An American Mutt

June 8, 2010


Here’s something else I learned at the family reunion. I’m an American mutt.

That phrase isn’t original with me. I heard it quite a few years ago while listening to an NPR interview where one woman, describing her family background, called herself “an American mutt.” She then explained by saying, “You know, a little of this, a little of that.”

Well, that’s my category too.

I know that the Gray line came from Ireland and the Pritchards came from England and Wales. On my mother’s side, her family goes back to eastern Europe, specifically to a region not far from Prague in the Czech Republic. And then I learned over the weekend that I may have some Chickasaw in my background, which I thought was cool.  

A friend from Chicago emailed to say that her mother’s family were Mayfields and were we related? Could be.

I’ve always admired those folks who are 100% Greek or totally Irish or they can trace their lineage back to Columbus or maybe they descended from some ancient Chinese dynasty. Nothing wrong with that. 

But all things considered, I’m happy to be a mix of many different things. Seems very American to me. A little of this, a little of that. 

I’m an American mutt. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 

Do you have any thoughts or questions about this post?