dress and sound like one of the disparaging Black stereotypes. 🤦🏽‍♀️ We have a long way to go with eliminating systemic racism and devolving those stereotypes that have been exploited to the point that many WP define BP by them and don’t see us as being trustworthy, educated, capable, well spoken, well dressed, well behaved, and other things WP are generally regarded as automatically without being scrutinized or held to a negatively biased standard.

cknkc

2y↑1

@Tori Robinson Did you hear what you just said???.......perhaps you could use your same advise. I'm a "wp" and what I hear from you is ....... generalizing an entire white race based off the actions of a few.

Tori Robinson

2y↑3

@L S wp need to learn to stop generalizing an entire black race based off the actions of a few. Just because a black rapper may rap about negative things doesn't mean that the entire black race does those things.

Tamara Garrett

2y↑1

@Queenofweaves we a whole vibe so who needs their approval or acceptance. We GODS kids 💯

L S

2y↑3

I hope you understand that your own people share responsibility for these stereotypes. For example, if a famous black rapper chooses to rap about guns, hoes, etc. or someone chooses to join a gang, things like that all feed the negative stereotypes.

2 More Replies...

M. Layfette (Raspberry)

2y↑56

My great grandmother passed for white to survive. I remember stories from my mom of she and her grandmother going into White Only stores, only because the clerk thought my Mom (a little girl at the time, no older than the age of 7) was training to be a maid to this white woman. The tales go on and on. My great grandmother used her light skinned completion to an advantage. I remember when my younger sister saw pictures of her and asking, "Who's that white lady with grandma?" Her name was Queen Esther, and just like her namesake she was strong, bold, determined and kind to everyone she met.

Darna Gutter

2y↑4

I truly appreciate your story. I do not confer with this "shame game" persecution called "passing". Historically people did what they had to do to survive.

Many bi-racial people were not accepted into the black culture. So what other choices did they have. The term "passing" is an attempt to shame and make them feel guilty for blending in with white society to survive.

As a bi-racial person I see it as persecution. And films on this subject only serve as propoganda that fan the flames of hatred against bi-racial people.

The origins of this resentment comes from the black culture obsessing that bi-racial people thought themselves better. When anyone in their right mind would seek life in a less hostile society; especially as they were empowered to do so.

M. Layfette (Raspberry)

2y↑4

@Melissa Denbo It's makes one want to shake their heads. As a child my great grandmother was just that My Great Grandmother. A strong, beautiful, and bold Black woman. Living in a world that valued her light completion rather than her God given merritt/worth. She was the only person in the family that could pass. I'd much rather inherit her sweet spirit than anything else.

Melissa Denbo

2y↑8

oh my god, here too. I have a picture of my mother, lilly white skin, long black hair. People always ask me who's that white lady in the picture. I tell them its my mother, and they look shocked. Then they ask me if I was adopted, when I say no they are even more shocked. When I was young my skin was very lite, as I get older, my skin gets darker. But I still have siblings that today, pass as white,.

2 More Replies...

michaelermcgowaniv

3y↑149

Great piece. The director has made a very personal film.

Mouse Shell

2y↑155

In addition, I would like to say as a light-skinned African American woman in Society people always thought I was mixed race. Some black people who are not mixed race who are just light skin go through some of these same problems as well. It's not just a mixed-race the people. There are some black people who are very light skinned and can still pass for white and do not have a white parent. Let's not forget about them. In addition, when you are light skinned black person in America people automatically assume that you are mixed race and when they find out you're not they are appalled. Everybody has hard times and everybody has had a hard time growing up especially, here in America with all their racial labels

Neucleus

@Thegermandutchess Why do you need to fit in anywhere?

Latrice J Roc Reynolds

Exactly both my parents are black but everyone assumes I'm mixed maybe further down the line i am but it's extremely upsetting for me to be called everything but what i truly am 😭 i struggle everyday with it wishing i was darker I'm 40 now and deal with my feelings about it the best way i can cause i can't change it I'm very proud to be African American but light skinned not so much but it is what it is i would never try passing i wanna be with my people always n forever!!🖤🖤🖤

Bronze Woman

@L S i don't care what you say, I am Black and that's what I live, there are no white people visiting my Family. All we know is the people who love us and are there for us. We Black, that's what we know, and we are proud. We are not ashamed of our blackness.

L S

2y↑1

Also, exaggerations aren’t helpful. I seriously doubt anyone in this day and age would be “appalled” to find out someone is mixed race.

32 More Replies...

Mary Diamond

3y↑258

This was a very poignant and beautiful piece.

Michelle

@Diane Brosio JESUS CHRIST DIED ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND HE WAS BURIED AND HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY THE BIBLE 1ST CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 15 VERSES 1 THROUGH 4 AND JOHN CHAPTER 3 VERSES 16 THROUGH 21 THE BIBLE

Michelle

JESUS CHRIST DIED ON THE CROSS FOR OUR SINS AND HE WAS BURIED AND HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY THE BIBLE 1ST CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 15 VERSES 1 THROUGH 4 AND JOHN CHAPTER 3 VERSES 16 THROUGH 21 THE BIBLE

(THIS COMMENT IS FOR MARY)

Diane Brosio

2y↑5

The movie will win every Oscar. It's that good. Acting ,directing,beautiful cinema.

