Interracial Marriage - Essay Example

? Interracial Marriage Interracial marriage has been taking place in most places for a long time. For instance, “intermarriages between white men andnon-black women in the 1960 census were Japanese (21,700), American Indian (17,300), Filipina (4,500), and Chinese (2,900)” (Root 179). Over time, interracial marriage has evoked a number of sentiments. There have been differences on how this issue has been viewed traditionally as well as contemporarily. Conventionally, men of color who marry women outside their race are seen as individuals who want to break free from their own identities. For instance, David Mura’s Reflections of My Daughter convey the emotion of self-hate in a man of color who chose to marry a white woman (O’Hearn). On the other hand, popular culture belief asserts that interracial marriage represents genuine acceptance and love. The following discussions look into the contrast of traditional and popular culture belief regarding men of color who choose to wed outside their race (Option A). In a traditional sense, men who opt to marry women from another race deny their innermost identities. This recourse is somehow seen as cowardly since it could be a way of escaping the prejudices and other disadvantages caused by one’s color. Most elderlies frown at this occurrence since it negates patriotism. One way of showing respect and love to your culture and nation is by marrying someone from where you are. They may also assert that one way of strengthening a race is by making it pure. For instance, Mura expounded on how he has experienced racism as a man of color. By marrying a white woman, he can somehow elevate his social status in the eyes of many. Since marrying someone from another race involves giving up some ideals and certain cultural practices, this action is viewed as rebuffing ones heritage. One may need to compromise one’s culture and identity especially when meeting in-laws. Mura also had some misgivings as well as guilt about his daughter’s future. Being a mixed-raced child, there can be certain social challenges regarding “fitting-in”. Mura had thoughts on merely educating his daughter regarding one racial background to diminish identity confusion. However, this may not seem right. Furthermore, it may not also be denied that many speculate that individuals marry outside their race in order to escape their impoverished situations. For instance, a local may perceive that marrying a “white” man or woman is a ticket out of a ghetto neighborhood or it can provide an opportunity for some to enjoy greener pastures in certain first world countries. Conventionally, marriage between two kinds of cultures often presents various complications. The dissimilarities transcend to moral, socio-psychological, and other facets of living. Some of the conflicts are on communication styles, household supervision, and religious practices. Language is an extremely valuable component of any race. Aside from the vocabularies, gestures and enunciations constitute self-expression. When there is a struggle in these aspects, misunderstandings are quite likely to happen. Moreover, household supervision is most of the time influenced by the couples’ respective family values. The differences in each other’s principles may lead to disagreements. Also, raising children with two or even three or more kinds of cultures proves to be complicated and confusing. The challenge is not only for the parents but for the children as well. In addition, one’s beliefs and religious views are usually affected by the already-set practices in one’s childhood. Hence, an interracial marriage may face problems when it comes to the differences in convictions. On the contrary, current views assert that one engages in interracial marriage because of altruism and other noble reasons. Nowadays, the number of people engaging in interracial marriage have been increasing. The present acceptance of this practice is quite in contrast with traditional social guidelines. Though some are still ambivalent or unsupportive of this movement, interracial coupling has indeed become more popular. The unions of individuals of different color prove that true love has actually no color. They do not view themselves having an “interracial” marriage. They exchanged vows with the perception that they are equal beings who cherish each other. With the boundless superiority of the value of love, color differences fade in utter triviality. Furthermore, interracial commitments present benefits. Apparently, the diversity of backgrounds hone inclusive values. The dynamics can enhance the family members’ outlook on the variety surrounding them. Each member can learn more about the other’s ethos and certain practices. The exposure to a different lifestyle gives way to several realizations. For example, during holidays and special occasions, it is very likely for each partner to visit each other’s homeland. The experience can be very interesting and educational. This is also beneficial to the community since the noble values may be adapted by other individuals surrounding the family. Hence, this occurrence becomes a springboard of advocacies against racial discrimination and other forms of biases. With the support of the community the principle of tolerance among peoples will be increased. In addition, the union proves the love that the couple has for each other. They promised to be together without looking at the differences of their skin color. This makes their relationship enduring as they surpass the issues related to their relationship. Conclusion The abovementioned paragraphs pointed out the two opposing views on interracial marriage. Conventionalists perspective lean more on a negative interpretation whereas current standpoints look at it with a more noble interpretation. Like any other occurrence, it has advantages and disadvantages. Generally, the diversity can lead to dynamism, education, and affirmation of the couple’s affections. On the other hand, challenges can surmount such as adjustment conflicts. The rate of people marrying outside their color is one of the hallmarks of change. Each passing decade, this kind of situation is becoming more acknowledged. Centuries ago, this was considered illegal in many nations. Afterwards, the legal prohibitions lessened but it remained to be a cultural taboo. At present, it has been viewed as something leaning towards the mainstream. With the influences of globalization, the interactions of peoples have paved way for diversified relationships. Interracial marriage has varied effects. Besides the immediate family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the rest of the society may be affected. The domino effect makes each interaction very significant. This social movement must then be given significant thought, action, and attention. Governing organizations and authorities must consider this issue and its other impacts in making legal decisions, designing infrastructures, creating learning materials, implementing health benefits, and the like. Indeed, more and more people have married partners outside of their race. The mixed colors of their children have redefined the physical appearances of each nation or tribe. However, the full tolerance of this position has still a long way to go. In reality, a significant size of population are still being discriminated and even castigated because of interracial marriage. There are will always be individuals who go against changes. Opening peoples’ minds regarding this issue takes centuries to accomplish. Hence, there is still a need for advocacies of inclusion regarding interracial marriage as well as in other aspects of living. Works Cited O’Hearn, Claudine. Half and Half. Connaught Place Central: Pantheon. 1998. Print. Root, Maria. Love’s Revolution: Interracial Marriage. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. 2001. Print. Read More