This past Sunday, I caught a show that had an interesting segment. The entire show was not based on this topic but it got me to thinking. The host of the show mentioned to the guest that there was an article about her stating that African American women should date outside their race. The guest, who happened to be an African American actress, explained that she was misquoted. She explained the person writing the article asked her a question in reference to a recent poll that showed a high percentage of single African American women. This percentage higher than other women of color and Caucasian women.
The actress went on to explain that she merely mentioned her own personal opinion and experience with just a few short sentences to that reporter at the time. Next thing she knew, there was an entire article about the subject.
However, she did go on record to say that she believes there are a high percentage of single African American women because there is a lot of pressure to NOT date outside of the race. She goes on to mention that this pressure does not apply to African American men. This lead to a huge article that stated “______ to Black Women: Date Outside Your Race!’
She elaborated further about the pressure to not date outside of our own race; which in my own personal case, seems to be true. However, I have never been a man to follow rules that I truly do not believe in.
If it is wise to think outside the box, why not DATE outside the ‘box’?
For some of us, this is easier said than done. Some of us have this fear of judgment simply because we want to date someone that makes us smile, laugh and add to our happiness. The judgment comes when our friends, loved ones and strangers see that this person is not of the same race. In this year of 2011, we have to understand (but not comfortably accept) that ignorance and racism will drive these acts of judgment. We have to be ‘ok’ with ourselves and find the courage to do what makes us joyful. After all, this life belongs to us and tomorrow might not make her debut.
We also have to surround ourselves with friends and family that want the best for us. Could you imagine having friends and people around you that love you for what you are? People that embrace and accept your harmless decisions topped with a lover that makes you want to be a better person. Yeah…I will take that any day of the week over a racist retro comment. (smile)
From Donna
ReplyDeleteIf there’s a topic that has stirred so many emotions and discussions, then its interracial dating. If you ask me white, black, yellow, brown, it’s all the same thing. It's personality that makes people different, not skin color. Amazing how everything in this country is about race. When you apply for a job they want to know your race, when you fill out your census card they want to know your race, when you go to get a license they ask your race and if you date outside your race people look down on you are talk about you. Sad how society has separate us. We are all from the same creator, GOD. We are all human beings. The truth is that culture is really the only thing different about us. We may live in different regions of the world, eat different foods, have different customs, wear different hair styles, correct our children differently but we were ALL created by God. Think about it..We have to look a little different if we all looked the same life would be boring. There are beautiful dark skinned people and beautiful light skinned people but we all have the same organ, we reproduce with each other so why do we keep dividing ourselves into groups and categories. We need another martin Luther king to show people the way. I’m sorry I know this is off the topic but I just had to let that out. I hate the way the world has been responsible for dividing people into different races and that it comes from the same source, (government) we are all made by God...It is society that divides us. Think how is it that people who aren’t even related have the same blood type and when someone needs an organ donation most of the time the organ comes from someone whom you never met or related to. However the organ saves that strangers life regardless of what “race” they are. If you find someone who makes you laugh, who you love to be around, and make you happy, you shouldn't look at the color of the skin but what is on the inside. Don't worry about what others think. You are the one who has to live with your choice. God is the one who brings you together not man and in the end when you get to heaven God is not going to judge you by your Skin color and who you dated but by the works YOU did on earth.