Mrs. Andersen
Honors English
20 December 2002
Throughout history, the structure of romantic relationships has seen a drastic
evolution. What was once bizarre and forbidden, is now common. This can be seen by
just looking at the relationships of some well-known celebrities, such as: Diana Ross,
Sydney Portier, and even Jennifer Lopez. What do all of these people have in common?
They are all married to a person of another race. This research paper will explore the
history, and the motives for and against interracial relationships, as well as the issues of
rearing biracial children.
Interracial relationships are on the rise in America. They have jumped from
150,000 couples in 1960, to an astonishing 1.5 million today (Williams, 2001). That
means that one in every 50 marriages involves people of different races. Likewise,
attitudes and opinions about interracial marriages have radically changed. In 1958, only
4% of white Americans approved of these marriages.
In 1998, however, 61% accepted
such couples without hesitation (Alouise).
Acceptance, however, has not always been the case for interracial marriages. As
recently as 1966, 17 states still had laws on the books that made interracial marriages
illegal. In addition, every state in America regulated marriages between whites and other
races. But on June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court overturned such outrageous laws, in the
Loving vs. State of Virginia case, when the courts ruled in favor of a white man and a
black woman. The winning of this case however, did not end the struggle right away.
Many states continued to exhibit restrictions on interracial marriages into the seventies.
Mertins 2
Even today, attitudes and racism are still causing problems between friends, relatives, and
employers.(www.hhd.csun.edu)
Despite the fact that interracial marriages are growing more common in America,
such couples are still frowned upon by some Americans.