What if, as a society, we were not to distinguish individuals according to the color of their skin? On the contrary, we were to embrace the difference because it will be advantageous for all of us?
When it comes to being in an interracial relationship, one common concept is an interracial marriage. It can also be considered the most challenging relationship. However, interestingly enough, the complication of the actual relationship is mostly created by the society for this union rather than the partners in the relationship.
Couples who are willing to be in an interracial relationship most of the time share the same fear of being alienated from their parents and family members. Disapproval of the parents towards an outer-group partner most of the time comes from the unfamiliarity of the other culture, the fear of miscommunication, concerns of stability of the marriage and the general misconception of the social class. The fact is that these concerns are the same concerns for same race marriages, but they may seem significant when it comes to interracial marriages. Nevertheless, this obstacle can be turned into an opportunity. Research shows that with a positive attitude and persuasion, parents can overcome these problems and dissolve their racial categorization. Therefore, interracial marriages play a big role in ending the stereotyping in the society starting from the closest circle.
One other benefit interracial marriages offer to society is to demonstrate the essence of a relationship and the importance of personal growth in a marriage. Couples of this relationship understand and accept that fundamentals of a good relationship don't depend on the race, the language or the ethnic differences. Interracial couples, just like same race couples, have the same motivation like togetherness, same interests, loyalty and affection. In other words, the hardship of the marriage does not come from the ethnic differences, but from the individuals perspectives. When the drive for togetherness comes from the basic expectations of a relationship, the ethnic difference does not occur to be a problem. On the contrary, couples in interracial marriage seem to benefit from the difference at a personal level.
What makes this type of marriage difficult for individuals is that even though there are no more laws against the marriage, there are social, economic and historic contrasts between ethnics groups and their psychological side effects. Furthermore, because of the cultural differences, the fear of failing to define what is right and wrong discourages couples from being in this type of a union. However, couples who disregard these concerns, because relationships either are same race or a different race cannot be based on these fears, believe that this union rewards them in a unique way.
First, interracial marriages tend to be more stable and involve fewer conflicts than other types of relationships. Second, whereas interracial couples and families face unique challenges, they tend to develop mature coping and conflict-resolution styles. Third, given that well-functioning interracial couples often have higher levels of education, they tend to have superior resources for coping with the problems they encounter. Finally, interracial couples tend to build support networks of like-minded people and build strong bonds with each other as a means to overcome adversity
Looking at it from a different perspective, fear of being dominated by the other partner or the fear of giving up what is familiar also discourages individuals to be in an interracial marriage. Unlike this common belief, the partners in these relationships do not give up on their individuality nor do they lose their cultural uniqueness, rather they make the best use of their differences and learn from each other. Moreover, in these type of relationships, individuals do not represent one group or ethnic identity, rather they represent themselves. Consequently, interracial couples are considered to be the leading models of unified dissimilarities working for the same goal in harmony.
It is normal that the differences can be confronting and they can be difficult to overcome. But individuals who learn to appreciate the diversity and understand their own uniqueness bring societies to higher levels. Because every culture and race has certain features that can benefit individuals as long as these features are appreciated. Bryan Grapes, in his research, states that "Anthropologists have long observed that as people and cultures evolve, they become more and more distinctive. They don’t shed the qualities that make them unique, they refine and develop them. Diversity appears to be a function of social evolution.”
In conclusion, interracial relationships are bridges between different cultures and races. Even though these relationships may bring challenges because of the old beliefs, traditions and historical affairs, when they are viewed non-judgmentally and objectively, they may lead the society to work together for a better future. Since tolerance, communication and understanding are the roots of interracial relationships, they may decrease the polarization in society tremendously. It does not take more than just a little courage and empathy to achieve this goal. Would color blindness be beneficial to you? Yes. When we as a society and as individuals stop seeing the difference between skin colors, we will be able to observe the rainbow of possibilities.
