Michelangelo Tangelo

The Search For Self Identity

Michelangelo is a tangelo (a hybrid fruit, grafted from a tangerine and a pomelo) and he lives in the fantasy garden of Fruitasia.  He is ashamed of his hybrid identity and desires to be viewed as a tangerine fruit being.  When confronted about his identity, he denies his pomelo heritage. His denial creates conflict between Michelangelo and the other fruit beings in Fruitasia. Conflict between Michelangelo and his friends becomes the catalyst that propels him to search for his true identity. The story of Michelangelo Tangelo uses fantasy 'fruit beings' as metaphors to portray the shame and confusion that may occur when bi-racial individuals allow the negative opinions of race to shape one’s self image. The bible teaches that God is not a ‘respecter of persons’, that is to say he does not esteem anyone based on their race, creed or color. As society becomes more diverse, the story of Michelangelo Tangelo will remind us of an important truth; God defines our identity and gives us direction in this world.