A New Generation of Pokémon Toys Hits Shelves

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This year marks the 15^th year since the creation of Pokémon, the iconic franchise owned by Nintendo and created by Japanese video game designer Satoshi Tajiri. Nintendo DS recently released the video games Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version as well as a TV animation series Pokémon: Black & White. In conjunction with these launches, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. introduced a toy line that encourages kids to experience Pokémon in real life.  

To understand the new Pokémon toys, one must understand the original concept of Pokémon. Players act as Pokémon Trainers whose two goals in most games are to: 1) Collect all Pokémon species in the area where the game is taking place, and 2) Train the species to become a Pokémon team to battle and win against other Pokémon Trainers’ teams.

JAKKS Pacific created three sections within its toy line that involves varying degrees of interactive play known as Skill & Action Play, Action Figure Play, and Trainer Role Play

Skill & Action Play
Pokémon Pop ‘N Battle Launcher and Target (Age 4+, SRP $9.99) – The idea is to allow kids to catch, launch, and battle their Pokémon. Within a ball launcher is a 1” Pokémon figure. Simply press the white button and the figure launches into battle towards a target. If kids successfully hit the attack object, the square target snaps closed around the figure. Each side of the target displays symbols of varying strength (like dice where each side shows a different value).

Pokémon Catcher (Age 4+, SRP $12.99) – Kids can exercise their Pokémon Trainer skills by using this Poké Ball that “catches” one the three mini Pokémon Figures included in the package. It works similar to a yo-yo in that kids attach the ball to their hands with a retractable string then aims for the figurines on the floor to pick them up. Included is a snap-on base so figures can work with Pop 'n Battle Launchers.

Action Figure Play
Pokémon Attack Figure (Age 4+, SRP $7.99) – These 3” figures sits in a shooting attack base that can launch attack disks over 6 feet. Item includes 4 shooting disks and comes in the form of one of these characters: Oshawott, Snivy, Tepic, and Pikachu.

Pokémon Figure Gift Pack (Age 4+, SRP $14.99) – The gift pack include four 3” Pokémon figures. Several sets of characters are available for imaginative play, and this gift pack is only sold at Toys ‘R Us.

Trainer Role Play

Pokémon Mini Plush (Age 4+, SRP $6.99) – These 5” plush toys come in different characters such as Munna and more. Younger kids will love cuddling with these soft cute creatures.

Pokémon Throw Poké Ball (Age 4+, SRP $10.99) – The ball of this toy looks similar to the Pokémon Catcher, but functions differently. The Pokémon Throw Poké Ball is held in the hand and thrown like a traditional ball, but inside is a plush mini character that Pokémon Trainers (a.k.a. kids) can eject with a push of a button.

To find out more about the full line of JAKKS Pacific Pokémon toys, please visit www.jakks.com/pokemon.

Read how Hapa Mama's kids got into the Pokemon craze, starting a new generation of Pokemon fans: Pokemon - Gotta Catch 'Em All!

Disclosure: Author did not receive any monetary compensation. Author received product samples for review purposed only. All opinions expressed are those of the author. Images courtesy of JAKKS Pacific or photographed by Maria Adcock.

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Splash Disc and DartZone Quickfire Just in Time for Summer Fun (Review)

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Kids in backyards throughout the country have soaked each other with the Original Splash Bombs, the vibrant colored spongy balls that when drenched made extra big splashes. Prime Time Toys, makers of the Original Splash Bombs, has launched two new fun summer toys: Splash Disc and DartZone Quickfire 12.

Splash Disc

Ages 4+, SRP $9.99

The Splash Disc, shaped like a soft flexible Frisbee, is lightweight and featured easy foam grips. Similar to the Original Splash Bombs, kids soaked it, flung it, and splashed it. Given its aerodynamic shape, the Splash Disc flew pretty far. When all 12” of it hit the water, it made a significant splash which the kids loved.

