Nicknames that suck and some that are cleverĪs a couple, you’ll be given many nicknames, some more clever than others: Oreo, Cookies & Cream, Tuxedo, Salt & Pepper. Same-race couples may roll their eyes or say, “There’s no way it’s that big of a deal-it’s 2014!” when you talk about the unique challenges that come with interracial relationships.
Learn it, because people will assume you know it. civil rights case that legalized interracial marriage is 388 U.S. You’ll be expected to know caselaw from 1967 Your friends will embarrass you when they tell a moderately racist joke in front of you girlfriend. While on the rise, black-white relationships aren’t as common as other ethnic group pairings-they represented a mere 11.9 percent of total new interracial marriages in 2010. You’ll likely be the only black-white couple in your social circle. When you see other interracial couples, you’ll give them a mental high five.
People will assume you’ve always dated black womenĪnd that you prefer them to white women. People will sing to youĪt some point, someone will sing the lyrics to “Ebony and Ivory” at you in an elevator-smile through it. You’ll console her when similar, shitty moments like this happen again. Race traitor accusations for her, fun!Īt the movies, when you kiss your girlfriend before going to get popcorn, an old black woman will whisper into her ear that she is a “disappointment to her race” for choosing a white man over a black man. As an individual, you’ll receive lots of positive reinforcement for dating an “exotic” woman. Men (mostly white) will fist-pound you on the street. You’re going to be given weird congratulations for going “exotic” You’ll often be a surprise to friends of hers you’ve never met, and she’ll certainly be a surprise to many of yours. People will say things like, “Oh! I always knew you liked a little bit of chocolate,” or “So, you like your women like you take your coffee?” It’s going to be weird hearing your girlfriend described in terms of flavors or food. “You like your women like you like your coffee” jokes You and your beau will elicit a rainbow of reactions-of confusion, concern or admiration-from random passerby. You’re just the face of a rapidly growing demographic in America. You’ll have more conversations about this subject than you ever thought possible. No matter if you’ve been together for five days or five years, you’ll be inundated with talk of hypothetical and oh-so beautiful mixed babies. Random strangers will encourage you to have sex in hopes that you’ll produce boys like Derek Jeter and girls like Rashida Jones. Get ready for everyone to talk about mixed babies Don’t worry they’re mostly old, uneducated bigots with an affinity for twisting bible verses. Some people may not “approve” of your new relationshipĪnd they’ll make that abundantly clear to you. Census Bureau and resulting analysis from PewResearch Center (PDF). As a white American male, you’re the least likely to marry someone outside of your racial group, according to the 2010 U.S. You’re a minority now tooĪnd you may be treated as such. Here, we share our totally unsolicited insights and advice. I’ve learned a lot from those relationships, as have my ex-boyfriends.
But you’ll also be privy to an entirely new host of issues, situations and reactions that arise when dating someone of a different race or ethnic background-some are hilarious, some are sad, most are dumbfounding.Īs a mixed-race girl from the South, I’ve been the first woman of color who several white guys have dated-an interesting role to play. Like any relationship, it won’t always be sunshine, rainbows and mid-day BJs, and you’ll deal with your normal share of triumphs, trials and tribulations. While more common in today’s diverse world, your interracial relationship is still incredibly rare. First off, congratulations! You’ve earned the heart of a powerful, proud woman, and that’s pretty amazing.