iamasiam

Happy (Mixed) Valentine’s Day

Asked what the country may look like with the increasing acceptance of mixed-race marriages, Henry Louis Gates Jr. responded: ^[1]

I’m looking forward to the time when we all look like Polynesians.

***

Indeed Americans have become more open in embracing interracial marriages of late.  A recent Pew Research Center survey says that, in fact, more than one in five American adults have a close relative who is married to someone of another race. Moreover, most in the younger set (18-to-29 year olds) accept the concept of interracial dating and marriage. ^[2]
 

***

Visiting a chef/restaurateur friend running a Valentine’s dinner special, I noticed a proud gleam in the young faces of a mixed couple as they walked in and looked at each other while waiting to be escorted to their table.  Yes, they evidently sparkled of the romance fluttering between them.  But also they shone of peace and comfort, knowing that the other couples there will not cast a judging eye on them.

But, wait, I noticed a gay couple also partaking of the celebration.  They seem to be quite relaxed and enjoying the evening as well.  Were there harsh looks from anyone?  I couldn’t tell.  (At least they’re not in Malawi.  Who knows someday, Mr. Gates, Polynesia?)

^[1] Deborah Solomon, “Questions for Henry Louis Gates Jr.: After the Beer Summit”, The New York Times Magazine, Feb. 14, 2010
^[2] Pew Research Center

Hapa, Meet Korasian. Korasian, Hapa.

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

Lower Divorce Rates Among Asian Americans: Good or bad?

Asian Americans experience a lower level of divorce compared to the general population.¹ 

Studies estimate that 5 – 6% of Asian American adults were currently separated or divorced compared to 10-12% of the U.S. population.²

Kung (Kathyrn) Dickerson, an Asian American divorce attorney, says this may be a bad thing. In the video below, she talks about the disturbing realities surrounding women who may be seeking separation or divorce but who--even if victims of domestic violence--are discouraged to pursue legal recourse because of language barriers and traditional cultural pressures.

While the stigma surrounding divorce may vary across cultures, domestic violence is wrong regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and culture. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224 provides language translations for callers, which hopefully helps overcome at least one barrier.

¹U.S.Census
²Marc Silverstein, "Women Fear Divorce in Asian American Community", Onthemarcmedia.com
³National Domestic Violence Hotline