Interracial Relationships

             Now that interracial relationships and marriages are no longer illegal and are becoming more common, partners must deal with a variety of problems unique to a mixed-race union. One risk that couples may encounter is when one partner in a sense erases his or her own personal identity in order to make the relationship work (Moran, 122). They may dismiss cultural practices purposely or even hide their heritage subconsciously. Problems also arise when there is a lack of emotional support from family members or friends. This may lead to feelings of resentment towards those particular relatives or friends, and is a large cause of distress to many couples. Problems about how to teach children, if there are children involved in the relationship, may also come about. One partner may want to educate the child or children about one side of there heritage more than the other, or the partners may just have different opinions on how to raise biracial kids. Either way, predicaments such as the former are bound to occur. .
             Opposition from some members of society is another unfortunate thing that must be expected when an individual gets involved with a member of another race. Although couples who intermarry are generally unconcerned with how strangers think of them (Szumski, 212), they may experience discrimination in the form of housing, employment, or even crude and offensive remarks made by these strangers or colleagues (Smith). Some Black people who encounter Black and White couples may feel as though they are being betrayed by a person who shares their same heritage. Certain ignorant White people may feel as though a Black person does not deserve to be with a White person. In my mind, everyone should be seen simply as a person, not as a color with more or less value than another color.
             There have been many explanations used by many different people to explain why people engage in mixed relationships.