It is refreshing to know that Americans of mixed racial background are celebrating their identity more than ever before. [1] Still, one does not have to look too far back in time to see how ignorance and hate still fan stubborn resistance towards interracial relationships.
Just a month ago, a Louisiana justice of the peace has refused to officiate an interracial marriage. The judge rejects that he is a racist and says he is merely concerned that the couple would produce a biracial offspring. His belief is that their children would suffer by not being accepted by either side of the family. [2]
Regardless of the various pockets in today’s society that still believe it is unconscionable for races to mix, we have come a long way. Think about the response you would have elicited last Thanksgiving if the dinner guest you may have brought home with you were of a different skin color. Would it have carried the same punch as when Sidney Poitier walked in on that scene in “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” half a century ago? [3] In contrast, broad ethnic violence continues to split countries and families around the world.
In these times of mounting deficits, it is good to know that the spirit of racial tolerance and appreciation can be a valuable American export. Yet, we still have much to learn from other societies who are just now experiencing the growing pains of dealing with interracial relationships and the soul searching as a result of the new generation of Korasians. For example, South Korea is currently experiencing a baby boom from mixed marriages. In the last three years, their government has opened 119 multicultural family support centers across the land to offer help in education and vocational training to address the stigma associated with it. [4] In the spirit of free trade, can we have one of those centers installed in Louisiana, please?
[1] See related post, “Hapa”[2] Associated Press, “Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License By Louisiana Justice Of The Peace”, The Huffington Post, Oct. 15, 2009
[3] http://www.imdb.com
[4] Martin Fackler, “Baby Boom of Mixed Children Tests South Korea”, The New York Times, Nov. 28, 2009
Comments