One great aspect of the Splash Disc is that its play life doesn’t cease when summer ends. When dry, kids can play with the Splash Disc indoors, and parents need not worry about it damaging walls due to its soft material.

DartZone Quickfire 12

Ages 6+, SRP $24.99

Boys and girls alike loved the DartZone Quickfire 12. The bright-colored dart shooter featured a revolving barrel of 12 foam darts that when loaded, rapid fired six darts in just a few seconds. When the first barrel emptied, kids reloaded with the extra barrel included. Younger children initially required help to insert the barrel, but with practice they got the hang of it. To parents’ relief, the kids didn’t complain about any “ouchies” when hit with the soft foam darts.

Parents’ won’t have to shell out money for batteries as the DartZone Quickfire 12 requires none. Like the Splash Disc, kids can use this rapid fire shooter indoors on rainy days or in the winter given the softness of the foam darts.

Recommendation: Both the Splash Disc and DartZone Quickfire12 are kid and parent-friendly. Kids loved interacting with the toys and parents were happy the items were safe for kids and when played within the house. As such, I recommend these two toys for fun summer enjoyment.

Prime Time Toys

Prime Time Toys is a leader in manufacturing Spring and Summer seasonal toys. Other new 2011 toy launches include the following:

• Splash Golf – Ages 6+, SRP $16.99
• 6-Piece Splash Combo (2 Splash Pets, 3 Splash Cubes, and 1 Splash Ring) – Ages 4+, SRP $9.99
• Splash Pets 2-Pack – Ages 4+, SRP $7.99
• The Original Splash Bombs Sports Splash Sword - Ages 5+, SRP $9.99
• Tidal Storm Battle Gear – Ages 6+, SRP $19.99
• DartZone Dartstorm Gatling Blaster – Ages 6+, SRP $49.99

For more info: Visit www.primetimetoys.com to view product details.

Disclosure: Author did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. Author received product samples solely for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are those of the author. Photos courtesy of Kids Stuff PR.

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Desperately Seeking Western Eyes – One Asian’s Story

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Eyes are the windows to your soul,
but must they define you?
Photo by M.Adcock

The other day I viewed a CNN web video called, “Asians Seek Surgery to Look ‘Western’.” The video reported a trend in Asia for people (mostly women) who went to extreme measures in modifying their facial features to look more like Westerners. One of the most popular surgeries noted included Asians changing their eyelids to a double-lined lid to achieve larger eyes. The piece resonated with me because at one time I wanted those eyes.

Double-lined lids are eyelids that fold back into themselves when opened – this is where women put on eye shadow. When the lids close, one can see the eye shadow. When the lids open, the eye shadow is neatly tucked back into the lid, leaving a fabulous brow bone to frame big eyes.

Most Asian eyes are smaller as their eyelids do not fold deeply back into their sockets. That’s why when I was a teenager, the eye shadow application tips I read in Seventeen magazine only ended up making me look like a clown. I never once found eye makeup application tips for Asians in those teen glossies or even today in women’s magazines.

The CNN video showed women, even children, going under the knife to permanently alter eyelids into double-lined lids. Though the video speaks to the recent influx taking place in Asia, these surgeries were nothing new to me. As a child, I had heard about these procedures. In the small Midwest Chinese community I grew up in, I’d hear whisperings among the moms that, “Mrs. So-and-So went to Hong Kong to get her lids done, that’s why she looks different.”

As a teen I wanted those coveted double-lined lids, but knew my parents would never allow it. My left eye, the prized eye, had a small double-lined lid. My right eye, the single-lined lid, was slightly smaller and therefore the one I hated. I came up with a plan to change my right eye. I would place thin pieces of Scotch tape on that eyelid to hold it back in hopes of “training” it to stay that way. Maybe if I taped it everyday then by the time prom came around I would look extra beautiful. It didn’t work, and I resented that right eye.

