Interracial Relationships Essay -- essays research papers

Racism is a national epidemic. Racial equality and civil rights reach across societal boundaries to protect everyones individuality. Although our nation is based on equality, racism persists and creates numerous societal problems. One increasing problem facing America under the guise of racism is the topic of interracial relationships. In 1960 there were about 150,000 interracial marriages compared with 1.5 million in 1990(IIA). Being a part of an interracial relationship in our racist society can be very difficult. There are many reasons for this. I wont try to explain all of them. That would take forever because everyone is different. Here are some of the main reasons why it is so hard to pursue an interracial relationship and some suggestions that may help someone overcome the hardships of interracial relationships. The media has led society to believe that Black and White relationships are not acceptable. Almost everywhere there are abstract messages against interracial relationships. For example, television shows. Almost all of the families in these shows are racially separated. To name just a few of the "Black" family shows, we have The Cosby Show, Martin, Family Matters, and The Fresh Price of Bell Air. Some of the more "White" shows are Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Home Improvement, and Married With Children. For the most part these shows don't cast roles for couples to have interracial relationships. Television and the media have been putting ideas about race into our head for years, and only when we analyze this fact do we realize just how much television manipulates our perception of what is acceptable to society concerning race. Society also plays a role in discouraging interracial relationships. Society I believe plays the largest role when it comes to problems with interracial relationships. It's human nature to want to feel accepted, but having an interracial relationship in today's society can make people feel awkward or unaccepted. For example: If you have a child who is half-black and half-White he or she may be ridiculed by other children. He or she m... ...ation by experience you should communicate with them and ask them how they would feel if they were in your shoes. They may start to see it your way after close consideration. One way to help a parent to overcome his or her grief over a son or daughter being involved in an interracial relationship is by reasoning with them. It should be explained to them that it is by ones free choice the relationship started and is continuing. Even though many parents hold their same views, they should know that times have changed since they were young. Every problem relating to interracial relationships requires special attention because of the delicacy of feelings involved in each case. Considering that not all parents are as receptive as others are, one must handle each conversation pertaining to this subject very carefully. Some people may experience some or all the problems listed above. One certainty is that not all of the solutions will work for everyone. It is human nature to want to belong to ones own kind of people, but it is also an obligation on every ones part to educate our young ones so that one day we may end the fear of interracial relationships.