BlimpCityFeeder

2y↑217

Actress Carol Channing perfected 'Passing' as an art form, even to the end.

KoreaMojo

@Quiet Storm The problem is you think because Europeans claim it as their origins, it's uniquely theirs. Baby, black is many things. It's deep rich and tight coils but it can also be straight, blonde, and more fair. Look around in Ethiopia, look in the African islands.

TheKrazysexykool

I had no clue. Wow

PepperJones

Amazing that this is what the KJV Bible was pointing readers to. A world constantly being terraformed to conform to the world in a select set of imaginations. *I believe Cain was the first Baal worshipper - I perceive that it was the reason for his offering/sacrifice to God. The idol/Baal was set up in Cain’s heart and God knew that.

Melva Wages

@Quiet Storm I don't think so either but one person not mentioned, Shirley Temple, looked like she may have been mixed. That is probably why she had such beautiful curls.

42 More Replies...

B Bills

3y↑135

My great- grandmother had two Aunts, named Goldie and Mabel, who like herself, were very fair skinned African-Americans. They all grew up in a very small town in southern Ohio at the turn of the last century. In their early twenties they made the decision to leave southern Ohio and move to California. I think for better prospects all around. My great grandmother used to get postcards and pictures from them regularly. They were beautiful women with hair down to the floor. After awhile, the postcards and letters stopped coming in. At that point I believe they assimilated into European- American society and cut off any links to their black past. The crazy part is, in our family, they are remembered as very kind and dear women who were loving and were very much loved. But I guess during those times it just wasn't enough.

Sheila Johnson

@Queenofweaves : I know right?, but unlike my elders. We of this generation, have become a beautiful rainbow of shades!. All of us not only embracing, but celebrating!, our Afro-Latino heritage! :)

Queenofweaves

@Sheila Johnson omg this is so sad!

Queenofweaves

Omg this is heart breaking! Your last line brought me to tears. It’s just so sad that our people must go through so much turmoil just to get a little slice of happiness.

CSmith 4029

2y↑1

@Victoria Hunter Whaaat? Girl, you are rambling pure word salad nonsense. Do you know the definition of manipulative? Writing comments about YOUR thick, beautiful hair but the original commenter can’t talk about his aunts long, beautiful hair? Please…. You better carry that crazy elsewhere, ok.

Victoria Hunter

@CSmith 4029 it is not remarkable if it can be achieved by anyone. Your comment was manipulative, I notice you avoided saying "many women CAN NOT grow their hair down to the floor" because you knew someone would say yes they can, so your phrased your comment to be manipulative.
Not many women with nonblack textured hair grown hair down to the floor until their old and not have thinning hair. I have worked in many retirements homes and many nonblack women have thinning and shallow hair in their 80s while the old black women got thick full strong hair. I have super thigh fast growing hair that many stylist with long thin hair say they wish they had. My hair is turning silver and not gray which makes it look amazing and not many people get silver hair until they have one foot in the grave and most people get dusty gray looking hair as they age. I am brown skin woman with strong thick hair turning silver and it is fierce, and stylist love it and consider it remarkable cause the silver is coming in the best place making my hair look like art work. I know light skin people and white people my age with thinning hair that is long but as I said, it's thinning with no strength.

23 More Replies...

queen elsa

2y↑49

This happens in the Hispanic community also. “You don’t look Mexican” 🙄

thekingofmoney2000

Well that’s different, Hispanic isn’t a race.

S

2y↑2

as if they'd know.

"You don't look like my gardener" type beat.

1016 Media Terry Allen

2y↑58

Thank you, Rebecca, for a dialogue rich movie and thank you for choosing Tessa and Ruth whose thespian tapestry fit perfectly with this movie! Good interview, Michelle!

maria

3y↑74

Omg - I can totally relate… people assume I’m white when I am 100% Mexican - Mexican American… the things I hear are appalling … it impacted my life and my view if the world…. Thanks for this story

E. S

2y↑1

Mexican is not a race. Most Mexicans are a mix of white and indigenous American. Mexican is just a nationality. You can be white and Mexican.

Lisa Cox

2y↑3

You probably are white though. Mexican is not a race.

Dee Looks

2y↑7

Many Mexicans are from Spanish (European Ancestory= white). Some are indigenous, or a mix. There are Afro Mexicans as well.
You more than likely are mostly European.

15 More Replies...

Bill Hathaway

2y↑218

Langston Hughes wrote about this in his collection of short stories "The Ways of White Folks".

Carrie Bennett

@Ramsay Carmichael Ooooo, so sorry!

Carrie Bennett

2y↑1

Oh ny geez!!! I thought that I and my buddy from undergrad were the only two persons who absolutely love that collection!

Stacy Trowell

2y↑1

@Bill Hathaway If you watched the movie passing you can tell she lived in constant fear!!! Who would want to live like that? Do you really have a good life if you're living a lie of fear & isolation? No amount of privilege is worth that!!!

Moonchild

@YOLYN 58 what's the one drop rule?

