SOURCE ANNOTATION THOUGHTS/CONNECTIONS

Wang, Wendy. "The Rise of Intermarriage." Pew Research Centers Social Demographic Trends Project RSS. N.p., 15 Feb. 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

Based on the facts stated on Pew Research Center there were many “key findings” that will be extremely important in my research. There is an increase in the popularity of marrying interracially; of all of the marriages in 2010, 15% of them were intermarriages. That is more “swirling” then in 1980, which was 6.7%. There are also different gender patterns, for example, black men are more likely to marry outside of their race than black women.

I really enjoyed looking at this research because the way it was formatted was fantastic. I loved how easy it was to read from the key points at the very beginning to the graphs and visuals to also help capture the rise in intermarriage. There are literally no boundaries in this research. It showed what states were more prevalent for intermarriage and which mixings of couples had the greatest income. Like I said, anything you need to know about interracial dating and marriage was right there in the research. Sure reading an article would be a bit more entertaining, but it definitely wouldn’t give as much information as Pew Research did.

Roosa, Amanda. "Couples of the Future." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2015.

Amanda Roosa believes that media is more concerned about dating interracially than the actual interracial couple themselves. She is upset by the way they are portrayed in the media and how the public responds to it. She states that people always have something to say when an interracial couple is captured on lets say, a commercial and believes that more media companies need to showcase their products with more diverse individuals. She certain this will be happen because she says that by the year 2050 that our youth will be more aware and proactive when it comes to inter-dating and intermarriage. In 2008, the number of interracially married peoples was 310,000 in 1970 to 2,340,000 in 2008.

I couldn’t agree more with Amanda Roosa. There should be more diverse and multicultural families portrayed in the media. There should be fewer backlashes as well. When the Cheerio’s commercial debuted with the interracial couple and mixed daughter, there was a huge stir…when there shouldn’t be.

Nittle, Nadra Kareem. "Five Reasons Not to Date Interracially." Racerelations.about.com. N.p., n.d.

The five reasons to not date interracially include: To End the Losing Streak in Your Love Life, To Gain Status, Everyone Else is Doing It, Rebellion, and You Fell Inferior.

I liked and disliked this article for several reasons. I enjoyed the fact that Nittle said the cold hard truth about certain reasons why people even think about dating interracially, but I don’t believe that

Web. 10 Feb. 2015.To End the Losing Streak in Your Love Life: This basically means that after a long-run of dating people from the same race, you believe that it is the ethnicity of the partner who is causing the problem. So a person may venture out and start to believe for instance, Asians are better partners.

To Gain Status: Some people may date out of their race because someone of another race is perceived to have power. For example, a white woman dating a white man, because white men tend to have more power in society. But bottom line, that should never be a person’s motive for dating outside of their race.

Everyone Else is Doing It: “Oh everyone is doing it! It’s all the rave!” No. Just because something becomes popular, doesn’t mean you should do it. So, basically, just because doing crack is becoming popular, you should do it too? And plus, what would you tell your partner? Oh, I really only dated you to see what the hype was about. That’s horrible!

Rebellion: Okay maybe you want to upset a past partner, a family member, or a friend, so you decide to use your partner to get back at someone….what?!

You Feel Inferior: Society ingrains certain messages to make different racial groups feel inferior. So maybe these people date outside of their race so they don’t have to fit into those categories anymore.

some of those are actually that prevalent, but what do I know?

Rice, Dan. Rice, Alyssa. Personal interview. 13 Feb 2015.

Have you dated interracially before?Alyssa: yesDan: yesHow and when did you meet?We met online in March 2004 on a dating site.

Who made the first move?Dan: Technically I did, I messaged her.

What was your first date like?They met in real life memorial day weekend 2004.Alyssa: I was nervous, but then again I was in the dating groove, so this was just another date. He looked ivy league when I first saw him.Dan: I don’t really get nervous, plus we talked the entire time so there was no awkwardness at all. But I just knew that I had to be myself on this date.

What do you find attractive about him/her?Alyssa: His eyes!! His smile, egghead, intelligence, height and we just have great conversations.Dan: Her physical beauty, and the ease of conversation.

Did you have any doubts about the relationship because of the race difference?Alyssa: No, I don’t see color.Dan: I didn’t with her. But I did with her kids. After communicating with her about that, my fears went away soon after.

How was breaking the news to your family and friends that your partner was not of your culture?

