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I learned that the Mexicans won a battle against the French when the French were a powerhouse. The mexican labourers were the ones that originally celebrated it and then that Cixo de Mayo is celebrated more in America than in Mexico

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Who determines what rights is Americans have and why are they the ones that can determine it?

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The problems encountered by interracial couples are often the result of negative societal attitudes about interracial relationships. Black-Caucasian unions have the lowest frequency of occurrence because of longstanding negative beliefs about these marriages. Studies have indicated that, in general, Caucasians tend to disapprove of interracial marriages, and blacks tend to approve. Other research suggests that people engage in interracial relationships due to self-hate or rebelliousness. In addition, there is some question as to whether or not partners in interracial relationships reciprocate love (Gaines et al. 1999). Given that the dominant culture tends to disdain black-Caucasian unions, it is difficult to imagine how these couples are able to maintain their relationships.

Asian Americans have also experienced difficulties in their interracial marriages. Asian Americans engage in more interracial relationships than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Laws forbidding interracial marriages between Asians and Caucasians were common in the United States. For example, in 1901 California extended the 1850 Marriage Regulation Act to include Mongolians (i.e., Chinese, Japanese, Koreans), and in 1933 the law was further extended to include Malays (i.e., Filipinos) (Kitano, Fugino, and Sato 1998). These laws, like all other anti-miscegenation laws, were overturned following a state judicial decision in California ( Perez v. Sharp 1948) and a 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision ( Loving v. Virginia). Even though the results of these cases made interracial marriages legal, the negative societal perspective on such unions has been slow to change.

Bok-Lim Kim (1998) points out that since World War II, marriages between Asian women (specifically women from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam) and U.S. military men have become a legacy of United States military involvement. He notes that many of those marriages took place because of the low socioeconomic status of many of the women who lived near U.S. military bases, and the low self-esteem experienced as a result of their low economic conditions. He also points out that these interracial marriages displayed undaunted courage and optimism in spite of the obstacles they faced due to language and cultural differences and the lack of support from their families and communities in both countries. However, Kim also points out that the Asian women often carry the burden of cultural norms that provide severe penalties for marriage outside their ethnic group (out-marriages). Even though there has been improvement in the acceptance of Asian outmarriages by their families, there continue to be difficulties because of cultural differences.

Interracial relationships and marriages remain controversial for several additional reasons. Many Asian Americans are alarmed because of the rising number of interracial unions, which they believe reduces the pool of eligible men and women who could otherwise engage in same-culture unions. Some Asian Americans are concerned that, because of the high number of out-marriages, distinct groups of Asians may disappear within a few generations. Additionally, whereas so many Asian women are out-marrying, there is the fear that many Asian-American men will remain unmarried because of the dwindling number of available Asian-American women (Fujino 1997). A similar fear is expressed by African-American men and women. As African-American men and women increase their level of education and move to higher economic levels, fewer and fewer members of their race are available for marriage. This often leads to frustration on the part of African Americans who seek to marry someone of their own race, and also leads to increased levels of out-marriage, as increases in income and educational levels occur.

Some of the difficulties experienced by interracial couples are unique and a direct result of the interracial experience. The myths that surround interracial couples can also be stumbling blocks to a healthy marriage. In a study conducted by Richard Watts and Richard Henriksen (1999), Caucasian females report that, when engaged in interracial marriages with black males, they often receive the following messages: "Black men belong with black women because they will treat them better than white women" and "Biracial children will always be referred to as black and, therefore, should have a black mother." The Watts and Henriksen (1999) study also found that problems and difficulties are also experienced because of the mythical messages received from the Caucasian culture. These include: "Black men only marry white women for status symbols or upward mobility," "Interracial marriages do not work; therefore, you will lose your spouse to someone else," "Those who engage in interracial marriages must hate their parents," and "Those who engage in interracial relationships or marriages must have psychological difficulties." The problems faced by couples involved in black-Caucasian unions are also experienced by those involved in other interracial unions. However, many couples state that the reasons they got married are not that much different than same-race couples.

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Interracial Marriage - Difficulties In Interracial Marriages

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The problems encountered by interracial couples are often the result of negative societal attitudes about interracial relationships. Black-Caucasian unions have the lowest frequency of occurrence because of longstanding negative beliefs about these marriages. Studies have indicated that, in general, Caucasians tend to disapprove of interracial marriages, and blacks tend to approve.

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I should start off with an apology at the negative tone of this post's title; but I believe that people should know the negatives upfront, get past them (if they want to) and then go on to pursue their dreams.