6 More Replies...

Cathy Mckenzie

2y↑12

The director had to tell this story. It is a healing for her family , to understand her history.

Crystal Riley

I totally disagree. This director did such an injustice to this subject, and shows how tone def she is by the selection of actresses play African American ADOS.

Sakinah A.

2y↑27

I read Nella Larsen's book after seeing it in the Schomburg book store about 3 yrs ago and was excited to hear about the making of it into a film. I think it will be good because of Ruth Negga & Tessa Thompson plus Rebecca Hall's always has done good work as an actor. Surprised to learn about her background, intrigued to see what she did with this story as it's director.

shela brooks

2y↑28

This subject matter has always intrigued me. I am one of those fair skinned blacks who had very green eyes and dark blonde hair. This was over 50 years ago and most people thought that was bizarre. Most people thought I was mixed race and most whites felt I should chose to be white or black especially white men who wondered why they were attracted to me, a black girl. But I look exactly like who I am. As near as I can tell I seem to be a mixture of black, white and Native American. My mom was actually asked to play an Indian in a movie when I was a kid. I've been asked if I was in fact part Indian by at least 3 times by other Indians. Black Americans are mixed with most races. And I don't think that it should be ignored. We are what we are!

Lisa Tillett

2y↑1

In that movie that came out passing I watched that movie she didn’t look quite at all to me she did that legal the mix but she didn’t look white lane look white they could’ve found an actress like that that actress didn’t look like to me like a light-skinned black person and they shot it right up but she didn’t quite to me first of all didn’t like the movie because she truly is passing she would never ever went back and found her black friend never with my lunch she had to Lowe’s with her husband and her child she would never went back to the black community ever

Tamara Garrett

2y↑1

The dad thing is that you aren't allowed to get on the Indian registry with an Indian relative,etc. Alot of stuff was passed along by mouth in families. So very sad to be denied of who you are

D. Lawrence

3y↑395

I've been on social media. It's pretty obvious to me that everybody's trying to "pass" as something else.

Nunayo Bisnez

Irrelevant to the specific topic of the video. Stay focused.

jen amirgholi

i am tone deaf. that is the only race i am aware of.

Tt Lola

Say it again,just sad!

SJ Carr

Lol 😂

Just Lynn💋

@Dorice Timko Right

11 More Replies...

Nathaniel J. Boston

3y↑33

Nice story and eye opening. Passing is something many of us do in particular situations.

Sharon Cox

2y↑11

This was beautiful! This kind of movie is still needed today. I pray that it shows in the end we are loving who we are and do not have to pass. The director is beautiful!

Lechiffresix six

2y↑1

but we are not loving

LissetteLissie

2y↑4

I saw the movie Imitation of Life and I cried so much. I read "Passing" last year and wrote a paper about it for my Global Literature class. I'm so happy they're making a movie about it. It's important still today to acknowledge one's race, and ethnicity especially when you share more than one. They shouldn't feel left out. The should feel included. One color doesn't fit all.

the proust effect

2y↑130

I can't wait to see this movie! I love the artistic choice to film in black and white too.

mi3helle707

@Dee Proctor it was quite boring indeed 😭

Dee Proctor

2y↑5

I hope you are not as disappointed as I was. I was so excited to see this movie and it was very boring

K Deloris

It's on Netflix right now

Brandon Howliet

2y↑3

I saw this up on Netflix last night and "passed" on it but after seeing this interview. I'll watch it tonight. Thank you Rebecca Hall.

Valeria Reed

2y↑13

I was born in the South during Jim Crow. My mother was melanin challenged whereas my father was not. My parents, siblings and I lived in an area where there were relatives and friends who could have easily “passed” but did not. We all lived in this middle class neighborhood together seeing each other as Native Black Americans. There were questions sometimes when we traveled, but we survived it one way or another.

Lechiffresix six

i think the problem with passing for a fragment of us passers is that you don't "pass" consistently , sometimes on the same day . unconsciously or not. your relatives who didn't pass at all , they are like me and others on/off passers , they navigate that murky area with a set of practical decisions based off off that fact .some chickened but postured a Black pride as the true reason, others might probably couldn't be arsed.but the common thought spread throughout the decades post Jim crow is that the passers didn't care that they passed. they were just Black . naw.

Cherrisse Fannon

2y↑8

I love the dialog in the comments. The offering of historical information being passed on to those who will surely pass it on. Kudos.

Lisa Anderson

2y↑27

I read this incredible book which opened my eyes to the idea of passing, and I look forward to seeing the film! First off, being filmed in black and white was a brilliant choice! It saddens me that the United States was (and still is) the most racist of countries, IMO. Growing up in a town with 99% white Anglo Saxon Protestant or Catholic’s was difficult for my siblings. Back in the late 80’s, I saw my older brother get discriminated against. We are white and Jewish… but he is gay as well. I couldn’t imagine what he felt! I never embraced my heritage or religion. I know it’s a far cry from what my black friends must have felt, but nonetheless it still hurt! People in town would use derogatory remarks about Jew’s and Black’s like it was no big deal. This happened in a small beautiful town. A town that was painted by Norman Rockwell. A town that I was proud of being part of, until I was old enough to understand. Although the demographics have changed, it still can be painful at times. W.E.B. Du Bois grew up here! He had a pale, almost “passing “ complexion which reminds me of this story. I just wanted to add a slightly different side of the story.

