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Interracial relationships and age

Posted by Ria, 14 Apr

Have you noticed more interracial couples in town lately? They are all over. Whenever I turn around, I can't miss a cute interracial couple holding hands... 'so in love... so much in love' as the music group All 4 One would put it. People are finding people with common interests and common perspectives and are putting race aside. Findings from surveys however show that interracial relationships decrease with age. The older the individuals are, the less likely they are to partner with someone of a different race. So, younger people are more likely to have interracial relationships than their older counterparts.

The age group of Americans aged between 14 to 24 is more tolerant and open-minded to interracial relationships than previous generations. (Clearly, with me being 32, am not included... God am old!) Unlike their parents and grandparents, this group grew up in a more diverse and multicultural environment.This does not mean that those of us like me - that is between 25 to say 35 aren't tolerant. Its just that most interracial relationships occur among those individuals in college. "Racial diversity is especially common in college friendships because that age group is exposed to a wider range of people, and college students have more opportunities to become friends with peers of other races" says Anthony Lising Antonio, an associate professor of education at Stanford University.

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The older generation however worries that creating a colorblind society may have created a new problem: a generation so unconcerned about race that it ignores disparities that still exist. To them this colorblindness makes people forget their roots. "People think this sort of colorblindness is a kind of progress, but I see it as more pernicious than that," says Tyrone Forman, an associate professor of African-American studies and sociology at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

When you're in an interracial relationship and in love, you don't see race. In fact, those who date outside of their race, or who are open to it, have a better world experience. However, the older generation may disagree with such relationships. I think a lot of prejudice comes from older generations or their great-grand parents due to the fact that they grew up in an age and era where racism and racial segregation was most prevalent. This is why the World War II generation may be less likely to date outside their race.

However there are those of us who are within the 'tolerant' age group who wouldn't even dare to date interracially, not even imagine it. Those are friends of ours who will always raise eye brows and tell you "You realize your boyfriend is white, don't you? What were you thinkin'?" Given all the exposure that comes with this generation, what could be their reason for such hate, prejudice and disgust?

I think a person is going to love and be with whom they want, and skin color should not make a difference. What's on the inside should be the only thing that matters.The new generation that considers race irrelevant is something to be celebrated — the fulfillment of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream that his children "will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

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24 responses to "Interracial relationships and age"

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  1.   CanadianGC says:
    Posted: 10 Jun 09

    Thank God times have changed and dating interracially has become more acceptable. Been dating mainly black females my entire life and actually do envy those who didn't have to go through the crap I did when younger. I don't really think in terms of age differences being more tolerant, it's just society in a whole has come to accept a lot of changes in the last 35 years. It's now more acceptable and only natural that younger people are dating more interracially. I think the author of the has it all backwards, others had to be the first before it became acceptable

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  2.   ICE2008 says:
    Posted: 28 Jul 08

    This is a new era of tolerance and acceptance. Its all about what a person brings to the relationship, regardless of skin color. Yeah, opponents of interracial couples still exists, but not to the extent of (let's say) 20 years ago. It was much bolder then. I started dating sistas back in the late 80's and I had some brothas (always at a distance) yell something stupid in our direction out in public. (I am MULTI-RACIAL.....Puerto Rican & German.....raised on the Island.) It would piss me off at first whereas I would yell something back. Then, as I got older, I would just ignore it and, of course, the stares. Nowadays, it is very common to see I/R couples. I think it is beautiful to see, and almost always brings a grin to my face. It almost makes me feel like a pioneer of sorts. (I'm 47.) Ironically, I have never dated a Latina, even though that is my culture. Go figure. I have a 19 yr old son and two daughters (7 & 5) by two Black woman, who are the best mamas in the world to my kids. I am no longer involved with them, but remain on friendly terms. I say to all those people who are tempted to date outside their race (or culture), go for it. People are people, no matter what the color of their skin is. You are only on this Earth for a short time, so why deprive yourself of an opportunity to meet someone great.

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  3.   Champ says:
    Posted: 29 Jun 08

    I'm in a interracial relationship right now. While I think it's wonderful, my mother who is in her late 50's is not so accepting. It's sad really, expecting equal opportunities in other areas but wanting segregation in relationships. As long as the individual is being treated with respect and is being loved,I don't see the problem. It's a beautiful thing actually.

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  4.   Schanell says:
    Posted: 13 May 08

    I think race is not an issue when it comes to being in love. I think alot of people live in the past. Yes, our history happened. Can we change it, NO! Can we live on and try to improve the way others think so close minded, Yes! I am an African American women and I am not close minded or prejudice. I have dated men of all races and the best treatment, unfortunately came from someone other then a brotha. Will I marry outside my race, of course. I would be with whoever can make me happy. Its called opening up to Something New> just like the movie.

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  5.   Sxybrwnsuga says:
    Posted: 13 Mar 08

    I think younger people are far more tolerant than the older generation. I also think that there are far more interactions amongst blacks and white now-a-days then there have ever been.

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  6.   outpass35 says:
    Posted: 12 Mar 08

    I grew up with my first husband who was white at 13 we started talking when other girls black or white would not give him the time of day he said, I grew up with my step dad and he said never make race and issue and I never did we got married at 19 years old even now we have two boys we have been friends, husnabd and wife and now again friends. His father was the only one we had problems with he worry about what people would say, Age to me or race or size play no factor in who I will date or married it is how the both of us feel.

