Across the Racial Divide

Dear Eve,

A few weeks ago while attending a fundraiser I met an incredible man; he’s articulate, successful, handsome and we share many of the same view points and passions. We’ve made plans to have dinner next week, and while I am looking forward to spending more time with him I have one major concern and that is, he’s black and I’m white. My family is very conservative and I’m afraid of the fallout if they were to find out that I was dating Interracially. I really am attracted to this man, but I don’t know what to do.

Eve, should I cancel dinner and forget about him or risk losing my family?

Sincerely,
Anglo in Angst

Dear Ivory,

It’s safe to assume we know who your family will be voting for come November, eh? I suppose equal rights for gays and lesbians are out of the question also, aren’t they?  My sincerest condolences, muffin!

Now, as for your dilemma…you’re a big girl, attending fundraisers, hobnobbing with do-gooders and whatnot, so where is this lack of self-assurance coming from? If you can mingle with power players you should most certainly have the skills to finesse your elders. Granted, it’s a sad fact that racism still exists in this day and age, but if you believe its wrong then why on earth would you succumb to archaic belief systems? Are you truly fearful of being ostracized and losing your trust fund? Or, are you fighting the idiocy that has been deeply ingrained in your subconscious?

Listen, Sweat Pea, before you go and pull the trigger on your Daddy’s shotgun, take a deep breath and relax for a moment. Who’s to say that your impending filet mignon and merlot candlelit supper with Mr. Wonderful will proceed any further than dessert? Be patient…take some time to get to know him before alerting your gene pool to head for the bunker. Meanwhile, if you find that you fancy your potential new love interest, drop his name in conversation, talk about him…who he is, what he does, why you like him. Let your rigid minded loved ones learn to like him sans race, color or creed. With any luck, they’ll go color blind and you’ll have worried your pretty little head all for nothing.

I won’t for a moment negate the fact that you have an uphill battle ahead of you if you decide to traverse the Interracial dating trail. However, there is absolutely no reason that you should forgo your own happiness simply because others don’t agree. Bear in mind that you will face challenges that will appall you, but if he’s the one you can’t let a little melanin stand in your way!

KISS-KISS
LOVE-LOVE,
Eve

Have you ventured across the great racial divide? If not, would your family’s beliefs prevent you from doing so? Do you think Anglo in Angst should throw caution to the wind or retreat and not look back?