Lisa Anderson

2y↑1

@Yasmin Barry I was giving my opinion… If anyone wants exact and accurate statistics, read a book, not a comment on a YouTube video

Lisa Anderson

2y↑5

@the proust effect It’s easy to get misconstrued by using the wrong punctuation, which was not my intention. I originally typed “in my opinion“ after the statement I made. It is amazing how a misspelling or left out word/‘s can change the context. I apologize if I upset anyone or confused them with inaccurate statistics.This may be an awful thing to say, and again I apologize if this offends anyone, but if Gabby Petito was black, I don’t think her story would have been as publicized. Is that a bad thing to say? I don’t mean to be disrespectful in either case. I can’t watch the news anymore with all that is going on… so so sad

2 More Replies...

4daluvofnikki

2y↑11

I am sure there are plenty of “White” people who have done DNA tests in recent years who were shocked to find out they have Black Ancestry. Some of these DNA tests even link you up with relatives. Passing happened more than we know. I mean why wouldn’t it? It meant living a life of less stress and heartache. Carol Channing found out her biological father was a Black Man when she was much older. She kept it a secret for a while. Someone mentioned on here Tom Jones, although he has not said he has Black ancestry. I wouldn’t be shocked if he did.

Once in college I was sitting in front of a guy in the lecture hall who looked white. Turns out he was half black. He raised his hand in class and talked about it (the class was about race). Sadly when he said it I did a double take, with a look of shock. If he had not said a word I would never have known. Now if the same were to happen my reaction wouldn’t be the same.

Stacy Howze

2y↑16

I've read a extraordinary book written by Shirlee Taylor Haizlip called The Sweeter the Juice that spoke of this very thing. What made this story very fascinating it was written as her family memoir true facts. Read it several times!

ShannonM Weekly

2y↑1

I read the same book over 15 years ago… kinda want to pull it out again for another read.

johnsonzz2016

2y↑2

An excellent book!

S Prat

3y↑24

This happens to me and my daughter- everywhere we go no one recognizes we are related simply because of dark and light palettes of skin, eyes and hair. Our voices are exactly the same and our facial structures. Similar dynamics between our South Asian vs Northern European dynamics. There have been times she has ignored me in public or when she’s with her father’s white family. I brush it off as I understand these dynamics but it is still sad to see the roots of colonialism run so deep in our psyche. India has been multiracial for thousands of years- it was a place of convergence for a long time and we see wide ranges of features and complexions within families. Being multiracial is not a recent dynamic.

Kantseeme

2y↑8

Don’t brush it off. You should explain to her why and how it impacts. Especially for you. Sounds very hurtful. Praying for you.

76shian

2y↑18

You should tell your daughter that it's not okay to ignore you or any person of color in public

sandra morey

2y↑98

We Jews have lots of experience with Passing if we lived through the early parts of the 20th century. " Funny, you don't look Jewish" is something many of us have heard if we didn't have the features associated with Jews. Sometimes our lives depended on passing. First time I was beat up I was a pretty little 3 year old who wore a Star of david around my neck. I didn't really know what it meant. Anyway, I was chased by a group of older boys with rocks. I won't forget that and I am now 81. But it gave me a look into Jim Crow that educated me early.

Her Majesty

🙄🙄🙄

Darna Gutter

2y↑1

I'm very glad you have shared your perspective. It depicts a far more serious picture than how "passing" is thought of here.

This party's opinion is that of shaming and judging bi-racial people for resorting to a part of their heritage that was not black. When infact most were not accepted by the black culture.

As a bi-racial person I see this shame game labeling "passing" as an evil persecution. Its hard enough that it was often life and death as you have stated. But to have someone stalk you and try to make you feel ashamed and guilty for the choices you had to make is an evil persecution.

Movies on this subject are propoganda that fan the flames of persecution and hatred. I do not confer with the ideology of this video. So I try to speak out against it.

christian c

2y↑2

@Kim Bronson you’re forgetting hes 81. he grew up in a time when jewish people were racialized. my great grandparents were jewish and had lots of trouble finding places to live because their jewish surname

Dee Joshua

2y↑2

Jewish is NOT a race. I wish people would stop saying that. Jewish people are a creed and a religion.

Josi J

2y↑7

I often wonder how cowards defend hurting a baby. Sorry this happened to you

6 More Replies...

Vera Mae

2y↑21

In high school read an autobiography of an American black man who passed as white. A brilliant classical pianist. He was close to marrying a white woman, and finally decided he had to tell her. Then he didn't hear from her for months. One day, she walked back into his apartment. They married and moved to Europe.
1920's.
Very painful to read.

Oh, if it matters, I'm mixed American: Irish, German and Dane. My "German" grandmother was ashamed of her Irish mother, and angry that her daughter chose a Dane to marry. (Odd story, Dad was 4th generation American but still 100% Dane. Small farm area, Danes kept immigrating in, families married in the community.) Dad was ashamed, a little, that he'd married someone with German heritage. Two world wars and the holocaust, y'know.
Prejudice is very odd.

