I’ve heard it all. All of the stereotypes associated with dating someone of a different race whether they black, white, purple, orange, or yellow. The concept of judging another human being based on the color or their significant other’s skin is archaic, cowardly and disgusting as far as I’m concerned.
Love is an abstract concept; it means something different to everyone. The idea is based on personal experiences. If one has had an unforgettable experience that results in an inseparable connection with another human soul, chances are they will have a specific, enamored view of the idea. With that being said, love knows no shapes, sizes or colors.
Someone should only be judged on his or her character. Bottom line. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Typically, negative feelings toward interracial dating have foundation within the older generations. They come from a more traditional background in which people of different backgrounds, cultures and races do not intermingle and/or intermarry. I have witnessed peers and others close to me fall victims to scrutiny just because they are not dating someone of the same race and/or ethnicity.
Interracial relationships, growing up in the South, were not widely accepted in any regard. They were looked down upon by many including individuals close to my age. It disturbs me at such a raw level to know that anyone would disapprove of a relationship in which two people are completed by one another only because of the sole fact that they do not share the same amount of melanin in their skin. Dating someone of another background is looked down upon in various cultures, and although this may be an inaccurate inference, having a significant other of a different race does pose more challenges in everyday life. People will judge without hesitation and they do not understand the repercussions that come along with inflicting beliefs upon others.
Why is it so taboo? We see instances in which there is suspense, surprise and disgust upon learning that a child, niece, nephew or close family friend is in an interracial relationship; many of these instances reside in the media. My personal favorite is the movie Guess Who. The protagonist brings her boyfriend home to meet her African American family, and she fails to disclose to the relatives that he is of Caucasian decent. Her father is mortified and it becomes the “talk” of the trip (and beyond). The media clearly antagonizes the topic and encourages the race polarization within modern day relationships.
Who is anyone to judge? Anyone that has truly been in love with another human being can comprehend and articulate the fact that the color of one’s skin should not alter or manipulate acceptance in any way, shape or form. It is time to leave the stereotypes behind.
