What You Fail to Understand About Interracial Relationships!
3 Steps to prepare you for dating someone of another race
“Love is blind despite the world’s attempt to give it eyes.” ―Matshona Dhliwayo
As I think about the topic of interracial relationships, I’m reminded of the great movie, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, starring Sidney Poitier. Poitier passed away on Jan. 7th but his remarkable career will be left with us forever. If you haven’t watched this legendary film, check it out here.
Love is blind, and it sometimes occurs whenever you least expect it and with someone whom you never would envision yourself with. The beauty of this world is that we all come in different sizes and colors.
We all should strive to love each other and embrace the differences that God has blessed us with. Those who are able to grasp this concept are able to enjoy the world with a certain viewpoint that many fail to reach.
Here are a few things you should be aware of before you begin an interracial relationship.
1. Understanding differences Understand that there will be things you don’t understand about your partner. It’s ok. Speaking as a black man, I know there are things that would be foreign to me if I were dating a white woman, and vice versa.
If race is important to them, ask questions. If it isn’t something they care much about, then don’t make a big deal about it. However, give them an opportunity to share themselves with you if that’s what they desire. Pretending that you don’t see color or that the racial differences aren’t a big deal is not up to you if you aren’t in the minority.
2. Do not put down your own race just to appease the others There are few things worse than a person who criticizes others in his race to justify his interracial relationship. I hear it all the time, especially with men from my own race.
As a black man, if I want to date a white woman, there is nothing wrong with it. However, degrading black females while dating other races is childish, immature, and to be honest, puzzling. For those men who do these types of things, I would urge you to seek help. It makes no sense to put down women who look like your own mother. Figure out a way to date who you want without punching down on others.
3. Prepare for criticism Finally, it’s important to understand that criticism will come your way simply because of your relationship.
Racism is still thriving in 2022. It now exists in many different forms. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s systemic, and then there is still the in-your-face-blatant racism that has been around forever.
While we continue to make progress in trying to eradicate this form of hate, you must never let it hinder your relationships. Criticism and ugly looks are bound to come your way if you are in an interracial relationship.
The best way to handle it is to be prepared for it to happen. Then when it does, you can choose to respond however you deem appropriate. At least it won’t catch you off guard.
There are still many living in this country and beyond who believe that they are better than others who have a different skin color. When it comes to relationships, some people pretend to be accepting of racial differences until it happens to their own son or daughter.
We all should strive to love each other and embrace the differences that God has blessed us with
It’s beyond time that we learn to accept others for who they are, not based on their skin color, religion, or sexual orientation. Many of you might read this article and think about all the progress that has been made in regards to race and interracial relationships. My focus is on the progress that still needs to be made.
According to the Pew Research Center, at least 19 percent of new marriages in the U.S. now involve spouses from different ethnic or racial groups — up from 11% in 2000. This number will continue to rise every decade going forward. Learn to love everyone the same, no matter what differences they have from you. It will make our society a friendlier and happier place to live. As always, stay positive!
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