Dresser

There is also a very good current novel about "passing". The Other Half, the author is Bennett...don't recall the first name.

Roshell Parker

2y↑223

Homosexuality can Never be compared to “being an African American” my skin color is always present! WHY is this used over and over again as a comparison?

Veronica C.

Ironically, it was the African American lady lady who brought it up.

Berta's eye view

2y↑9

Thank you for stating the obvious. As a black woman, I will never support that one being gay is the same as my skin color.

Monique Kyle

2y↑1

So true.!!!

Frederick Griffith

2y↑5

It shows that they really do not understand.I am a very light skinned African American.At first glance strangers do not know what I am.I notice people tend to make a split second decision in terms of judging other people or to simply walk away out of fear if they recognize if a person is Black.I have people come up to me speaking in so many foreign languages I lose count.When they find out I am African American, their whole demeanor changes.Sometimes less than friendly.Just like human beings pick up being attracted to someone else,they also know when there is a negative vibe when they are disliked or disrespected.Its almost automatic.And there is no where to hide.

3 More Replies...

Grant Bos

2y↑4

My great grandmother "passed". Her mother never knew her grandchildren even though they lived less than a 15 mile ride away. Heart breaking to say the very least.

Janet Frazier

2y↑2

Fantastic well done story that my mom and other family members of mine can relate to. Thank you.

Dee Dee

2y↑328

Both actresses -- in black eyes -- would be recognized as being black.

Troy Whitaker Pellerin

six directrix?

Rick Myles

@O S yes but mixed can also be those with two biracial parents

O S

The thing about being "mixed" is that almost all descendants of American slaves are "mixed" : from white European men and black African women. That's what the DNA tells us. To be technical, in this context when we say mixed we usually are referring to people who have a mom and a dad - one of whom is black and the other is white.

Demure Darling

EXACTLY

Demure Darling

EXACTLY

50 More Replies...

Lordcron

2y↑2

If you're on this side of the equation (You see the profile picture) you find yourself repulsed by the very notion of the act. With that said I loved the cinematography and setting. It felt very real and true to the stories handed down from generation to generation. I think I'll always be facinated by that time period and Era from the ways in which things got done to the fashions.

V. Taylor

2y↑27

I wish the dynamic of passing really was a thing of the past. For those of us who are mixed and present as white, there is a constant assumption, and people of all races let that perception override the reality of what we experience as children of Black, White and Native parents. It’s deep, never being enough of anything. It’s really something can mess you up if you allow other people’s ideas of who you are to seep into the truth.

I look forward to watching this.

Darna Gutter

Thank you for sharing your opinion. I too am mixed and am really quite repulsed by this "passing" ideology. No one has the right to label, stalk and shame someone for how they choose to live their life.

It seems that the mixed perspective is completely overshadowed by non-mixed perspectives that want to exalt this "passing" ideology.

If it's supposed to be about us then why is our opinion being ignored. That opinion being
we no longer want to here about this. If you ask me why. Because it is an evil persecution. They should stop fanning the flames.

V. Taylor

@L S I can’t even count how many times someone has said exactly that to me and that does not count the “well you shouldn’t speak on this because you’re not really black” or “you don’t understand because you’re not really white”. Or the times you get a seat at the table but just long enough for someone to decide that not only do they not want you there, but now they’re on the warpath because they realize what things they’ve said in front of you.

Yes, what I think of me matters most, but that does not change the aggression or micro-aggressions from all sides. As anyone who deals with that know, it gets really f*cking exhausting. Especially when there’s no space to speak it without hearing more of the same. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It is what it is. Just wanted to let them know that the dynamic and the grandchild of it is well and alive.

BTW I am fully capable of checking my own biases and assumptions. This isn’t even slightly in my head. In fact, if I didn’t let it go, woosah and move on so often that it catches me off guard the next time it happens. It’d be less exhausting if I could stay jaded and presume.

L S

The only person who gets to decide that you’re “not enough” is you. Unless someone actually said that to you, I think it might be just in your head. Most people are too busy living life to care about what percentage of you is which race.

3 More Replies...

Rian X

2y↑3

Wow. This is a beautiful piece of work to share with the world. A world determined to separate by color and shame those who embrace their ancestors culture and beauty. She has given her family legency the acknowledgement it deserves. Black will forever be beautiful, brave, bold, and a blessing a from GOD. Thank you.

Shannon Georgia Peach

2y↑1

I loved Rebecca Hall in "The Town" Tessa is one of my favorite actress' I 1st watched her in an episode of the CBS show Cold Case (canceled now) Tessa lights up the screen, she's amazing. Such an important topic, can't wait to watch this 🙏

Mukuni Mulundika

2y↑3

This is a beautiful film. Ruth and Tessa are sublime. Awards please!

KamilLeo Dub

Thought provoking, for an issue I've never had to think about. We all have to survive in some format or another. Thank you!

Sean Reynolds

3y↑19

Interesting piece, having lived in different countries I am often amazed that Americans see their racial classifications as universal. In other parts of the world it is odd to believe a person who looks indistinguisable from one race could be referred to as " passing."
Can we image a person who looks caucasion, being secretly Chinese, because of some Asian blood ?

