St. Louis Post-Dispatch Go! Magazine hadn’t seen this one coming when they ran the story “The 7 Best Places To Smooch” – Inflammatory racist reader comments. The comments had nothing to do with the story itself but this photo of a black man kissing a white woman that went along with it. Here are a few of the sampled comments:
“Haven’t read the story but don’t like to see blacks and whites kissing.”
“This doesn’t surprise me at all. Libs take every opportunity they can to shove miscegenation in our faces. Now that TV has to show blacks in every commercial, notice that they are always posed beside a blonde woman. Not a brunette, a blonde. Its done for shock value. Sickening that a once proud newspaper would resort to this. Joe Pulitzer is turning over in his grave in shame.”
… and those are just the subtle ones…
The couple on the above cover is a real couple and not just models. Chris Spencer and his girlfriend Emilee Murphree have been together for 2 ½ years. And seeing how their interracial kiss made many in St. Louis queasy had made Chris angry at first…
According to a Gallop poll of 2007, 77% Americans claim to approve of interracial marriage. But do we really approve of such relationships if a mere photo of an interracial couple kissing can make people have hot flushes? What was the real issue here? An interracial couple kissing? A black-white couple kissing?
All Chris had to say was: “This is one of the first times it’s slapped me back to reality that people like this exist.”. So much for our “beyond race” nation!
Muah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grab someone of a different race and pucker up! We’ll show them!
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Well me personally get the racism from the opposite race towards the woman I may be with at the time…just says that is disgusting…I for one love the attention of the thrill of having someone envy what I am…I am blind to color, and have been that way my whole life. Ignorance from people that hate what they see is the fear of the unknown…from what they most desire to do. They want to try, but they are to afraid of what everyone is going to think of them. I feel that it doesn’t matter whether it be black man/white woman or white man/black woman…IT IS ALL ABOUT ENVY cause they haven’t tried and they have always wanted too…In their mind they are telling themselves…I wish that was me….
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GO! magazine was asking for trouble. Peolple lie in polls.
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It really makes me mad to know that we still have these racist SOB’s amongst us. Lets’s not allow them to stop the love. Love is what really matters and it should be admired and respected regardless of skin colour.
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AMEN, lovechild77!!!! My thoughts exactly!
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Without a doubt racism is alive in America (and a good portion of the rest of the world). The reaction to this cover story is one of the milder expressions of it, unfortunately. A Black man was beaten with a bat in that “quiet as it’s kept” hotbed of racism, New York City, the night Barack was elected (granted it on Staten Island but all five boroughs have recent reminders).
As tragic and unbelievable as that is, I have to remember what it was like. Brandenhuggs brings up a good point about the lack of mixed couples seen in advertising (and thanks sassyvixen for citing the interracial family that did make the cut, though that may be the exception that proves the rule). Remember though that one of the most popular vocalists of his time (and a seriously underrated jazz pianist), Nat Cole had a television show beginning in 1956 that had to be largely underwritten by the NBC network because so many sponsors wouldn’t touch it (A representative of Max Factor is quoted as saying that a “Negro” couldn’t sell lipstick for them).
Thankfully those days are gone. And with continued pressure, awareness and watchfulness they’ll stay gone. We have a ways to go but at least we are on the way. Barack Obama is in the White House and I didn’t think that possible a year ago to say nothing of April 4, 1968.
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We had a black man in the White House 149 years ago. Lincoln’s first VP, who helped puch the government into passing the Emancipation Proclamation and enlisting Negro troops, was harshly denounced by Democrats and Southerners alike for his color. Who would have thought it possible then? And by the way, Lincoln’s second VP was a fugitive slave.
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Interesting…
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Speaking from my standpoint. I have a bi-racial son and my father is a racist. Although he accepts my child and loves him unconditionally now (he’s only 2) I know that later on down the line if he doesn’t change his views he will not have any relationship at all with me or my child. These people speak on what they don’t know. Somehow ignorance is still abundant in this country. It’s sad but it definitely is. All we can do is educate and let live. If they choose to live their lives in ignorance to other cultures its their right just like it is ours to be blind to other colors and love everyone equally. I believe that even though sometimes bi-racial couples will go through cultural strain our determination will see us through. We will be the better people.
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to Fearlesscrusader:
Neither Hannibal Hamlin (Lincoln’s first VP) nor Andrew Johnson was black. Johnson wasn’t a “fugitive slave” either. He left an apprenticeship with a tailor, which today would be comparable to dropping out of college and refusing to pay your tuition or housing fees. So yes, the tailor tried to find him but he was hardly a slave in the first place.
