The lineage of Leo XIV traced back to Haiti is no longer apparent

Rethinking Race: The Complexity of 'Passing' in History and Today

In an unexpected twist, it turns out that Pope Leo XIV has roots in Haiti. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Martinez, born in Saint-Domingue (Haiti), married the Pope's grandmother, Louise Baquied, in 1887, according to their marriage license. They lived in New Orleans, where their families decided to migrate following tighter racial laws in the South, eventually settling in Chicago during the Great Migration of six million black citizens.

Choosing to blend into white society, they left behind their African roots, a phenomenon known as "passing." This decision is at the heart of a novel by Nella Larsen, "Passing," recently adapted for film and Philip Roth's "The Human Stain," where the main character, Coleman Silk, passes as Jewish.

Descending from such a lineage, "passing" has always piqued my interest, considering my mother's striking resemblance to Italian actresses of the 1960s. Yet, she chose to identify as Black.

I recall an incident from my childhood that Still lingers vividly in my memory. At Complexe Desjardins, a man, upon seeing me—a little Black girl—and my mother, responded with disgust, questioning their shared heritage. As they say, time heals all wounds, but that encounter left a lasting mark on both of us, shedding light on the subtle, insidious nature of racism.

Racial Passing: A Historical and Social Perspective

Racial passing, or the act of individuals identifying as a different race, often to escape systemic racism, has deep roots in American history. During periods of legalized racism, it served as a survival strategy, allowing people of mixed ancestry or minority racial groups to pass as white for personal or familial liberation.

This negotiation of identity exposes the arbitrary and socially constructed nature of race, highlighting the benefits of passing as white rather than enduring discrimination and exclusion. At the same time, it reveals the emotional and psychological toll that came with denying one's heritage and navigating multiple identities to survive.

Cultural and Literary Impact

Racial passing is a recurring theme in literature, film, and scholarship, offering a glimpse into the emotional turbulence and social complexities involved in "passing." Examples of such works include Allyson Hobbs' exploration of passing's impact on personal narratives and American social history and the questions it raises about 'chosen exile.'

Relationship to Miscegenation

Racial passing is closely linked to miscegenation, due to interbreeding's effect on racial appearance and the rigid racial boundaries it challenged. Laws against miscegenation reinforced segregation and white supremacy, impacting who could pass and under what circumstances.

In essence, racial passing offers a nuanced perspective on the intertwined history of race, identity, and systemic oppression in American society. It sheds light on the pain and struggles individuals face while navigating these rigid racial hierarchies and highlights the costs of enduring racial inequality. As the story of Pope Leo XIV demonstrates, passing can grant access to a privileged identity and the benefits that come with it. However, as Meena Krishnamurthy, an associate professor of philosophy at Queen's University, points out, this choice often comes with its own moral, psychological, and social burdens.

Delving deeper into this topic, it's worth examining the connection between racial passing and the fashion-and-beauty industry, as individuals often altered their appearance to blend in.
The concept of racial passing also intersects with relationships, as it can lead to complex dynamics when individuals keep their true racial identity hidden from their partners.
Books like 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett and 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd provide insights into racial passing in the context of relationships and social-media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter, can fuel discussions around these issues.
Of course, racial passing is not limited to the United States; it has global implications, with instances found in French culture and pop-culture scenes.
It's crucial to consider how racial passing impacts education-and-self-development, as individuals may choose to deny their heritage to gain access to better opportunities.
Over time, passage from one racial identity to another can have significant ramifications on a person's emotional well-being and mental health, as depicted in novels such as 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker.
In the realm of politics, laws pertaining to racial passing, such as anti-miscegenation laws, reflect the power dynamics and systemic racism ingrained in society.
Furthermore, the practice of racial passing raises questions about the boundaries between fantasy and reality, as seen in sci-fi-and-fantasy genres, where characters frequently switch races or adapt their appearances.