Mali Rabbit

@R C Correct. That was the whole idea behind passing.

R C

2y↑5

This is really an American custom based on a history of racism. Hopefully these ppl can simply be categorized as white people with African ancestry but so many ppl still consider it taboo to reveal African heritage.

Courtney Kirk

2y↑3

@M.J. Jones Excellent!!

mzdreadhead

2y↑5

Agreed. Americans see their racial clasifications as universal but they can't SEE it in themselves. White Americans, in particular, have difficulty being classified as a group and are easy to feel attacked when they are referred to as such (yet are quick to classify "others" into groups). We here still live by "the one drop rule" which is meant to keep the white race pure. People aren't much aware of this nationally accepted form of racism... and discussing this topic with white Americans, in particular, is often too uncomfortable for them.

4 More Replies...

Reviews of a Kinder teacher Ms. Kendra L.

2y↑6

My grandfather “passed”. I spent YEARS looking for him for my dad and grandmother. I found him last year. He died in 2008 as a white man… I also found his family they acknowledged several family members “passed” after they left the south. To my grandfather’s defense the “one drop” rule was very cruel as his family had more European than African in their blood… such racist times. Today they would be multiracial.

Cherry Smart

Wow, I'm so glad you actually "found" him! Just, WOW!!

omar chandler

2y↑1

Once I was having a conversation with a group of guys and I just said something like “…and as black men..” when one guy angrily said “I’m not JUST black!”. It reminded when actor Taye Diggs said that he’d be upset if someone thought that his son was seen as just black. But I wonder how upset people who are of mixed race are when they’re seen as just white. Seeing how racist society is, not very, perhaps.

And even today people of all races still make comments that reveal how they feel about color and race and they don’t see it, or at least don’t acknowledge it. And let’s not start on the international skin bleaching/lightening business! Even several of today’s top celebs and laypeople are using these products and services to lighten their appearance.

Lynn Parise

Watched this film just last night. It was amazing, and greatly opened my eyes to another perspective.

Marcina Faith Albert

I can not express how WONDERFUL this is!!!! I love that it is shot in Harlem (one of my favorite places in NYC), down to the story plot that has a personal connection to the director. I LOVE THIS. My only thought is that passing is DEFINITELY not going away. It is about POWER and is stronger today than ever before. (intersectionalities take many forms)

Victor Blake

2y↑14

Ok be honest, how many us thought to ourselves; “Interesting, they have a white woman directing this”’ (OR WORSE) , and felt shamed when you found out her mom was black? I did and it is making me hold a mirror to my own prejudices.

Melissa Denbo

2y↑3

why would anyone feel shamed because her mom or grandmother was black. I'm black, my mother was thought of as white all her life. My aunt even in her 90s, the ladies at the nursing home all think she is white, until her son shows up to visit and even then they are just shocked. We keep judging people by their skin color and hair texture. this makes us look stupid and racist. We need to stop judging people. If you did a DNA test on 350 million Americans and used the 1% drop rule, you will find that 70% of all Americans are of African decent. We all have atleast 1% of African in us, even those White Nationalist and White Supremacist, have atleast 1% African in them. As much as they want to erase it, they can't, so they deflect from it. When I look at Kyle Rittenhouse with those big lips and wide nose, I guarantee you he and his parents have about 20% African in them. these people know but they will never ever do a DNA test, its just too hard for them to face facts

Anika Smith

2y↑3

Excellent point. I fell victim to this. That "oh" in my gut when I found out her family was a victim of the passing dynamic was obviously a lesson I needed.

kimberly holley

2y↑1

I saw this movie, loved it. And what a nice surprise to hear the director’s story, great job.

Pamela Deramus Heard

2y↑1

Thank you, I haven't even seen the movie yet & have been brought to tears. We thought my grandmother was the youngest of 13 but found out it was 15 because 2 left because they could pass. I never though of it as an issue for me directly until I have been asked on several occasions, "what are you?" I think the easiest answer is human/earthling.

Pamela Deramus Heard

@Cherry Smart no, they didn't. We don't know what happened to them.

Cherry Smart

Did they remain in contact with their family?

Anne Rouyer

2y↑3

What a great story - extremely sad too - about her own family.

The Aalpha Pink Bureau

2y↑3

It’s refreshing to hear the experience of someone who has a family history of passing and I wish the subject was discussed a lot more. While you have people, like those interviewed for this story, who are comfortable and forthcoming about their family’s identity, you also have people who are not. The first time I was consistently harassed about skin complexion was by someone who would identify as “white”, although skin complex issues are more often associated with the African American community. Once I started REALLY paying attention to the features of those who were doing that, I noticed how mixed they actually looked though they would identify and conventionally be accepted as white in America. So, while you have people who are open and accepting of their family’s “passing” racial identity, you have others who repress it, hide and and do ugly things to over compensate. I think if Americans who have a family history of passing were more open about it, you would have less issues that seem to be rooted in “racism”.

The Aalpha Pink Bureau

@Mali Rabbit that’s a very interesting way to look at it!