The CNN video discussed theories behind the Asian trend to look more Western. One idea was that Asians - whether consciously or subconsciously - wanted to look like who they perceived were the “dominant” group in society. In my case I wanted to look like my Midwest classmates and the models in teen magazines. Wasn’t high school all about fitting in? That doesn’t always change when you grow up.

After grad school I moved to New York City, a place cultivating diversity and acceptance. I forgot about my pesky right eye. A few years later I met my husband and got pregnant. One day during the third trimester, I looked in the mirror and noticed a strange thing. My right eye had a double-lined lid, just like my left eye. Pregnancy changes a woman's body, but I had never heard of it changing a facial feature. The irony was that I finally got what I had wanted so long ago, but it didn’t matter - my right eye no longer defined me. My priorities were now with my husband and baby. They both think I’m beautiful, and they’re the ones whose opinions count.

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy and Me Swim Class

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Kids can use floating devices for assistance.
Photo: M.Adcoc

When I first researched mom and dad blogs, I noticed bloggers posted something called, “Wordless Wednesday” on – you guessed it – Wednesdays. The postings would display a photo and a few sentences underneath. I kind of guessed what Wordless Wednesday meant, but double checked with my old friend from college, Vida Lok, who writes the MommyLok blog. She confirmed Wordless Wednesday meant you posted a big picture which would in itself say a lot so that you didn’t need to explain much.

Circle Time - sing songs and paddle!
Photo: M.Adock

For my first Wordless Wednesday post, I’ve already broken a rule: I’ve written a lot (see paragraph above and below). I’m also breaking another rule: I’m posting several pictures, and they're not big.

So enjoy these photos of my hubby taking our dear daughter to the infant/toddler swim class at the local YMCA. It’s a Parent and Me class, but because the class we’re registered in takes place on Saturdays, it’s filled with mostly dads. It’s a half hour class with one instructor and up to 30 kids in a big shallow pool (about 4 ft deep). It’s sometimes hard to hear the instructor, but you can always just look at what other parents are doing and follow along.

Check out your local YMCA for kids’ swim classes. They’re affordable, offer a lot of classes, and introduce kids to the water in a comfortable environment.

Focus on the ball outside of the pool...
Photo: M.Adcock

...and learn to climb out!
Photo: M.Adcock

Skip the Tricycle and Go With YBike Balance Bikes

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Photo: Courtesy of DGCPR

YBike, a balance bike with no pedals for toddlers and preschoolers, helps kids develop balance, coordination, and confidence. Based on European kids’ bikes that forego training wheels, the balance bikes prepare kids to ride a two wheeler. YBike has just enough stability and at the same time instability to teach children balance.

YBike's manufacturer recommends this product for ages 2-4, though it states that kids 5-8 also enjoy it. According to its website:

• Substantial improvements in both static and dynamic balance
• Substantial improvements in bilateral coordination
• Observable improvements in physical self-confidence (testing by Prof ES Bressan, Dept of Sport Science, Stellenbosch University)
• Studies conducted at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa showed that children who used YBike over a 2 week period showed up to 700% improvement in some cases in various tests of their balance and co-ordination skills.

YBike has won several industry awards:

• Creative Child Magazine 2010 Toy of the Year Award
• Oppenheim Best Toy Award - The most prestigious toy award in the USA. Products are tested extensively with children before awarding. 
• SABS design award - A design award for all products in the market – not just toys. YBike won due to its appealing aesthetics and unique design features.

Photo by M.Adcock

Intrigued with the idea of a bike that could help young kids more easily transition to a two-wheel bike, I tried the YBike with several toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5) in Long Island, NY. The YBike boasted a cool sleek and slim design. Made of study plastic, the YBike proved pretty simple to assemble. The instructions did not require extra tools beyond those supplied.

Once assembled, the Ybike instantly garnered kids’ attention – they all clamored to try it. No matter what the kids’ ages were, once on the bike, they all tipped over. There are double wheels in the back that together act like one thick wheel to provide a bit more stability than a traditional two wheel bike. The bike was meant to have a slight tilt to encourage kids to learn balance.

