[lbo-talk] Why is Obama never identified as a mulatto?

[Dennis Claxton]

On 3/14/2012 7:52 AM, ken hanly wrote:


> Is there a stigma to being mulatto or what.

The word has a lousy history:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mulatto

mulatto

1590s, from Sp. or Port. mulato "of mixed breed," lit. "young mule," 
from mulo "mule," from L. mulus (fem. mula) "mule," possibly in allusion 
to hybrid origin of mules. Fem. mulatta is attested from 1620s.