Eartha Kitt’s Biracial Daughter Kitt Shapiro Is Tired Of People Questioning Her Race

Tamron Hall Show
26 Sept 202213:50
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRKit Shapiro, daughter of legendary entertainer Eartha Kitt, addresses the racial scrutiny she faced due to her mixed heritage. Despite Eartha's iconic career and groundbreaking achievements, she considered motherhood her greatest accomplishment. Kit, who has a different skin tone from her mother, received insensitive comments questioning their biological relationship. In a viral TikTok post, Kit defended her identity and highlighted the beauty of being multiracial. The interview delves into Kit's memoir, discussing Eartha's resilience and humor, and how she instilled these values in her daughter, emphasizing the importance of joy and laughter amidst life's challenges.

Takeaways
  • 🎤 Kit Shapiro is the daughter of the late legendary singer and actress Eartha Kitt, who passed away in 2008.
  • 🐱 Eartha Kitt had a career spanning over six decades and was known for being the first black woman to play Catwoman in the 60s Batman series.
  • 🎵 Eartha Kitt is also famous for her iconic holiday song 'Santa Baby,' which has been streamed nearly 200 million times on Spotify.
  • 👧 Despite her Hollywood success, Eartha Kitt considered her greatest achievement to be motherhood, and she was incredibly close with her daughter Kit.
  • 🌐 Kit Shapiro faced insensitive comments and scrutiny online questioning her relationship with Eartha Kitt due to their different skin tones.
  • 💬 Kit chose to publicly address these comments and defend her identity after a lifetime of pain and being questioned about her heritage.
  • 👀 Kit Shapiro received hurtful comments suggesting she couldn't be Eartha's biological child because of her appearance.
  • 🧬 Kit emphasized that she is indeed Eartha's biological child and highlighted the complexities and peculiarities of genetics.
  • 🌈 Kit's mother Eartha Kitt was proud of their mixed-race heritage, referring to Kit as a 'walking United Nations,' embracing diversity.
  • 🕊 Kit shared that her mother faced racial prejudice and was treated as an outcast in her past, but Eartha used her experiences to persevere and succeed.
  • 😄 Eartha Kitt's sense of humor and ability to find laughter in every moment was a gift she passed on to Kit, emphasizing the importance of joy and resilience.
Q & A

  • Who is Kit Shapiro and what is her relation to Eartha Kitt?

    -Kit Shapiro is the only child of the late singer, actress, and entertainer Eartha Kitt. Eartha Kitt passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.

  • What is Eartha Kitt known for in the entertainment industry?

    -Eartha Kitt had a legendary career in entertainment spanning over six decades. She was the first black woman to play Catwoman in the iconic 60s Batman series and is immortalized for her holiday song 'Santa Baby'.

  • How has Eartha Kitt's song 'Santa Baby' been received on Spotify?

    -Eartha Kitt's song 'Santa Baby' has been streamed almost 200 million times on Spotify.

  • Why did Kit Shapiro feel compelled to defend her identity on social media?

    -Kit Shapiro felt compelled to defend her identity on social media due to insensitive and hurtful comments questioning whether she was really Eartha Kitt's biological daughter, based on their different skin tones.

  • What kind of comments did Kit Shapiro receive that prompted her to speak up about her identity?

    -Kit Shapiro received comments such as 'I'm confused, wasn't Eartha Kitt black?' and questions about her being Eartha's biological daughter, which she found hurtful and insulting.

  • How did Kit Shapiro respond to the comments questioning her relationship with Eartha Kitt?

    -Kit Shapiro responded by affirming that she is Eartha Kitt's biological child, explaining that genetics are peculiar and that she does look like her mother, especially to those willing to see past her blonde hair and light skin.

  • What was Eartha Kitt's perspective on having a mixed-race child?

    -Eartha Kitt was proud to be the parent of a mixed-race child. She referred to Kit as a 'walking United Nations' and appreciated that she couldn't be easily identified due to her mixed heritage.

  • How did Kit Shapiro's mother handle racial discrimination, as illustrated by an incident in South Africa?

    -When Eartha Kitt was asked to leave a theme park in apartheid South Africa because it was for white people only, she calmly left with Kit. Later, she used the situation to make a greater statement by bringing two children of color with her when she returned to the park, emphasizing the power of one person to affect change.

