Pearl Nash
Depending on where you live, who you hang out with, and what kind of family you were born into, interracial relationships may or may not come as a surprise to you.
It’s hard to believe that people still poo poo on interracial relationships.
Come on, people: we are all human! Aren’t we tired of this racism crap yet? If you are your lover come from different races, you are in luck!
There happens to be a number of wonderful things about being in an interracial relationship – besides the fact that your lover is probably an amazing and wonderful person.
Here are 12 of the best things about being in an interracial relationship. Take that racists. After that we’ll talk about common myths people have about interracial relationships.
1) Always learning
One of the wonderful things about being in an interracial relationship is that you get to continuously learn – for better or worse – what humanity is really like.
You’ll encounter kind and generous people who will welcome you with open arms and you’ll encounter hateful people.
How you choose to handle the situation is up to you but given that you are in an interracial relationship, you will probably handle the situation just fine.
2) You go against the racist grain
Because hate is still a real thing in our world, you get to show people that you are not afraid to go against the grain and be with someone, regardless of their race.
This is going to piss off a lot of people – especially the devote types who believe like goes with like.
That’s foolishness, and you get to prove that everyday. Besides some of the most miserable people in the world are married to those who are “like” them and look where that got them.
3) You get to acknowledge all of the change that has happened in the world
When you enter into a relationship with someone who is of a different race you are giving a silent nod to all of that has been accomplished in the world surrounding human rights.
You get to champion the idea that anyone can love anyone – for real. You get to show the world you are not a racist and you are proud to be with your partner, regardless of skin color.
4) Your kids will be beautiful
This one needs no explanation. Have you seen children of interracial couples? They are gorgeous.
It’s a miracle from God and another sign that we are meant to love each other no matter where are from, or who we are.
5) You can relate to television stars
Have you watched television lately? You’re more likely to find a talking cow on television than a couple that is the same color.
Many high profile television series feature interracial couples in leading roles. Think Shonda Rhimes: this girl loves her interracial couples and loves to showcase power in the same light.
The top television stars are mixing it up in fine style and viewers are loving it!
6) You get to team up against racists
Who doesn’t love a good stand against racism? We sure do. So if you love the one you’re with and the one you are with happens to be a different race than you – be proud.
7) You spread the love
Sharing love amongst humans is easier said than done. We carry a lot of hate, pride, and fear in our hearts on a regular basis.
We try really hard to keep ourselves separated from those who are not like us. But when you are in an interracial relationship, you get to wave the flag of love and inclusivity in fine form.
8) You can encourage others to do it too
You never know who you might inspire to let love in. While some people are afraid of what others would think of their interracial relationships, you proudly stand by your partner and let the world know it is okay to love you who want.
9) You can take halloween to the next level
On a lighter note, you can have all kinds of fun with your interracial relationship status: you can play up halloween costumes and take it to the next level.
Think about adding different twists to the same ol’ costumes you see and add some color to your life.
10) You can experience life from a different perspective
Being in an interracial relationship means you get to experience the world through someone else’s eyes.
Whether your partner is from down the street or across the world, you get the opportunity to learn about different people and places like no one else can.
11) You make the world a better place
Showing the world that you love all humans is a good thing. Don’t hide your love away.
12) You love and respect people
We could all use a little more love and respect in our lives and when you see an interracial couple, stop and think about how amazing it is that we live in a time where people can love whoever they want and are exercising that right, regardless of what you might think of them. It just makes the world a better place.
5 Common Myths About Interracial Couples
Are you ready for a hot topic filled with controversy and misunderstanding? Interracial couples continue to be a topic of conversation around the world.
If you think that it’s not, just look at all the hoopla about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Look at the conversation still happening around O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown.
As a society, we haven’t evolved past the point where we don’t race when couples come together. It’s a touchy subject, but being frank about it helps to reduce the stigma and misunderstanding that continues to plague interracial couples today.
Here are some common myths about interracial couples that might help you understand what’s really going on.
1) People Think “Interracial” Means Black and White Couples
First, let’s get this out of the way: most people see black and white when they think of the world interracial.
The common misconception is long-rooted in the classic argument that there are only two races; of course we know better now and are working to be more inclusive.
That inclusion means acknowledging that interracial goes beyond people of African descent and people of Caucasian descent.
And don’t get us started on the fact that we still need to label a relationship based on the race of the people in it.
“Interracial” is a tricky word that sends images into the minds of people that automatically causes them to drum up other beliefs and misconceptions.
2) People Think Interracial Couples Don’t Date People of the Same Race
Another myth about interracial couples is that people think those who date other races must never date their own race.
This is simply not true and speaks to how quickly we judge a book by its cover.
How can you possibly know someone’s dating history by looking at the person next to them right now?
These are stereotypes that are dangerous in our society because they continue to be present and accepted.
Assuming anything about another person can lead you into a lot of trouble, so it’s best to not make snap judgments about someone or their dating history.
3) People Think Interracial Couples are Breaking the Rules
There’s a notion floating around that if you date someone outside of your race, you are trying to break the rules or upset people in your own community.
Well here’s some food for thought: we are all just part of the bigger, larger world community.
If we stop talking about race like it’s a pre-qualifier for a certain type of relationship, we won’t be so quick to judge people who come together for love, and not skin color.
Couples break the rules in their own ways all the time, but ask yourself this: what is the rule you think they are breaking when they date a person from another race? And also this question: why does that matter to you?
4) People Think White People are Rebelling
It wasn’t that long ago that a white person was thought to be rebelling if they dated a black person or someone from another race.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a myth so much as a common practice in many parts of the world that still lives on.
Despite how far we have come to be inclusive and celebrate diversity, there are plenty of people still on this earth who would rather shame and even persecute people for being in love because of the color of their skin.
For some, the idea of falling in love with someone from another race means bad things.
But we blanket this situation across the globe and continue to shame people who date outside their race.
5) People think Interracial Couples are Less Worthy
A final myth that is still commonplace amongst minorities is that in some countries, dating another race is thought to be beneath them.
In wealthier places in the world, certain races and even religions don’t practice interracial relationships.
Those who do, have to break out of those situations, and even move to stay safe and engage in that relationship.
But that doesn’t stop the judgement from being slung unto them.
Looking in from the outside, it’s easy for people of the perceived superior race – whatever that is – to look down on the other person because of the color of their skin. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but in western worlds, it’s a belief people have.
