It has always been said that when people really like each other, it is the inside that counts. But when we look around our campus and see an interracial couple holding hands, everyone has something to say. Change is not always a bad thing, and we have to accept that interracial relationships are now a part of our society. Some people look at this as no big deal, but it is big enough that the media pays attention to it. I have been told that interracial relationships in other areas of our country are not stared at, pointed at, or talked about as much. Here, in the South, I hear people say, “I have my preferences.” What does that really mean? To some people, that is a prejudiced statement. There is no such thing as being or acting white, black, Asian, Spanish or any other race. We are people with different hearts, emotions and beliefs. Our skin, face, eyes, hair and other physical features do not make us who we really are.
I have a close African-American friend who is engaged to a Caucasian guy. She never seems to worry about what people say behind her back, but because she is a close friend of mine, and I know her well, I know that other people’s words and thoughts bother her. I told her, “You cannot live for what everybody else believes and says. Live for yourself; make yourself happy.”
Research shows that two of three people under 35 would marry a different race; one of three above the age of 50 would marry a different race. This is unbelievable, considering that only 30 years ago states could forbid interracial marriages.
I am not trying to create a feeling of empathy for those who date people of another race; why empathize love? Instead, I am trying to create a better understanding to those unfamiliar to such relationships. Everyone in life makes choices, and who is to say what is right or wrong? I am not saying that everyone should go out and find someone of another race and be with them. What I am saying is if that is happens, it is OK. Love should see no color.