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You know,there will always be people with hate in there heart.I say let them walk through life with their eyes wide shut!!!
That means there is more BEAUTIFUL BLACKNESS for me!!hehe!!
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The U.S. people are just crazy – in Europe anyone who minds about picture like this would be recognized as a nazi and nothing else.
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it’s an issue of the heart. If you notice, one comment not only commented on “the kiss” but started going off on seeing blacks in commercials next to blonds etc etc that person issue is with blacks point blank, not just the interracial dating. What’s funny is if you ask people black or white why are they against interracial dating i have never..NEVER had one of them give me a sane answer lol because they can’t..i’ve heard “oh it’s rough on the kids, or God doesn’t like it (oh please i’m the wrong one to say that to)..i could go on and on..it is ignorance, jealousy, and hate. That is why they don’t like seeing it but guess what..Interracial dating isn’t going to leave LOL..
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Kristent, no one ever said Johnson was black. But my original source misled me on the slavery issue; you are correct that he was an apprentice and not a slave. However, in regard to Hannibal Hamlin, J. A. Roger’s book “100 Amazing Facts About the Negro With Complete Proof” gives the following information and references on page 17:
Hannibal Hamlin, Civil War Vice-President, native of Maine, was strongly objected to by the South and its sympathizers, who declared he was a Negro. Once when attacked on the floor of Congress because of this, he retorted, “I take my complexion from nature. He gets his from the brandy bottle. Which is more honorable?” – C. M. Hamlin, “Hannibal Hamlin,” pp. 56, 354-56, Cambridge, 1889; J. R. Ficklin, History of Reconstrution in Lousiana, p. 30, Baltimore, 1911; Dict. of American Biography, Vol. VIII, P. 197; J. B. McMaster’s History of the People of the United Ststes, Vol. VIII, p. 484, N.Y. 1913.
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I found NINJA39′s and KDOG1976′s statements to be incrdibly right on. We are attracted to one another as races because the difference in our skin colors helps us to see the beauty and goodness in the other race so clearly. When I see a black man and a white woman kiss, I feel warm and joyful inside. I feel the same way when I see a white man kiss a black woman. As NINJA39 pointed out, there is nothing more beautiful than black skin next to milky, white skin. And I agree with KDOG1976 as well. There is indeed hidden jealousy and envy lurking beneath the surface in many cases, in addition to the cancer of racial hatred. Also, no where was it written in genuine religious teachings that the races were meant to remain apart. Instead, human fear and ignorance have produced that. The best way to fight it is to ignore it, and keep on doing what we are doing.
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I wonder how many of the people who are angered by the sight of a Black man kissing a White woman voted for Barack Obama last year. If they did vote for Obama, then they are hypocrites. Remember, if his Black father and his White woman had not come together, there would have been no Barack Obama!
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What is the big deal anyways I would and have kissed a black woman right in Wal-Mart while shopping and the the mall where ever I can people need to get a life! Black woman are hot!
Vinny
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Actually in answer to your question up above, sure, Bryat Gumbal and a cohost on his show held hands. But then Byant Gumbal is Bryant Gumbal and although I have not seen it sense I believe he did it to make a point back then also. If those of us who are not fearful would just take a stand and tell those who seem to pass judgement to look in the mirror quite frankly we might get enough to leave this issues and find another one to complain about. Here in California, I don’t believe that people enjoy seeing racially diversed couples, but its more tolerated.
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Not to diminish any of the comments, but the newspaper published this picture to raise awareness and to generate the exact buzz that you are seeing, that you are taking part in. And the website has stimulated this conversation by printing it. No doubt the users of this site would find the racism distasteful!
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Praise those that Love each other , Allow those that don’t , their time to feel sda or mad . We are Happy / ARE THEY ?
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and Yellow is my Favorite Color
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Great picture! But I really dont think its a big deal, interracial couples are everywhere and i think its great to see it. My son is mixed race (Half Nigerian and half Irish, me being Irish) and he is beautiful. In my opinion Interracial couples make the most beautiful children in the world!
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I have been happily married to an African Kenyan lady and we have 3 children and fortunately in Kenya there is not so much discrimination as elsewhere we were so very happy and were accepted where ever we went but unfortunately all good things come an end and she unfortunately died of kidney failure and I am now back in the Uk but I have our children with me and all are doing well over here. Those bigots should mind their own business – Love must conquer all
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I like that picture.