Mali Rabbit

2y↑1

Passing was always about never admitting that the individual was someone who was other then who they outwardly appeared to be ! You didn’t discuss, admit or even think about it! Kinda like being a spy; you wouldn’t expect James Bond to walking around announcing his being a spy, would you?

Richard DeGuzman

This is a fabulous film that touched home with me very closely.I’ve watch this film 5 times. it made me think 🤔 about my mother, grandmother, great aunt’s and uncles.

Elise Johnson

This movie was so good! I hope the actresses, actors, director, and all get nominated for awards.

Krista Richard

2y↑7

One thing I hate about being biracial is that people want you to pick one side. This has happened my whole life. They scold me for not knowing my "culture". They ask me why I act so white when I am just being myself.

2Smiles1

Girl...NOT the same thing. Passing was about survival. Your issue is just trying to feel special. Btw...if your half black Jim Crow already picked your side. 🤷🏾‍♀️

collageartist

2y↑1

I'm a dark skinned Black woman who was always ragged on for my speech patterns. "You think you're white..." was something the other Black kids said to me day after day...

Mali Rabbit

2y↑1

Shakespeare said ‘ To thy own self be true ‘ . Be who you feel that you are, not who others think you should be. Live long and prosper, y’all

Beverly T Lipscomb

2y↑8

That actress doesn't look white!! I would have instantly know I was looking at a black woman with a light skin! However, I must say that she is fantastic in her portrayal of a black woman passing as white!!!

theylied1776

3y↑76

I have a second cousin who has a white father, and she looks as if she's from Scotland or Ireland with red hair and blue eyes. When we were kids, people thought she was white and her mother, who is a Doctor, was her nanny. Even at a young age, she would quickly tell them, "I'm black". And would get in your face if you claimed that she wasn't.

Kim Marie

@Peter Scotland Well said. I couldn't agree with you more.

A J

@Chris Harrisok go ahead..but the rest of us with common sense won't lol. This isn't slavery...and I don't abide by rules of a slavery master.

Peter Scotland

2y↑1

@A J A lot of obviously biracial people preferred to be called Black. They are culturally that way. There are some who don't. That is their choice. Black people did not make the rules on race in this America.

Peter Scotland

@mzdreadhead What do you think. It is the one drop rule.

22 More Replies...

Ro Ro

2y↑23

Excellent film. Alex Haley's Queen, starring Halle Berry, is another good examination of racial passing.

glenda goodewright

My great great grandfather passed for years, my Great Aunt (his daughter) and my Grandmother (his grand daughter) told me about him and the struggles that he faced all of the time.

V. Love

This project touches my soul. I was never black enough. I was never “Spanish” enough. Thank you. Thank you. God bless this woman. 🙏🏽

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

2y↑5

I gave birth to a biracial child, 27 yrs ago. My mother then introduced me to Imitation of Life.
That movie ripped my soul out. 💔 It wasn't that my child denied, but others sure didn't believe she was mine.
*EXAMPLE*
I tried picking her up from school, and they called the police on me, because she was so fair.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

@collageartist I saw the one from 1959. Has Lana Turnwr in it, right?

collageartist

I have read that there is yet another version of "Imitation of Life" to be released in December 2021. Wondering which version you saw, because the 1934 version starred the very light skinned Fredi Washington as the daughter. The 1959 version had a brunette white woman in the role.
A pox on those people who called the cops on you!

Enjoy the VEW

This movie was phenomenal and it really opened my eyes as to why some ppl (Blacks) abandoned their culture. Some ppl just wanted to be able to stay alive while others hated their culture and therefore, passed. It took alot to abandon one's family. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. #lessonlearned

kiki9619 Terry

My granny told me the story of passing and what dangers came with it. Most black parents wanted their kids to have the best so they had rules to abide by if they were going to pass as white. She said it was like a actor studying for their next role. Some were told to go far North as possible and don’t come back to the South.Their hands had to be without calluses or damage. Their speech had to be perfect. Many times they were told to adopt kids because we never know what our child would look like and they didn’t want to take that risk. Passing if caught was a death sentence. So think about what these parents had to agonize over.

One of my research papers in my Psychology class was on The Brown paper bag rest. My paternal grandfather’s family didn’t want him to marry my granny because she didn’t pass the brown paper bag test. This was our own people doing this. My great granny had stories that would make you cry and some that would make you laugh. But the stories were not sugarcoated because she said we needed to know what they went through so it doesn’t happen again.

zazzygirl21

This was a great film, Loved it! As for the comparison with choosing to be gay as to being born black, there is absolutely no parallel and people need to stop doing that.

Living Water77

2y↑1

I can wait to see this movie! Actress Tessa Thompson was phenomenal on “Sylvie’s Love”!!
Just parts of this makes you feel like you’ve step back in time!

Haya Glamazon

She was incredible in that film.

Cooky_ 20

2y↑2

Wow, didn’t expect that ending. Race should not matter, it’s your character.

yup

2y↑43

I'm mixed. I've had people act people completely differently based on how I happened to present that day (how much sun I've had, how humid it is that day- it curls my hair). It's really alienating.

Darna Gutter

Lisa Cox

2y↑1

@Fancy Fallon Of course he is a troll. I can spot a troll. He has been reported.