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  7.   1lilvixen says:
    Posted: 12 Feb 08

    Being in my early 20s, I feel interracial dating depends strongly on location. I've lived in other major cities but Chicago is by far the most divers. My generation is accepting people more for their talents and attributes rather than their sexual or social preferences. We're learning how to avoid the ignorant and incompetant. Now if we can only get people to understand that dating isn't always about sex. It's about developing relationships with likeminded people. Don't forget we are people first, colored thereafter.

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  8.   Scott78 says:
    Posted: 28 Aug 07

    I have been in an interracial relationship for 2 years now. I am white, and my girlfriend is Vietnamese. Early in our relationship, there were issues with her parents, who didn't want her to be with a white man. They've since warmed up to me, and I have recently attended a number of family functions. I have been accepted by her family, and that makes me very happy. I have however noticed that since our relationship began 2 years ago, I rarely find caucasian women attractive anymore. I find them boring. I'm so very happy with the wonderful love that I have found, and I hope others will also open their minds and hearts to dating outside of their races.

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  9.   Jade74 says:
    Posted: 13 Jun 07

    Very good comments by all.

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  10.   mossimo says:
    Posted: 10 May 07

    There are definately more interracial couples here lately. Its great to see them. Hope their experience is without some of the negatives that others have experienced

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  11.   Michael says:
    Posted: 06 May 07

    I am in my 60's and have consistantly dated Black women over the past 10-15 years. A Black woman can be the sexiest, most exotically beautiful woman on earth, and why should I not want these qualities in a woman I would think of as my mate. Ok, so now you've heard from the "older" generation....It doesn't matter what other any people think about this issue. My life, and the choices I make for my happiness are no ones' concern but my own.

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  12.   Carmella says:
    Posted: 03 May 07

    I began dating interracially when i was about 19 and I have loved it. At first i used to be the one of the one's talking and whispering like omg look yaw and point and laugh but now i see that it's not so funny when those same one's i laughed with are now laughing at me too.....

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  13.   nandi says:
    Posted: 02 May 07

    Actually, I am Black female and did not starting dating interracially til I was in my mid 30's..It was not something I decided but something that happened naturally for us both..And although it didn't work out mainly because he was in the military and I wasn't prepared to uproot my life (tough decision)...But it was great experience Racism will never go away unfortunately but we are a more tolerant society overall...But I learned to not let society dictate my heart......

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  14.   BIGFOOT52 says:
    Posted: 28 Apr 07

    HELLO; I AM 54 AND WHITE. I HAVE SEEN MORE PREJUDICE IN YOUNGER FOLKS WHEN IT COMES DATING OUT OF THEIR RACE. THEY AFTER ALL STILL KIDS. I NOTICE TOO THAT SOCIETY FOR THE MOST PART, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE SOUTH WON'T LET IT REST. WHEN THEY SEE A MIXED COUPLE, THEY TALK, WHISPER AND THE MIXED COUPLE GETS TREATED LIKE DIRT. THATS WHY THERE IS SO MUCH PREJUDICE DOWN SOUTH, THESE FOLKS HERE NEED TO GROW UP. THE CIVIL WAR WAS OVER IN 1865. THIS IS THE FUTURE OF AMERICA. LET IT REST.

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  15.   mossimo says:
    Posted: 25 Apr 07

    Hope we can reach that colorblind society one day in the future, but I am not holding my breath. Am not sure if it will ever happen.

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  16.   joe says:
    Posted: 22 Apr 07

    this is all personal we are making this unique and grouped this is the best example of commitment one on one - interracial dating- age - i am 58 there are women out there that need that experience and support only someone who has been there - i am looking in the Knoxville are fo such woman of color size complextion and age mean nothing as long as we can get on a kindess to eachother basis -- its beyond cool!!! holler at me jfc565@aol.com Joeyboy

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  17.   joe says:
    Posted: 22 Apr 07

    probably the most introsective view of youself you will ever get without a couch. I have dated afro-american women since 1974. it takes time for you to appreciate the fact that you love the way this women looks and if loves creeps in there is no needfor anything else. The cultural differences are fun to explore. Most BLK women have more male traits in that they have had to be and do things males ordinarily do. Without a doubt she can be your best friend and your best lover. Forget the reasons if you hook up learn as you go Joeyboy

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  18.   Satori01 says:
    Posted: 22 Apr 07

    I started interracial dating in the 60s, and have continued with it off and on since then. For me, it wasn't and isn't an interracial issue, but rather a matter of finding a woman who shares values, interests and a similar attitude. I'm more concerned these days with someone being the right heigth, weight and appropriate age.

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  19.   Satori01 says:
    Posted: 22 Apr 07

    I started interracial dating in the 60s, and have continued with it off and on since then. For me, it wasn't and isn't an interracial issue, but rather a matter of finding a woman who shares values, interests and a similar attitude. I'm more concerned these days with someone being the right heigth, weight and appropriate age.

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  20.   Dan says:
    Posted: 17 Apr 07

    Also in my 50s an i'v dated most races-but last 20 years or so pretty much stay with black women. And was married to a black woman for 13 years - i'v seen racial prejudice from all ages and black and white.

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  21.   mossimo says:
    Posted: 16 Apr 07

    I love seeing interracial couples...I am careful not to stare as they don't seem to like that. I wonder why? hehe

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  22.   Well says:
    Posted: 16 Apr 07

    I am in the older generation in my 50's. Beginning about 7 years ago all I date are black ladies. I am white.

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  23.   Tarah says:
    Posted: 16 Apr 07

    I think it is funny that someone actually sits around taking stats on things like this. LOL

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  24.   Mike says:
    Posted: 15 Apr 07

    I'm not sure if it's always age related. I am in my 50's and quite tolerant of interracial relationships but I see people much younger than me who are not.

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