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A loving relationship is a beautiful thing. Race is a minor issue in this troubled society. I applaud any loving relationship under God’s umbrella. “We” represent the “body” of christ (apologize for the religious reference, but got to keep it real here). All of us. Remember..”One Nation under God” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So as long as what you see when you look at your mate is a blessing, then let the negative one’s be negative. Education is what this world is missing. Prejudice is the lack of understanding of one or numerous cultures, objects or political satire.
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I am surprised that anyone was bothered at all. BM and WF couples are extremely common.
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This is really old news and there will always be a percentage of people that disagree. It’s so rare to find unconditional love and when you find it…regardless of skin color we should be so lucky. I really don’t see what the big deal is! We should all live and let live!!!!!!
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Please, why would you or me think, care, or even entertain who are looking or talking of who we kiss. why do this upset anyone.I’m being who i am really could care less.no news paper clip or a front page clip of me will get any attention from me.I am dating outside my race but I’m still dating inside the human race. what if the black man were kissing a monkey, would they stop take a pic,we must learn to be a little no care about what we can and cannot change. we can’t make others think like us, except like us, or be one with each other like us. I say to all of us keep embracing the difference, and the others will catch up with time.oh by the way, I never thought I will date outside my race because the negative comments others in my race would make. but just know that thoses that agree or disagree is just being who they are. but for me, its just another day in america.
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are we still on the blk/white couple kissing? if so why? time to move on from here. whats next?
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@Glock: I agree with you. I think it’s funny how everyone seems to think that we are anywhere near the end of racism. Not anywhere close, unfortunately. More has to happen before racism completely ends. Not to worry, though. The more and more interracial relationships begin to catch on, the more bi-racial grandbabies will start popping out, and I’ll bet ya THAT will change the minds of some grandparents and aunts/uncles out there.
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Who the hell cares, love is love. Doesn’t matter, black, white, green or yellow. WTF
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Who the hell cares, love is love. Doesn’t matter, black, white, green or yellow. WTF
BESIDES….WHO PRINTS THIS SHIT
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hey people tend to forget that its love which bounds two to do such things like a kiss.they are so inlove that they dont mind anywhere they do it.then who are we to be disgusted.they are happy maybe you are not because you have not found your partner.thats jeoulous.stop it and start accepting that we are all created in the same image..inside we are the same just colour difference..i think this is the most beautiful picture or scene to watch.because its rare.hey white and black.its time you kiss more if you are in public and let the whole world know that you are pat racism..those who are left behind let them stay.they are few the majority wins.wake up we are in the 21st century anyway.hello to all.
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lolcat82 , You are correct . If people worry about what others complain about . They are wasting their time . Life is to Enjoy . Ladyonthe1 , Ria is her name – Nevada is her claim to fame . Counting Brits with tools in hand at another Blog topic and calling them / More Intelligent . Sometimes I wonder , who really needs to be Moderated . Life will always be as you make it . Uneducated families also bring Fine children into this World of Ours . Our Moderator here seems Real pickie and Slow if I may say .
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Live and let live! All we have in this life is that dash (-) between our birth and death dates. It really goes by fast life does. Seems only yesterday I was a carefree 21 year old with no children, mortgage, responsibilities… Now here I am 50. Where did the time go? I refuse to live my life judging others or for that matter having anyone judge mine. I am so over what anyone says, writes, thinks about who I choose to date. The couple in the magazine is adorable. Simple as that!!
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Happy Holiday
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By writing about and discussing the ignorant people in the original article, we give the bigots a continued voice. Why are we talking about this nonsense? Yes, racism still exists. Dwelling on the ignorance of those who still harbor such notions is not a good use of time or energy.
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Change comes from within each persons own mind , We are Happily married and see no problems . Maybe Southeast Texans have moved beyond the Ignorance of days past .
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I say keep every last one of the blondes! But really, it goes both ways. I live in Texas and have dated black women for a long time – try walkin into an all black club sometime with the best lookin black girl in the the club – at least it’s never turned physical – but you never know
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All I can say is… love has no colour!!!!
But the feeling is colourful!!
Even in London England, Some people turn their noses up in the air… who cares….
One should get on with life because we do not have enough time on this earth to worry about how some negative minority thinks.
Love always!!
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bighoss101 ; I myself dated and we frequented a club on Blogette off Alamedia in the 1970′s . The members always did buy me some drinks and meet many friends . In life we will be treated as we treat others .