Lisa Cox

@jared teer You have been reported for having a spam account

39 More Replies...

Virgo Butterfly

2y↑4

I will check out the movie. It reminds me of the “Imitation of Life.” Passing is a part of American history due to racism, unfortunately. The stories need to be told.

Patrick Young

2y↑6

Great piece! I wish they would have added some famous or infamous people to the mix. J. Edgar Hoover's true story would have been a good addition here. Especially since the BLACK side of his family has already spoken out and exposed him to the BLACK COMMUNITY!

PageTurning Priestess

2y↑8

Wow, I was literally talking about this book three days ago and commenting how it should be made into a film. The irony! I loved that book, I also liked her other book "Quicksand". I can't wat to see this film <3

Roz Britton

2y↑20

There was an African American male entertainer in the 1940's named Korla Pandit (real name John Roland Redd) who passed as an East Indian entertainer for many years in order to gain notoriety.

Davena Young

2y↑10

Sometimes passing was fun sometimes it was funny but I am most proud of my blackness my ethnicity it completes me as a human being. It's always a complicated mix when you can see from both sides

JAMBERRY

2y↑1

I like you already.

Katie Langsner

3y↑27

People with disabilities pass for 'normal'; lip-reading with deafness, suppressing self-stimulating behavior or following a 'script' with ADHD or autism, avoiding highly stimulating areas with sensory processing disorder or PTSD, and many more.

treelady53

3y↑3

I have multiple sclerosis and I have passed as able-bodied because when was first diagnosed I and had no visable symptoms I was passed over for a couple of jobs when some people knew I had MS leaked this after I had revealed this in what should have been a safe space.

1 More Replies...

saundra brown

2y↑1

My grandmother told me that this really happened because her and her sisters were so light that they could have passed for white growing up but they didn't want to live like that. I love the movie imitation of life 🤎🖤

E'lan

2y↑1

I read this book and it is great, an excellent read!!!
The Color Complex is also a good read.

barbara ross

The movie was really good I enjoyed it. Remind me of my grandmother calling me a name," high yellow". I can definitely relate to the movie.

d11i37n31

This is so deep! Cudos for your courage ladies.

THE SMOKING GLASS LITERARY BAR

2y↑1

I believe that I came away with quite a different prospective. I came away utterly appalled at how two black women were once friends but became competing and bitter rivals, in the end. Thus, perpetuating a deeply painful and misconception between the lighter and darker woman of color. As a more deeper mocha rich sister, I am not intimidated by my more Carmel skinned sister if color. Again, this really chapped my hide. Women of color with darker skin, stopped bleaching and lightening our skin long ago! Someone please tell Netflix to do better!!!!!

MELVIN WILLIAMS

2y↑1

Great story......We need to know more STORIES like this and more PASSINGS....

Altheria Rabb

2y↑2

So grateful for this segment.
Thank you for the Honesty.
I can't wait to see this film.

Marvin Mills

2y↑4

I recall there being a bit of controversy regarding Maria Ewing's ethnicity in the early stages of her career. The irony of her daughter directing this film is quite poignant.

Eddie Brown

2y↑3

My mother once mentioned this to me. I was born in Birmingham, AL in 1961. I was appalled by the idea. Today, I know just how ignorent and inexperienced I was. You have to give up so much to be something you're not, and no one else can put a value on that sacrifice.

Jennifer Johnson

2y↑28

My black great grandmother lived her life as a white woman;She was able to buy property and burial plots nave in the early 1900’s

Piscean Beauty

@Darna Gutter if you are uplifting oppressive systems in the process and having to deny aspects of who you are, then it is a problem.

Darna Gutter

2y↑1

Good for your great grandmother! As a bi-racial person I do not agree with shaming or trying to make people feel guilty for living their lives however they choose.

The word "passing" should not even exist. It is an evil persecution.

Anisah Of Frugal Living

2y↑1

Few ever think about how those who passed often lifted up their kin, though in secret. Historical records are hard to come by since those were controlled by the oppressors. Yet those who could navigate that world could access much needed resources their kin couldn’t directly access. That’s what I learned from my Boyce/Bice ancestors. I’m proud of them and what they did during shameful periods in US history.

Sarah Hall

2y↑176

Wow wasn't expecting the Rebecca Hall family twist at the end. Fascinating

A J

@Lee Irby oh ok, thank you.

A J

@Lee Irby I haven't said one word about Tom Jones. I think you meant to tag someone else.

Denny Go

2y↑3

@Felicia Nakhid Tom.Jones is a white guy with alot of rhythm

17 More Replies...

Robert Hoover

2y↑2

I love America's national culture and understand where my ancestors came from is apart of my heritage but not my entire identity. I am proud of being ALL AMERICAN 😌 🇺🇸 ❤️

Sally Casas

3y↑4

Humans evolve every second of our time on the planet. This topic can be viewed as a boundary issue. "It's none of my business what YOUR thoughts of me are." No one has the power to determine my identity! Only I and I alone have the power to determine my identity. The best survival mechanism for me is to distance myself from those that wish to intimidate and manipulate me in any way. 😁Compassion, transparency, integrity and accountability for all!😎😷🙋‍♀️