I love sharing my experiences and opinions with others (hence why I'm a blogger). Dating interracially is one of the topics I have no issues talking about. However, in the past 24 hours, I was censored from another blog that focused on interracial realtionships - specifically Black women who date interracially - because of my comments regarding White and Black men and the disparity in their penis size (which is ultimately a non-issue: read on, and you'll see why). Rather than focus on blogging about this fruitless subject, I began to think about why these are such hotbed topics to begin with. Why is it, on the heels of 2012, are we so fascinated with racial distinctiveness, yet not interested at all in what unites us? And what unites us...as human beings...is the longing to find a mate, and be fully accepted by them.

Unfortunately the "battle for love" is one that is fought among people of all persuasions. With a divorce rate of well over one-third, we all have a lot on our plate when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship. But still, interracial romantic relationships present a whole new set of challenges. Here are ten of them...and this list is far from being exhaustive.

#1 - Yourself. When you enter into an interracial relationship, you have to sit down, and make an honest assessment of yourself. Do you have the strength, courage, tenacity, and patience to deal with the issues that being in an interracial relationship poses? Can you deal with the criticism from your family? If you family is accepting, can you deal with the disdain from the public? What about your co-workers? Do you have it in you to be an "educator" or a "token" of diversity?

In all honesty, some people deal with this splendidly. They do not care about what other people think about them and they are not deterred if no one (or if only a few) around them are doing what they are doing. But some people are just the opposite. And that is ok. But you have to know what type of person you are; you have to know what your social limitations are, before you can consider dating interracially.

#2 - Family. Without a doubt, the impact of family on your relationship has a lot to do with the emotional independence of the couple. Many people could simply care less about what their parents or family think about their life choices. But many people do. Thankfully, in my experience, most families are at least quietly tolerant of interracial relationships. They may not like it, but most parents aren't disowning their children over it. But they may feel alienated and not connected to your significant other. If this is the case, take the high road and be polite, kind and thoughtful. Don't give them any "weapons" to use against you. But maintain that you should be respected. If there is any disrespect, then cut your losses. You are in a relationship with a person...not a family. Just make sure that your significant other is supporting you unabashedly when their family is in the wrong. If not, then it may be a warning sign. You don't want to end up like that chick that was calling Dr. Laura.

#3 - The Public. This one is tricky and multifaceted. On one hand, you have absolutely no control or influence over how strangers treat you. If you go out with your significant other, be prepared for at least one grossly ignorant comment shot your way at least once per month. I usually choose to ignore such people. However under no circumstances do I shrink away from my status. So when people say, "Oh are you his girlfriend?" with a raised eyebrow, I don't hesitate to answer in the affirmative. Shirking away from your lover in public is disrespectful on so many levels!

#4 - The Minority Community. I was tempted to put "The Black Community" there, but these issues are not unique to White/Black couplings. Sadly, the minority community will label those who date outside of their race as "sellouts". This makes no sense, but many people still hold on to this. In a nutshell, just because someone chooses to date outside their race, does not mean that they hate themselves or others from their own community.

From a personal perspective, I never saw interracial relationships as problematic...in spite of having grown up in a place and time where it was relatively rare (although this is, thankfully, no longer the case). Although I didn't understand the details of it, my father's mother was of South Asian decent: her parents were Bengalis who came to Jamaica as indentured servants. They had 7 children and only 2 of those 7 married other South Asians. The rest, including my grandmother, married and had children with Black Jamaican men. No one demonized my grandmother for this, because she was born and raised in a country where 90% of the population was Black. Here in the United States, yes, we are blessed to have a diverse society with large, vibrant communities of different cultures. The downside to that however is people grow to believe that in order to insure the survival of your culture or community, you have to marry only within that particular community.

#5 - Other Interracial Couples. Now this is an interesting (and surprising) one. 5 years ago, I automatically saw anyone else who was dating interracially as my ally...or at least a kindred spirit. I no longer think this way by default. While I'm not sure if this is bred by jealously or insecurity, the end result is ongoing challenges to the integrity of your own relationship.

I've seen this in all sorts of incarnations. Other Black women who date interracially (including my BF's ex), seem quick to make judgement calls on the quality of our relationship (in spite of having very limited information available). Many websites and blogs that seem to celebrate interracial relationships are really just a front to perpetuate very narrow views on why interracial relationships are "ideal", "preferred" or "superior". Well at the end of the day, no romantic relationship, interracial or not, is the same. People who imply this, usually have serious issues with my next pitfall.

#6 - Stereotypes. In regular conversation, I've been known to freely state that "I hate stereotypes". Well this is not untrue...but it also doesn't tell the entire story. You see, stereotypes do have some basis in fact. That "fact" can be concrete, or not so concrete. In addition, stereotypes must exist in that they are important in regards to social learning and the assessment of others. So what I really have an issue with is the improper application and use of stereotypes.

