Every relationship is the same.
Ultimately, people involved in couples want something similar. They seek common interest, acceptance and love.
But from the outside, each couple is different and often questioned — why is he with her? Sometimes, it’s about status, sexual preference or even race.
Interracial dating has built its own world, leaving its observers clueless, angered and ignorant. By interracial dating I mean black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc. Yes, society has moved forward in its views of mixed couples, but it still has a long way to go.
I’ve always thought I’d never be able to date outside of my race, simply because of my ignorance. I’m not educated enough in other cultures, leaving me unable to empathize with that person.
But once I realized what we’re dealing with, my conclusions changed.
When it comes to dating, there are three general stages. Primarily, two people hold a common interest building an emotional and physical attraction toward one another.
Secondly, the couple seeks acceptance from it’s outside world. This comes from friends, family or society. It is this stage which makes interracial dating the most difficult.
Usually, when we want to date someone for awhile, we take a general interest in what others think. When that acceptance isn’t there, we sometimes question whether we are doing the right thing, bring us to the reason we date to begin with — love.
That same type of love withstands anything; even the boundaries of color and race.
The few interracial couples I know have enlightened me as to what their dating life is like.
Mostly, I found that those couples are the target for judgment, criticism and ridicule. It’s not just the minority in the couple that undergoes a dose of racism, but both.
On the other hand, such judgment only builds a tougher skin for these couples.
They’re after the same goal every other couple is: a lifetime of love and happiness.
But to some outsiders, the view of an interracial couple is much different. Whether it be a dispute about territory, jealousy or morality, not everyone agrees with the brave few who choose to step outside the box.
I find it difficult to understand where those people are coming from.
Couldn’t those same things be said about couples in same-race relationships? Such as, “she’s got a good one of our men.” There’s several women who have great men in my same race, but this is where respect steps in.
The only thing I can do is appreciate and be happy for everyone in a relationship. Being angry about people of different races dating, isn’t going to keep them apart, but perhaps it will remind them of why they’re together in the first place.