Photo by M.Adcock

At first the older kids who had experience riding tricycles seemed puzzled by the YBike’s tilt, but quickly hopped back on and tried with success. The younger kids (2 year olds) were more hesitant to try again. They were scared by the fall and resisted parents placing them back on. Their differing reactions simply reflected normal behavior for their age groups.

Like with any bike, learning to ride required practice. Two year olds may need more encouragement to keep trying. The YBike seemed ideal for three to four year olds. Five year olds (right outside the cusp of the recommended 2-4 age group) figured out how to ride the YBike the fastest and really loved it, though the bike seemed a bit too small for someone that age.

The manufacturer’s website stated that if kids used the YBike enough there would be a good chance they could progress to a normal bicycle at the age of 3 or 4 without using training wheels or stabilizers. I can see this happening, especially if one is able to start her kid on the bike at age 2.

My recommendation: Try the YBike for toddlers and preschoolers. It offers more developmentally than traditional tricycles. Kids need to practice on it (just like learning on any bike), so don’t let them give up if they tilt over the first time they try it.

For more info:
The YBike weighs 7.7 pounds and can hold a max weight of 100 pounds. Suggested retail price is $79.99. Purchase through Toys R Us www.toysrus.com, Fat Brain Toys www.fatbraintoys.com and the manufacturer’s website www.ybikeusa.com. YBike's manufacturer also produces several other unique products for a range of age groups that help kids develop balance and coordination skills. Check out their products at www.ybikeusa.com.

Follow and learn more about YBike:

·         Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ybikeworld

·         Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ybikeusa

·         YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHZjlylaIeU

·         Amazon reviews: http://amzn.to/YBIKE_amazon

Disclosure: Author did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. Author received product sample solely for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are those of the author.

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The Legacy of West Point’s First Chinese Cadet

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Ying Hsing Wen
West Point Class of 1909
Photo: West Point Archives

On May 19, 2011, my relatives and I honored my great-grandfather, Ying Hsing Wen, West Point’s first Chinese cadet who graduated in 1909.  In a previous post, I discussed his background and many accomplishments during and after his West Point military academy years. Our family created two awards for deserving students within the Department of Foreign Languages.

Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Professor of Chinese, Brady Crosier, guided us throughout the day. Staff members from the Chinese department as well as a journalist from the World Journal Chinese newspaper also joined the group.

Ying Hsing Wen is buried
in West Point's cemetery
Photo: M.Adcock

Before attending the awards ceremony, we visited the gravesite of my great-grandfather and great-grandmother. The gray headstone, engraved in both English and Chinese, stands tall in the beautifully landscaped cemetery. The English inscription lists basic name and date information. The Chinese words say much more – all seven children along with their birthplaces are listed. I marveled at how within these picture characters lay a depth of meaning.

Afterwards, we planned to attend the cadet parade. I had the privilege of viewing the parade last year and had been impressed with the discipline, training, and dedication of the hundreds of cadets uniformly marching on the field. At the end of the parade, highly-trained cadets had jumped from planes and expertly landed in front of the Superintendent’s box centered along the field. This year, West Point canceled the cadet parade due to inclement weather. Our gracious hosts instead provided a private tour of the campus including visiting stunning scenic areas overlooking the Hudson River.

Overlooking the scenic Hudson River
L to R: Martha Gallagher, LTC Brady
Crosier, Harriet Tung, Alfred Wen,
Maria Wen Adcock and Rick Wen
Photo: M.Adcock

Next on the agenda, we attended the Department of Foreign Languages reception for the award presenters and staff. In the early afternoon, our hosts escorted us to the front row of the Thayer Hall auditorium for the awards ceremony.