If you are in an interracial relationship, you cannot discount the power of stereotypes. Even if you yourself do not put a lot of weight on them, others around you do. You have to accept this, and you also have to decide how much weight that you personally will place on these stereotypes perpetuated by others...whether they be true or untrue. For example, there is the stereotype out there that Asian women are submissive and obedient. Now an interracial couple that includes an Asian woman has a fight on their hands no matter what in this regard; because if the woman is not the submissive and obedient type, then they have to decide how much effort (if any) they are going to put into combating this stereotype. If the woman is in fact submissive and obedient by nature, then they are going to have to fight for the legitimacy of their relationship in that it means more to them than just a man trying to get a woman who will obey him.

In addition, do not buy into disparaging stereotypical comments made about yourself or your relationship either. Statements like "Oh, she's the type that would date Black men." or "You're the type of Black woman that White men wouldn't like." is just projected negativity. People who make such statements have some sort of issue with other people being happy, even though it is masked as "wisdom" and advice. Everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness, and also to be free to define what "happiness" means to them!

Interracial couples also have to examine the stereotypes that they hold between each other. Did you hook up with a Black man because of his sexual prowess? Are you dating Asian men because you want smart children? Both notions are incredibly foolish and dismissive of the deep and true qualities of romantic relationships. Which leads me to my next pitfall...

#7 - Fetish vs. Attraction. Yes, this is a very real and touchy issue. Today's society is a "pick and choose" type of place where we are use to having lots of options. Well this type of attitude does not translate very well over into the romantic arena, and yet, many people approach their love life like shopping in a mall. When you are dating, it is especially important to determine how the other person sees you. Are you being seen as a potential mate, or as this person's next adventure?

A tell-tale sign of this is if the person is reluctant to bring you around family and friends; or only willing to see you under certain circumstances. But I also think it is fair to not confuse a fetish with genuine attraction. While society may push out an "ideal" in regards to physical beauty, the truth of the matter is, we all have our own individual preferences. A White man who hangs up a picture of Pamela Anderson is not accused of having a fetish for buxom blondes. Likewise, a man that has a preference for the body and features of Black women shouldn't be labeled as having a fetish or of being shallow. This goes for anyone. It is sad that we are still not free to be honest and say "Hey, I like ____" because of social stigmas. Acknowledging and loving the differences between us is not fetishism. We are not just souls floating around; we are a package of bodies and souls. While it sound utopic to just "focus on what's on the inside"...that is just not reality. We shouldn't pretend like it is either.

So the bottom line is you are free to like what you like. You are an individual, so lust over your well-endowed Black man, or thin, golden-locked blonde bombshell. But at the end of the day, you cannot base an entire relationship on physical qualities. You don't have to deny that you like them...but real love goes much deeper than that.

#8 - Educating. If you are in an interracial relationship for the first time, or your partner is, prepare yourself for a steep social learning curve. It can easily be overcome...if the two of you are open-minded and honest with yourselves. You also have to know when and when not to take things personally. Ignorance is not an excuse for insensitivity. Take Black women's hair for instance. There is no need to "call out" and make statements about the things that we do to our hair. Just like there is no need to "call out" you mother or grandmother for dying her hair. Keep things in perspective. Think about your partner as yourself for a moment. How would you liked to be asked about your body...your heritage...and your customs? If you honestly don't know, then tell your partner this. Make it a point to be sensitive...but also make it a point to learn.

Even if you significant other is comfortable with an interracial relationship and has previous experience with one, you still are not off the hook. Other people will ask you "Why" a lot. I'm not in the habit of explaining my actions to others; but I do like to use examples and analogies. The truth is interracial dating may not be all the rage, but it is not rare either. Many famous people date interracially and have long-standing, successful relationships. Sometimes people just need to understand that you are not a trailblazer; that their own limited experience does not translate over into what society is really like.

#9 - Making a Statement. For what its worth, I'm very much against highlighting interracial relationships as a way to make some sort of social, economic, or political statement. To me, love is love. You are blessed whenever you have someone to love you - no matter what their color may be! Beyond that, the rest is just commentary. However that is just me. Like I mentioned previously, you have no control on what others think or do; and most likely, many will assume that your choice to date interracially is the result of some sort of ulterior motive on your behalf.