  • What was Eartha Kitt's attitude towards her difficult past?

    -Eartha Kitt considered her difficult past as the foundation of who she was. She took pride in overcoming her challenges and used them as fertilizer for her growth and success.

  • How did Eartha Kitt instill resilience and joy in Kit Shapiro's life?

    -Eartha Kitt taught Kit Shapiro to find laughter in almost every moment and to not take herself too seriously. She encouraged Kit to find hope and happiness, no matter how small, and to understand that every day has something to smile about.

  • What is the significance of the story about Eartha Kitt and the amusement park in South Africa?

    -The story about Eartha Kitt and the amusement park in South Africa is significant because it demonstrates her approach to handling racial discrimination. Instead of making a scene, she chose a response that would have a lasting impact and promote change.

Outlines
00:00
👩‍👧 Kit Shapiro's Viral Response to Racist Comments

Kit Shapiro, the only child of late legendary entertainer Eartha Kitt, addresses the hurtful and insensitive comments she has received regarding her racial identity and her relationship with her mother. Despite Eartha Kitt's groundbreaking career and iconic status, she considered her greatest achievement to be motherhood. Kit and her mother were incredibly close, but people's assumptions about racial appearance led to questions about their familial relationship. Kit's response to these comments on social media went viral as she defended her identity and the multiracial reality that she and her mother shared. She highlights the absurdity of people's assumptions and the importance of challenging predetermined ideas about racial appearance.

05:01
🌟 Overcoming Stereotypes: Kit Shapiro's Life with Eartha Kitt

Kit Shapiro discusses the challenges and joys of growing up as the daughter of a famous and groundbreaking multiracial woman, Eartha Kitt. She talks about the unique experiences of being accepted in different social circles due to her mother's fame and the complexities of racial identity. Kit shares how her mother's pride in their mixed heritage and the importance of not conforming to stereotypes. She also touches on the first time she encountered people questioning her relationship with her mother, which happened after Eartha Kitt's passing and the rise of social media. Kit's response to these comments was her first public addressal of the issue, emphasizing the reality of their biological relationship and the mix of racial heritage that made her who she is.