Two family members presented the LTG Ying Hsing Wen Memorial Award. My Aunt Harriet Tung from Hong Kong awarded Cadet Michael Kerper the China travel Fellowship. Cadet Kerper won based on a China research paper competition. My Uncle Alfred Wen from New York City presented the Excellence in East Asian Studies award to Cadet Uzkar Ibrahim. The award, based on academic distinctions, was provided by my Aunt Margaret Chao of Maryland who could not attend the ceremony.

The two annual permanent awards represent Ying Hsing Wen’s legacy. I hope one day to bring my daughter to the ceremony to honor her heritage and great-great-grandfather. 

Descendants of Ying Hsing Wen with award winners Cadet Uzkar Ibrahim
and Cadet Michael Kerper (Photo: M.Adcock)

Last year's event included the Cadet Parade.
Due to bad weather, this year's parade was canceled.
Photo: M.Adcock

Betty Crocker XO Laptop Giveaway – CLOSED

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Image: WinOneGiveOne.com

Now through the end of May, kids in the U.S. have an opportunity to instantly win a XO Laptop from specially-marked packages of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks. For each laptop won, Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks “Win & Give” program will donate a similar laptop to a child in Africa. The XO laptops ($199 retail) are geared towards children, so not only will your child have a laptop to learn on, but he or she will also learn about helping others.

Want a better chance to win an XO laptop? Enter here today to win your own XO Laptop and a variety pack of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks.

To Enter: Simply post a comment stating how you and your family give back to others and leave contact info (email or Twitter name) so I contact you if you win. 

Bonus: Qualify for extra entries by following me on Twitter (@BiculturalMama) and tweeting about the giveaway. Please post a comment here to indicate you’ve tweeted to ensure your extra entry is received. Sample message to paste into Twitter:  
#GIVEAWAY @BiculturalMama: Win a XO Laptop! http://t.co/9Q4cieB

This giveaway is open to entrants 18 years or older in the U.S. All entries must be received by Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. Author will randomly choose a winner who will be notified regarding how to claim the prize. Winner will be announced in a future posting on this site after the giveaway ends.

Disclosure: Author did not receive products or any other compensation for this post/giveaway. All opinions expressed are those of the author.

Stay in Touch:  “Like” me on Facebook: Bicultural Mama, follow me on Twitter (@BiculturalMama) or visit and subscribe at www.BiculturalMama.com.

For more info: To find out how the laptops positively impact the lives of the children and to learn ways parents can talk to their kids about giving back, visit www.WinOneGiveOne.com.

Maternity Leave in Canada vs. U.S - No Contest, Canada Wins

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Megan Pachal with her son  (Photo courtesy of M. Pachal)

By Guest Writer: Megan Pachal

Megan Pachal is an American married to a Canadian. Based in Brooklyn, the mother of one discusses her thoughts on maternity leave in both countries. View Megan's other guest post, "My Baby - Public Property?"

“So are you enjoying maternity leave?”  How this question made me cringe.  My husband Pete and I were on a trip to his native Canada to introduce his family and friends to our six-month-old son Jack.  They assumed that I was still on maternity leave, since Canadian law allows new mothers to spend an entire year at home.  Granted they don’t get paid in full; the government regulation is 55% of their base salary, but some companies provide supplements that bring the total to 80%.

I, on the other hand, was back at work after the twelve-week leave standard in the U.S.  When we took Jack’s first trip on a plane and out of the country, he had already been in daycare for three months.  Although we had carefully selected his daycare and he received wonderful treatment and attention there, it was still really hard for me to leave him.  I wasn’t feeling great about my decision.  It was a constant source of conflict for me that sometimes spilled over into my marriage.

I knew about the differences in maternity leave before I took this trip so I had a well-planned out script for when Pete’s friends, also new moms, asked me “Oh, isn’t that so hard for you?”  I explained that Jack was in daycare near my office so I saw him at lunch and spent time with him on the commute, but I’m not sure I was even convincing myself that these things made it ok.  Then I smiled and nodded while I listened to them describe going to playgroups and music classes.  Oh was I jealous.  And poor Pete, who didn’t have anything to do with making maternity law in Canada or the U.S., had to bear the brunt of my frustration.

