Interracial relationships have become far more common in many countries all over the world. This term refers to a relationship between two people of differing racial groups. If the couple was to get married, then their union would be considered a form of exogamy, which is a word that means marrying outside of an individual’s racial group. Modern societies often nurture a more accepting attitude towards those in interracial relationships, but this was not always the case. Many couples had to keep their relationships secret or face ridicule or sometimes even violence should their community discover them.
Interracial Relationships throughout History
Fewer than five decades ago, interracial relationships were not viewed in the positive light they are today. Even now there are still people within various communities that retain their reservations about this practice, although it is for the most part accepted. Germany placed a ban on interracial marriage during the heyday of the Nazi party. In South Africa it was also banned during apartheid. Even many of the states in the U.S. legally restricted interracial marriages prior to 1967, when the Loving v. Virginia civil rights case brought about the demise of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. The Supreme Court effectively did away with all race based legal restrictions regarding marriage throughout the country.
Modern Interracial Relationships
Today race is no longer an issue in most countries. Statistics in 2008 revealed that 14.6% of all new marriages in the U.S. were between individuals of different ethnicities. Although some cultures still retain prejudices, most have gotten past these issues. Interracial relationships are continuing to grow, further encouraged by modern technology. The internet makes it much easier to communicate with people from countries all over the world.
Despite the freedom, interracial couples still sometimes experience obstacles that same race couples do not. These are usually brought on by cultural and background differences. Many interracial couples manage to get beyond these complications to form happy, healthy relationships.
I think interracial relationship should be encouraged because, love does not know colours nor have boundaries. We shoud do away with prejudice and racism because, the world is too old for us to still in the past. We should know that, we all have one thing in common which is the “red blood” that flows through our vein, meaning we are “one people” but, different colours. Therefore, our race and cultural background should be no barrier for interracial relationship and marriage. As for me, I am interested in an interracial relationship that will lead to marriage. My race and culture is no barrier.