Interracial Relationships Tips
Read these 6 Interracial Relationships Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Relationship tips and hundreds of other topics.
Interracial Statistics on Dating
According to the Census Bureau, the number of interracial marriages rose from 300,000 in 1970 to 1.2 million in 1990. The percentage of African American marriages involving a white spouse more than tripled between 1960 and 1990. Furthermore, 65 percent of Japanese Americans marry outside of their race and 75 percent of Native Americans marry someone of a different ethnic background. The incidence of interracial dating among American youth has increased even more dramatically. According to some recent studies, as many as 57 percent of teenagers have dated someone outside of their race. An additional 30 percent have indicated that they would consider dating outside of their race. Perhaps all this interracial romance is a step toward eliminating racial hatred. Given that one outcome of these unions is interracial children, races are increasingly blending. As it becomes more difficult to stick people into categories, judging people according to labels and stereotypes becomes more difficult. Maybe a day will come where it is blatantly clear to everyone that racism makes no sense.
Interracial Romance
Interracial dating is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and have new experiences. Encourage your partner to share his/her culture with you and vice versa. Remaining open to new experiences will improve your chances of success.
It is very important to remain respectful at all times. Many people are sensitive about their cultures because it is an important part of who they are. Don't force your partner to try something or be critical when he or she wants you to try something new.
Also remember that all cultures are different. You may not always understand something your partner says or does. Instead of responding with judgment, appreciate this uniqueness. Remember, one of the benefits of interracial relationships is this exposure to new perspectives.
Interracial Online Dating
Interracial online dating is popular and successful. Due to its highly personal nature, Internet dating (whether an interracial romance or not) necessitates specific online safety tips. To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience:
· Guard your identity. Remain anonymous until you feel safe and ready to explore other options. Don't include your real name or city of residence within your email address, username or interracial personals profile.
· Go slow. Take your time getting comfortable talking online. When you are ready, move to phone conversations providing only your first name and cell phone number. Don't let anyone rush you into meeting or giving out more information than you want to share.
· Don't use a sexy name. It will get attention, but not the type you'd like.
· Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, or you feel threatened, immediately end all contact with the person.
· Block any member who behaves in a harassing or offensive manner and report the behavior to the Dating Site.
· Ask for a photograph.
· Use separate e-mail and IM accounts for online dating.
Interracial Children
Regardless of the ethnic groups involved in interracial marriages, one result of these unions are children. Commonly cited problems interracial children deal with revolve around racism and identity confusion (Rosenblatt, Karis & Powell, 1995).
Racism is an awful thing for any child to face. The level of hatred interracial children encounter may surpass what people of color are already subjected to. Parents can help their children by being open regarding this reality. In age appropriate terms, children can be educated about the ignorance that exists in our world. This preparation can help minimize the damage caused by hurtful words and behavior.
Identity confusion also arises more frequently for these children. This occurs when there is difficulty blending two divergent cultures. Unfortunately, biracial children may feel they do not fit or belong with either ethnic group. As with racism, parents can help through having frank and ongoing discussions particular to this issue. Furthermore, providing information, exposure and celebration particular to both backgrounds is encouraged.
Latin Dating
Latin dating sites include a number of features to help Latin singles get to know each other. You can expect:
- Online profiles and photographs of Latin singles
- Online chat rooms and an instant messenger to allow communication in real time
- An online private email to send and receive personal messages
- An online forum that allows participants to post messages
- A FAQ section providing answers to common questions.
Interracial Dating
Despite progress, race and ethnicity remain divisive issues in American culture. While this should not deter interracial romance, it is realistic to expect that prejudices, stereotypes and challenges will be encountered. It is helpful for interracial couples to prepare for spoken and unspoken stereotypes they will encounter. Concerns, anxieties, and fears need to be addressed fairly early in interracial relationships. Ongoing, open discussions will need to continue as issues occur.
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