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I love the photo!. It’s two people that love each
other, let them kiss forever. As a proud black woman who is now speaking with a beautiful white
American male that I met on this site (lol). I wonder
what will be the response we will get when we kiss in public, of course kissing with class (lol)?.
I say let people love …naturally.
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Let’s kick some ballistics here. Switch it and make it a italian guy kissing a black woman and what do you get? Every brotha comes out the wood work with their reverse racist bs. They want the white women, we know, I dont care, but they got the balls to get pissy when they see me with a black woman? I dont give 2 shits about who dates who. The problem here is the media only looks at a black guy and his non-black woman and their struggles. Id like to see that kinda attention when 4 brothas kill a white marine and his black wife for no reason other than jealousy. Ok, you follow me? Brothas can go to the length of killing and no one says a fucking thing but if someone gets pissed off because a black dude is kissing a white tart everyone gets on the PC horse? gimme a break. Imma tell you now, this shit stops when both sides stop the non-sense. For all ya’ll brothas out there that got beef w/ me for loving black woman. Bring me your hate and I’ll introduce you to your maker. Peace and Love or I’ll kick your ass.
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I think your veiws are held by probably more people than would admit Italian4blkf. No one said life would be fair and there is surley a racist double standard in this country – and overwhelmingly so in the media. You’re example of the killing of the white marine as a result of having a black wife is one of many – however suprisingly enough that was not ruled as a “hate crime”. What really gets me is not that a group of haters would commit an act like that – but that a large percentage of americans justify the act, that somehow we should “understand” that these are acts of pent up frustration due to the racisim these individuals have endured! Reverse racism IS RACISM-any way you look at it. The individuals that killed the marine deserve the death penalty – and if four white men killed a blackman for having a white wife they too deserve the death penalty.
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Do any of you really care what others think if you kiss in public!!!
Most likely not or else you wouldn’t have come to this site anyways.
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In public me and my wife enjoy all the people we meet , in our country area / there are Bigots all around . The difference being is I know most of them bye name and before we met and married they acted the same terriorizing , vandelizing and threating while they stole from me . God shows us Love for each other / the Devil tests us continuously . Life goes on . Being retired , we have learned that when you cannot change things , to throw them on the back burner and allow them to cook . In the case of the Marine and wife , I would hope that some fellow Marines had a chance to work the 4 bad guys over . One for all /All for one . In public all seem to respect us and those closer to home someday will fell my hand in anger . Alas all things shall come to he who waits . We have a great advantage , because I know their names and where they live . I have turned the other cheek many times / alas one will never know as they sleep , how far that my Patience will go . God said ” thou shall not kill ” . I say when my temper finally lets go that in this East Texas county many will walk with a pronounced limp someday . Death penalty is too easy , make them live long and suffer everyday of their inconsiderate lives .
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Everybody sleeps . Even the punks who play childish games like destroying our fence . The justice of the peace told me years ago to forget the sheriff and take care of it myself . Next week I shall place an ad in our local paper offering a Reward for information as to who destroyed our fence [ because I realize that more than one had to assist , to throw an 8″ diameter log cut by a chainsaw over it } and soon enough it will become time to Rock n’ Roll as someone will rat them out . Truckers run at night for less traffic .
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P.S. Our problems to me do not seem as a Race problem / just a bunch of criminals out of control . I sure nuff do not desire to put them in jail and give them free meals . Keep em’ on the street and mark them / they have stole from many others . Allowing these others to collect their property back thru identifing them in public . Knot a lynch mob – just some attitude adjustment by prior victims . Every now and then , Hehe .
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I do not live in the US but I am in a multicultural relationship. I have had a few incidents with people being unhappy about it. It hurt and confused me greatly. Mixed relationships are extremely prevalent where I’m from but still some groups do disapprove. But as all of our children grow up together, naturally, bonds are made and wonderful relationships flourish. I voiced my thoughts on a forum recently and I was exposed to the realities that some people have it so much harder. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but I do understand. But, all of you who promote love between all people, and who promote kisses among all people, thank you. It soothed a bit of the burn I had. Both of us forget what we are and most people do not even care, 99%. But the fact that there are so many of you on here who are promoting love between us all, brings real happiness and promise for the future. You’re all beautiful. Those of us who have hurt thank you.
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All cultures are a beautiful thing, that’s why we are of different color, so please ignore the ignorance.
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