Interracial Relationships
Allison Kray
What is it?
Interracial: existing between two or involving different races
Race is defined here by the physical characteristics.
This includes: Native Americans, Asians, African Americans, Pacific Islander, and
white.
This being said, interracial relationships in simple terms is relationships that involve
different races. Many times, this comes with an exchange of cultures and values.
Statistics
There was only 2% of all marriages in 1970 were interracial in the U.S.. That number
increased to 7% in 2007. In 2010, it rose to 8.4%. In 2017, that number is now 8.9%.
According to a study in 2013, of the people who get married to a different race, 58% of
them were Native Americans, 28% of Asian, 19% of blacks and 7% were white.
What is the issue?
In the past, interracial relationships were not accepted. Countries like France,
Germany, India, Egypt, Spain, South Africa, The United States, Britain, China, etc. had
laws that restricted interracial marriages. In other countries, it is simply a custom to
marry within the race and everyone accepts that.
Even today, some cultures and areas around the world do not accept interracial
marriages.
U.S. History on the issue
When looking back at American history, white superiority and separation has always
been around. We get this from British ideals before our independence. Americans has
always discriminated on non-whites, for example:
● the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
● Jim Crow Laws
● Naturalization Act of 1790
● Assimilation of Native Americans
● New Orleans Lynchings in 1890
So this being said, it is not surprising that America restricted interracial marriages.
Pace v. Alabama 1883
This was a supreme court cases in which anti-interracial laws was ruled constitutional.
Tony Pace and Mary Cox were both arrested and was sentenced 2 year for being in a
relationship together. Tony went to the supreme court, but the ruling was that since it
was equal punishment for both races, it did not break the equality of protection.
Loving v. Virginia 1967
The Supreme court decision Loving v. Virginia (1967) allowed interracial marriages in
the United States. The Lovings couple was arrested in the state of Virginia because
they got married in Washington, DC and moved back home. Their marriage broken the
Racial Integrity Act of 1924 which was practiced in 16 states. They plead guilty and
were banned from Virgina for 25 years. They look it to the supreme court and was
ruled that marriage restrictions based on race was unconstitutional.
Families in TV
Discuss:
Why does Shimit find himself
changing his lifestyle to be with a
women from a different race? In your
opinion, is that a problem? Why?
What does this say about interracial
relationships?
Common Challenges
Although, not all interracial marriages are not culturally different, many times they are.
These relationships that are multicultural and interracial are submerged with different
cultures, beliefs, customs, values and sometimes language barriers. Many times,
partners subconsciously drop their culture for the relationship. In this, they become
distant to their “roots”, have less time with their family and have friendships.
These are common challenges does not mean these relationship can not work. With
communication, curiosity, and understanding, these relationship can be exciting and
fun.
Interracial Families
Over half of children in multiracial households live in six states, California, Texas, New
York, Illinois, Washington and Hawaii. Most of these children resided in urban areas.
Findings also indicated that multiracial households are more likely to have remarried
parent (step parents) and working mothers.
How are children affected?
Many kids that have multiracial parents experience name-calling. In a survey of the
parents, they claim that they have heard comments about their children of being “half
breeds, mixed bloods, or even new people”. Many times, the disapproval comes from
the extended family itself.
Many times, kids in an interracial family have more problems with their identity.
Statistically, these kids are tend to be more tolerant, objective and non judgemental.
Suggestions for educators
● Build relationships with students and their families
● Include multicultural material to embrace diversity
● Aid students to embracing their identity
● Identify personal biases.
● Have no tolerance for bullying, or discrimination in the classroom
