What Everyone Should Know About Interracial Marriage

The Times They Are a Changing

Fifty years ago, the image of an interracial marriage was an uncomfortable one for many Americans . In many states interracial marriage was against the state law. For many white people any intermingling of races, whether it be at a water cooler, at the movie theater or in the public school system was simply intolerable. For others both white and black, the concept of the two races being joined through marriage if not totally anathema was at least a curiosity not to be trusted or accepted. But the gradual increase in the number of interracial marriages in the last half century tells us that the tide has definitely changed , so much so that Americans really need to face up to what everyone should know about interracial marriage.

1. The Facts . Newspapers, television and movies all give us indication that the number of interracial marriages is increasing. We see more and more instances in which we are made aware of an interracial couple or an interracial marriage. For example it is far less taboo then ever before to see individuals of different races kissing or embracing in the public media or in movies or television shows. We also are more aware of the existence of interracial marriages because we constantly see the results of those marriages. Sports figures like Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods have accomplished great things in their chosen sport and in the meantime they have helped people to recognize the growing number of interracial marriages in the U. S. today. Most recently announced presidential candidate Barak Obama has appeared on the public stage once again reminding even those most opposed to it that interracial marriage is increasing across the nation.