Two months after this trip I decided to stay home with Jack for a little bit while I tried to find a more family-friendly job.  That was almost a year ago and I’m still home with him (which is so wonderful) and still looking for the perfect working mom solution (which is so frustrating).   Although my mom friends have a vast array of working situations and feelings about the impact this has on their children, one thing we all agree on is that U.S. maternity leave policies are shockingly bad.

The U.S. has by far the least generous maternity leave policy of any developed nation.   EU nations provide twenty weeks of maternity leave at full pay while the U.S. merely provides 12 weeks of job protection and doesn’t require payment (although most companies provide 6 weeks of full pay).  On the far end, I once met a couple from Norway who got a year of maternity leave followed by a year of paternity leave.   To be fair, I think a year is a bit long for a company to do without an employee; a lot of changes occur during this time that the returning worker will have to catch up on.  But twelve weeks is just way too short for both moms and their little ones.  There has to be a happy medium and I hope that by the time Jack has children U.S. policies will enable new parents to find it.

My Great-Grandfather, First Chinese Cadet at West Point

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Early tomorrow morning I will be driving to West Point to meet relatives for an Awards Ceremony. Last year, my dad’s side of the family established two annual awards in memory of my great grandfather, Ying Hsing Wen. He was the first Chinese cadet at the military academy, and graduated with the Class of 1909.

My elder relatives will present the awards. The first is an award given to a cadet selected by the faculty for demonstrating excellence in the field of East Asian Studies.  The second is a China traveling fellowship awarded to a graduating cadet based on a research paper competition judged by the faculty covering some aspect of China or Chinese foreign relations. 

I know my dad’s side of the family, the Wen’s, has a long record of serving in the military. We actually have a written family history passed down through the generations that details family members from the last couple thousands of years. From these findings, it is no surprise that great-grandfather went into a military career.

My great grandfather passed away before I was born so I only know about his from family stories, newspaper clippings, and historical books.

An article in the New York Times published June 1, 1905, under the headline, “CHINESE AT WEST POINT,” states that a Special Act of Congress took place to admit him. My dad found written recordings of the debate within Congress. Some members opposed the “Chinese foreigner’s” entrance into the military academy. Others supported the move as a show of diplomacy and camaraderie with China. Congress ultimately voted to allow great-grandfather into West Point.

Great-grandfather did well at West Point academically and socially. His nickname during his time there was “George Washington Wen.” As noted in the New York Times (December 24, 1911), “Wen…was one of the most popular cadets that ever came to West Point from a foreign country. He was unusually bright…” The article continues, “[Wen] was the liveliest, best natured little Chinaman that ever crossed the Pacific according to the army officers who were the cadets with him at West Point.” Today, calling someone a “little Chinaman” would make one cringe, but back then it was stated with the utmost respect.

After graduating from West Point, great-grandfather worked as a military aide to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the founder of the Nationalist movement that overthrew the Manchu dynasty. He rose to the rank of lieutenant general, serving as deputy commanding general of Chiang Kai-Shek’s National Gendarmerie and became a senator after World War II. When the Chinese Communists took over, great-grandfather fled to Taiwan, and eventually to America.

I wouldn’t be living here today if my great-grandfather hadn’t helped my dad come to the U.S. to study. Like my other siblings, I was born in the States. Tomorrow after the awards ceremony, my relatives and I will visit great-grandfather in the West Point cemetery. There in front of his gravestone, I will give thanks. 

Photo: West Point Military Academy archives

The Minority Majority Future of America

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Who will the average American look like in the future?
(Photo: Flickr.com/sanjay_kumar)

Ask someone from another country what they think Americans look like. More often than not, they will describe a typical American as a light hair, light-eye color Caucasian – sort of like Ken and Barbie. Perhaps this stereotype results from viewing too many late night Baywatch reruns; don’t all American girls look like Pamela Anderson?

