Interracial Marriage Essay

Today interracial marriages are happening more and more despite that many disapprove as we become more diverse, both racially and ethnically. In the past, though considered to be taboo interracial marriages are a quickly growing segment of the population. Interracial marriage is a marriage of two individuals each of different races. The focus of this paper is to address interracial marriage increase, effects on children, acceptance and challenges, and my personal views. Interracial marriage is used to describe marriages that take place between people who are from different racial or ethnic groups. Interracial marriage can convey a relationship between a Black and an Asian, a White and a Korean, a Hispanic and an Asian, a White and a Hispanic, a Black and a White, and etc. However, when people talk about race relations, the focus is on Blacks and Whites. 1. Interracial marriages hits a new high 2. Interracial marriages and the effect on children 3. Acceptance of interracial marriage 4. Difficulties and challenges of interracial marriage 5. Views on interracial marriage Interracial Marriages Hits a New High For most of U. S history, in most communities, such unions were taboo. Interracial marriage approval is at a high point in the United States at 86 percent, a Gallup poll indicated. The poll of 1,319 adults found the United States is on the verge of unanimity on the topic of interracial marriage, Gallup reported. Ninety-six percent of African-Americans, who have always been more approving of marriage between blacks’ whites, approve of such unions, while 84 percent of whites approve. The gap of approval ratings between blacks and whites has narrowed considerably. The gap since 1997 has been averaging 13 percentage points. From 1968 to 1994, the average gap was 32 points. When Gallup first asked about interracial marriage in 1958, only 4 percent of those asked approved. Approval of black-white marriages is slightly lower among Southerners, Republicans, conservatives and those in lower education levels. The elderly are the least approving group at 66 percent (UPI. com, 2011). Interracial Marriages and the Effect on Children No matter what ethnic groups are involved, one major result of these marriages are children. Children are far more negative than a lot of adults are today regarding interracial relationships. It’s not that they approve or disapprove; it’s more like they don’t understand. If a child has never been exposed to other races or seen two different races married and living together than their first reaction might be to think its â€Å"weird†. When kids don’t understand something their first reaction is to tease the child with the interracial parents. There are more serious effects of a child being interracial †¦ labeling and racism. Encountering an identity crisis, which group does she/he belong to? Having siblings that can actually pass as white, who may result in receiving privileges that society may deny the child of more color (darker). Acceptance of Interracial Marriage The willingness of people entering into interracial relationships has grown and so does acceptance. There still some that frown upon mixed marriages with the belief that marriage is tough enough without having to deal with the burden racial differences. A report released by the Pew Research Center says that 43 percent of Americans believe that marriage between people of different races has been productive in our society while only 10 percent believe it has changed America for the worse (AFRO. com, 2012). Difficulties and Challenges of Interracial Marriage As an interracial couple you will possibly face extra challenges in your marriage from people outside your marriage. These include antagonistic and unfair treatment from others, suffering rejection from family members or disinheritance, and dealing with prejudices from friends. All of these things combined can push a couple into social segregation. If you or a couple you know is dealing with these kinds of things (even same-race couples do), think about the following: Have confidence in your choice; Deal with your feelings; Stand up for each other and your marriage; Surround yourselves with supportive people. What can cause an interracial marriage to fall apart is the inability of a couple to handle their differences and a failure to talk about stress and prejudice created by others (Marriage Matters, 2009). The problems and issues that used to occur with interracial marriages are no longer as adamant and noticeable. Views on Interracial Marriage Interracial marriages are more common today than ever before and I support it. There are cultural differences, but if anything, I believe that in interracial marriages couples can help each other to grow as a person. Love as no boundaries†¦what difference does the color of your skin make if two people are in love. You can’t help with whom you fall in love with, and people should stop seeing mixed race relationships as a political statement. If people attempt to understand the different beliefs, traditions and values of the diverse groups that make up this world, then they could work together for the good of all. Love has no color! Interracial marriage in the United States has been fully legal in all U. S. states since the 1967 Supreme Court decision that deemed anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional, with many states choosing to legalize interracial marriage at much earlier dates. The United States has many ethnic and racial groups and interracial marriage is fairly common among most of them (The Full Wiki, n. d. ). In conclusion ethnic groups bring diversity and wealth to a society by introducing their own ideas and customs. Interracial marriages introduce such variety. In a picture-perfect world, everyone should celebrate this. However, the world is not perfect. I think that the more love there is in this world, the better off we all are†¦ regardless of whom it is we love.