How far have we progressed in the last 50 years? If your child announced an engagement to a person, of a different race, what would be your response? Would you faint, hyperventilate, or just smile and invite them over for dinner. If it takes you longer than 3 seconds to answer this question, then you probably have some unconfronted or hidden prejudices. Some of the most "liberal thinkers" find themselves stuttering over the topic. Even during biblical times, the prophetess 'Miriam' disapproved of her brother's [Moses] marriage to an Ethiopian.
Interracial marriages have still not been accepted as the norm, but according to The Pew Research Center, they make up 8 percent of all couples. The survey shows one in every seven new marriages, in our country, are between people of different racial backgrounds. Asians were most likely to marry outside of their race, with 31 percent, followed by Hispanics with 26 percent, blacks with 16 percent and whites with 9 percent. They also reported that the South has the second-highest number of new interracial marriages in the nation, with 13 percent; And as a southerner, I can tell you it's true. But on the flip side of all this new found data, CNN reports that divorce among interracial couples is much higher than same-race couples because challenges in understanding, family relations, and pressures are overall much higher.
The Augusta Chronicle published an article this month entitled "Interracial Marriages on the rise across the U.S.". In the article Mrs Mitchell, a Caucasian, detail the ordeal of having to hide her relationship with her black boyfriend, then finally being disowned by her family for later marrying him. Twelve years later she believes that, while things have changed a little, "I see the looks and the rolled eyes when they [people] see my ring."
With all the new marriages come some very differing opinions and insight:
WHATRU wrote:
One African-American woman wrote:
And Guest wrote:
This discussion is not meant to force our opinions down anyone's throat. But hopefully we can confront and address some of the legitimate views and concerns [both] for and against interracial marriages. So, back to our beginning question: If your child announced a pending interracial marriage, what would you do? To thine own self be true. Ask yourself if you harbor unspoken disapproval of interracial marriages Share your revelations with us here on Yolanda Ro Speaks Life
Take the vote:
One of our readers believe black women are partially to blame for
black men seeking wives among other races. After you have posted
your response, take the vote!
Vote Here (Poll has been closed. View results below)
| 30%- Yes |
| 45%-Some of them are to blame |
| 25%- No |
|