10:02
🎢 Eartha Kitt's Legacy and Kit Shapiro's Tribute

Kit Shapiro pays tribute to her mother, Eartha Kitt, by sharing personal stories and insights into her life and legacy. She recounts a significant incident in South Africa where Eartha Kitt was asked to leave a theme park due to racial segregation, and how her mother handled the situation with grace and a quiet strength that made a powerful statement. Kit also discusses her mother's resilience and ability to find joy and laughter in life, despite the hardships she faced. The conversation highlights Eartha Kitt's influence on Kit's life, imparting values of perseverance, authenticity, and the importance of finding happiness in every day.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Kit Shapiro
Kit Shapiro is the daughter of the late Eartha Kitt, a renowned singer, actress, and entertainer. As the central figure in the video's narrative, Kit's experiences and reflections on her mother's legacy are pivotal to understanding the video's theme of identity, heritage, and overcoming prejudice. The script discusses Kit's viral social media post defending her identity as Eartha's biological daughter, highlighting the challenges she faced due to her mixed-race appearance.
💡Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was a legendary figure in the entertainment industry with a career spanning over six decades. Known for her groundbreaking role as the first black woman to play Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series and her iconic holiday song 'Santa Baby,' Eartha Kitt's legacy is deeply intertwined with the video's exploration of racial identity and the impact of fame on personal relationships. The script also mentions her as a proud mother, emphasizing the importance of family in her life.
💡Mixed-race
The concept of being mixed-race is a significant theme in the video, as it directly relates to Kit Shapiro's personal journey and the public's perception of her relationship with her mother, Eartha Kitt. The video discusses the prejudice and misconceptions Kit faced due to her mixed-race heritage, including insensitive comments questioning her biological connection to Eartha. This keyword is crucial for understanding the video's message about embracing diversity and challenging racial stereotypes.
💡Catwoman
Catwoman is a character from the iconic 1960s Batman series, and Eartha Kitt was the first black woman to portray this role. This fact is highlighted in the script as a testament to Eartha's groundbreaking career and her impact on the entertainment industry. The mention of Catwoman serves as an example of Eartha's trailblazing achievements and her contribution to diversifying representation in popular culture.
💡Santa Baby
Santa Baby is an iconic holiday song performed by Eartha Kitt, which has been streamed almost 200 million times on Spotify. The song's popularity and enduring legacy underscore Eartha's cultural influence and her status as an entertainer. In the video, Santa Baby is used to illustrate Eartha's lasting impact on music and the collective memory of her fans.
💡Racial prejudice
Racial prejudice is a key issue addressed in the video, as it explores the challenges faced by Kit Shapiro due to her mixed-race heritage and the public's assumptions about her relationship with her mother. The script includes examples of insensitive and hurtful comments Kit received, which highlight the video's theme of overcoming labels and societal expectations based on race.
💡Multi-racial
The term multi-racial is used in the script to describe Kit Shapiro's heritage, which includes a blend of ethnic backgrounds. This keyword is essential for understanding the video's narrative on identity and the complexities of racial and cultural identity in a diverse world. The script discusses the public's misconceptions and the pressure Kit faced to conform to a specific racial appearance.
💡Stereotype
Stereotype is a concept that the video challenges by sharing Eartha Kitt's and Kit Shapiro's experiences with racial and cultural assumptions. Eartha faced stereotyping due to her skin color, while Kit grappled with stereotypes about mixed-race individuals. The video uses their stories to critique the limitations and harm of stereotyping and to promote a more nuanced understanding of identity.
💡Authenticity
Authenticity is a core theme in the video, as it emphasizes the importance of living true to oneself despite societal labels and expectations. Kit Shapiro's story of defending her identity and heritage on social media exemplifies the struggle for authenticity in the face of prejudice. The video encourages viewers to embrace their unique identities and to live authentically.
💡Resilience
Resilience is highlighted in the video through the stories of both Eartha Kitt and Kit Shapiro, who faced numerous challenges due to racial prejudice and societal expectations. Eartha's ability to turn adversity into strength and Kit's decision to publicly address misconceptions about her identity demonstrate their resilience. The video uses their experiences to convey the message that overcoming obstacles is a testament to one's strength and character.
💡Joy
Joy is presented in the video as an essential part of Eartha Kitt's legacy and a value she passed on to her daughter, Kit Shapiro. Despite the hardships she faced, Eartha was known for finding laughter and happiness in life, which the video suggests is a powerful tool for coping with adversity. The script emphasizes the importance of joy and laughter in maintaining a positive outlook and spreading happiness to others.
Highlights

Kit Shapiro is the only child of the late singer and actress Eartha Kitt.

Eartha Kitt had a legendary career in entertainment spanning over six decades.

She was the first black woman to play Catwoman in the 60s Batman series.

Eartha Kitt is known for her iconic holiday song 'Santa Baby' with nearly 200 million streams on Spotify.

Despite her success, Eartha Kitt considered her greatest achievement being a mom.

Kit and Eartha had an incredibly close relationship.

Kit Shapiro went viral defending her identity as Eartha's daughter due to their different skin tones.

Kit received insensitive comments questioning her relation to Eartha because of her appearance.

Kit addressed the comments publicly, asserting she is Eartha's biological child.

Kit discusses the complexities of being multiracial and the stereotypes people have.

Eartha Kitt was proud of Kit's mixed heritage, calling her a 'walking United Nations'.

Kit faced criticism for not being 'black enough' and assumptions about her appearance.

Kit's first experiences of people questioning her relationship with Eartha began with social media.

Kit's father was of Irish and German descent, contributing to her mixed race appearance.

Eartha Kitt faced racial prejudice and was once asked to leave a theme park in apartheid South Africa.

Eartha handled the situation with grace, turning it into an opportunity to make a statement for change.

Kit shares never-before-seen family photos and memories of traveling with Eartha.

Eartha Kitt's humor and resilience are remembered by Kit, emphasizing the importance of joy.

Transcripts

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Eartha KittKit ShapiroRace IssuesIdentity StrugglesHollywood StarCatwoman ActressSanta BabyMultiracial HeritageSocial Media ReactionsAuthentic Living