Well I'm not going to lie, and say that this isn't true in regards to some interracial relationships and people who date interracially. But you can't be bothered with every interracial relationship...you have to stay focused on yours. Only you, and hopefully your partner, know the true nature and motivation of your relationship. From there, do you best to live it out...both publicly and privately. But be forewarned, if you are dating interracially to make some sort of statement, then you are providing a disservice to your significant other and your relationship. It won't take long for them to realize that they are just a pawn, and one day, the game will come to an end. So keep that in mind. Focus on the interior...on your life, and the home you are building with your mate; THEN worry about public perceptions.

#10 - Know Your Ultimate Desires. What do you want from a romantic relationship and how does dating interracially contribute to that? It sounds like a "duh" question...but it really is quite deep. For example, you may love the excitement of having sex with a Black woman; but you would be uncomfortable fathering biracial children. You may have no problem dating non-Christian men, but ultimately, you want to get married in a church and raise Christian children. So you have to be realistic. What issues are you willing to compromise on and deal with in the long term?

And the sooner you do this, the better. Trust me, it is pretty devastating to date someone for a year or two, only to have them "admit" to you that they can't envision having children with you. A big reason why relationships (not just interracial ones) fail is because of not sharing the same goal...or being on "different pages" so to speak. If you don't know what you want, then no one else does either. And when you know what you want, be sure to communicate that with your partner so that they can determine if the two of you want the same things.

So on that note, I'm going to finish up with a segment from The View where they discuss interracial relationships. It goes without saying that I totally agree with Whoopi here; and that Sherri presents an example of some of the negative feelings that get projected out from the minority community.

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10 Pitfalls About Interracial Relationships - Shona's Site

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I should start off with an apology at the negative tone of this post's title; but I believe that people should know the negatives upfront, get past them (if they want to) and then go on to pursue their dreams. I love sharing my experiences and opinions with others (hence why I'm a blogger).

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I think every boy brags about having a girl and if you go to a site that is talking about interaccial couples then of course you are going to see people talking about having a girl that is not the same race has them. You found a really interesting article on interracial relationships.

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This article shows that now more and more people are feeling unbiased about interracial relationships. This may show that different places are becoming less and less racist.

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As recently as 1986, a Roper Organization survey found that 28 percent of repondents considered marriage between members of different racial and ethnic groups "completely unacceptable," while another 37 percent offered tepid support: it might be O.K. for others, but not for themselves. Only one-third said interracial marriage was generally acceptable. Those attitudes have changed, and - based on the age of supportive respondents - they're likely to continue to do so: as of 2009, a Pew Research Center survey found that just 6 percent of whites and 3 percent of blacks said they could not accept a black-white interracial marriage within their own family. And frankly, those people skewed old.

The Pew Center issued a report today on The Rise of Intermarriage. About 15 percent of all new marriages in the United States in 2010 were between spouses of different ethnicities, more than double the share in 1980. Meanwhile, more than 4 in 10 Americans (43 percent) say that this has been a good development, while only about 1 in 10 (11 percent) say it has been a change for the worse; 44 percent say it has made no difference. And all of that, I'd argue, is a change for the better for all families.

Why? Because a society that's not just tolerant, but welcoming, of differences - differences between spouses, differences among children and parents, differences at work, at school and on the playground - is a society that's easier for everyone to live in. Most of us will be in the minority at some point, whether it's because of race, sex, gender or something else.

As we edge away from being a country that judges first and fast on physical characteristics alone, we become, I hope, a less judgmental culture overall. And less judgement could mean a lot of things for our children: less bullying, fewer assumptions about their interests and abilities based on their appearance and gender and less need to fit all the little round and square pegs into all the right holes.

I know, that's a big leap to take from one report on intermarriages. We're not yet a "post-racial" society. We're not even "post" favoring-the- tall-over-the-short. But good news is good news, and good news about our inexplicable inclination, in these (mostly) post-tribal warfare times, to judge others based on the color of their skin is always welcome.

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More Americans Say Interracial Marriage Is a Good Thing

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As recently as 1986, a Roper Organization survey found that 28 percent of repondents considered marriage between members of different racial and ethnic groups "completely unacceptable," while another 37 percent offered tepid support: it might be O.K. for others, but not for themselves. Only one-third said interracial marriage was generally acceptable.

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There are many benefits to dating or marrying out side of your racial status. Some of the benefits are learning about different backgrounds and such things like that.

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This Website is for general information purposes. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice from a medical professional. The advice presented may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.

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In many countries, it is looked down upon to marry outside of your race and definitly your religion. To many people if you marry out of your race, you are shunning your race. Because I this, many countries have either banned it or are mixed about how they feel about it

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Interracial marriage is a form of marriage outside a specific social group ( exogamy) involving spouses who belong to different socially-defined races or racialized ethnicities. In the past, it was outlawed in the United States of America and in South Africa as miscegenation.