If Baywatch were to reflect the average American in the future, the cast would have brown skin and brown eyes. Many would be Hispanic.

The most recent U.S. Census took place in 2010. Based on data trends, minorities in American will collectively become the future majority. To note, unlike in the 2000 Census, last year’s Census included a new definition for Hispanic, stating, “’Hispanic origins are not races’ because in the federal statistical system Hispanic origin is considered to be a separate con­cept from race.” It is viewed more like an ethnicity. As such, people of Hispanic origin may be categorized under any race in the 2010 Census, with the majority identifying themselves under “White” or “Some Other Race.”

Highlights from last year’s census versus the 2000 Census include:

• The Hispanic population drove more than half of the total growth in the U.S. population.
• Hispanics comprise 16.3% of the population and grew 43%.
• The Asian population, while comprising just 4.8% of the U.S. total, grew 43.3%.
• According to U.S. Census analysts, much of the Hispanic and Asian growth is due in part to higher levels of immigration. 
• The Black/African American population showed growth (12.3%) though at a slower pace than other minority groups.
• In total the growth of minority groups outpaced Whites, though Whites still held the majority of the population.
• The multiple-race population grew with White & Black combination driving the largest group at 1.8 million. The other three largest multiple-race combinations included White & Some Other Race (1.7 million), White & Asian (1.6 million), and White & American Indian and Alaska Native (1.4 million).

 

Interracial Marriages

With the growth of the minority population, not surprisingly the number of interracial marriages has likewise increased. According to the 2010 U.S. Census:

• White Americans: Due to their demographic majority, were involved the most in interracial marriages in terms of absolute numbers, though statistically they were the least likely to wed interracially.
• 2.1% of married White women and 2.3% of married White men had a non-White spouse.
• 1.0% of all married White men were married to an Asian American woman.
• 1.0% of married White women were married to a man classified as "other".
• Black Americans:
• 4.6% of married Black American women and 10.8% of married Black American men had a non-Black spouse.
• 8.5% of married Black men and 3.9% of married Black women had a White spouse.
• 0.2% of married Black women were married to Asian American men.
• Asian Americans:
• 17.5% of married Asian American women and 8.2% of married Asian American men had a non-Asian American spouse.
• Of all Asian American/White marriages, only 29% involved an Asian American male and a White female.
• Of all Asian American/Black marriages only 19% involved an Asian American male and a Black female.

The increase in interracial marriages means the face of the American family is changing. For companies to be a viable competitor, they will need to adjust their target markets and reflect this through their advertising. Children today in the U.S. are growing up with a Black President and more diversity in the media than ten years ago. Perhaps when these children grow up, the Ken and Barbie view of the “typical” American will just be a vintage notion.

Welcome to Bicultural Mama

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Welcome to my new mom blog, Bicultural Mama. This forum celebrates the best of both worlds from a bicultural mom’s perspective. Biculturalism is not just about race – it’s also about heritage, culture, religion, philosophy, and attitude. I am a first-generation Chinese-American married to a multi-generation Caucasian, living the merger of two worlds and raising our beautiful 2 year old daughter.

BiculturalMama.com will cover a wide range of topics, including universal ones that cross cultural boundaries. The blog will include commentary, advice, interviews, humor, reviews, product giveaways, and guest writers. As a former marketing exec turned freelance writer turned blogger, I hope my range of personal and professional experiences will add depth to the conversation.

Please join my voyage into the mom blogosphere. On the right side of the blog, you can subscribe via RSS, follow by email and share through Facebook and Twitter (@BiculturalMama). Suggestions for topics and on how to improve the site are welcomed as I am not a tech whiz and I am learning along the way. I encourage comments and questions, and can be reached at biculturalmama@gmail.com.

Thank you, and enjoy the site!

Regards,

Maria