How was meeting each other’s parents?Alyssa: I got 100% support from my mom. But I

Since I have known Alyssa, more than half of my life, I know all about her relationship, but I wasn’t aware of some of the thoughts Dan had. I was very glad to have interviewed them because I really needed an adult’s perspective. They really inspire me and remind me that dating interracially will always have it’s struggles, but it’s all about knowing how to deal with those struggles.

was so nervous to meet his parents and didn’t know what they would think.Dan: My parents were supportive.

What are your greatest struggles as a couple?Alyssa: Communication, I tend to keep things bottled inside. Dan: Communication: I’m an open book, and that’s a difference between us two. Plus, we approach life differently. I love it, the fact that we have two different cultures and ways we handle situations, but sometimes we clash and can’t agree on things.

Do you ever notice any ways people treat you both in public?They get stares and one time a waiter was just rude. They said, by far the worst service they have ever had. He came by the table to take the drink order and didn’t come back until he gave them the check…and this is at a very nice restaurant where good service is inevitable.

Have you ever been confronted by a stranger while with your partner?A stranger hasn’t confronted them, but a neighbor of Alyssa’s was very upset with their relationship at one point. She stated that Dan was at her apartment for a super bowl party and so was the neighbor and out of nowhere she was questioning Dan asking all sorts of questions like: “Do you really think you’re going to be a father to black children?” “Do you even know how to raise black kids?” etc.

If you could give any advice to someone dating (or wanting to date) interracially, what would you say to him or her?

Alyssa: Humans are humans…race should never be a factor. Also, have a good comeback for people who say stupid stuff. Dan: People will be people- don’t worry about what people think and don’t influence what people think and remain neutral on both offense and defense.

Brian (white) and Alyse (black/white) InterviewYoung Adult Couple

Have you dated interracially before your current partner?B: NoA: No

How and when did you meet?A: We met at the school’s block party and Brian was drunk and was like “you’re the roommate!”

Who made the first move?Brian

What was your first date like?They were already comfortable with each other because they had hung out a couple times after the block party.

What do you find attractive in him/her?A: His personality- he’s funny, smart, invested in my life and he’s like my bff.B: What don’t I like? But her smile, her personality- she’s outgoing, and not afraid to open up, and she cares for me.

Did you have any doubts about the relationship because of the race difference? A: I did because I’ve never dated a white guy before and I live with my mom (who is black) so I’m exposed more to my black side than my white

Brian and Alyse are amazing! I really felt like I had known them my whole life after that interview. They are such a fun and outgoing set of individuals. I noticed how similar their relationship was as compared to my own. I mean it was honestly almost the same. I called them my relationship twins.

side. I was nervous about being exposed to my family and being out and about.B: Yes, because part of my family doesn’t believe in interracial dating, but my mom and dad are okay with it. I was also worried about what my little brother would think.

How was breaking the news to family and friends?A: My mom was just being a mom, so she had her guard up. I don’t think it was a race thing. And my dad didn’t care, “as long as you’re happy”.B: Same here, my parents didn’t care, they said as long as I’m happy they’re happy.

How was meeting each other’s parents?A: I freaked out at first and almost didn’t go over to his house to meet them; but his parents are really super sweet. B: Her mom does not like me, she probably doesn’t like white men because of her ex-husband and meeting her dad was cool but he’s awkward.

Greatest struggles/issues as a couple?A: Trust, because I’ve been hurt in the past.B: Trust, and she yells a lot.

Do you notice any ways people treat you in public?Old white people stare, and a guy shook his head at us before. Black guys disagree and people stare at parties and people get confused when we dance because they expect it to be temporary but when we stay together the whole time, they put two and two together that we are a couple and they act weird.

Have you ever been confronted by a stranger (positive or negative)? Some people will smile at us and we are a very fun couple, so people around us always engage in our conversations and it is viewed as acceptance.

If you could give any advice to someone dating (or wanting to date) interracially, what would you say?A: Don’t be scared, just do it! Don’t worry about what anybody else thinks.B: Be sure you know you want to be in an interracial relationship. Accept their race and be open-minded.

Vo, Cathleen. Personal interview. 11 Feb 2015.

Have you dated interracially before?I have, all my relationships have been interracial. I have never dated anyone of the same race as me. 

How and when did you meet?We met my freshman year of high school in the Chick-fil-a parking lot.

Who made the first move?He made the first move by messaging me on Facebook messenger, and progressing by asking for my phone number. 

What was your first date like?Our first date alone was basically like any other high school relationship. We went to the movies. 

What do you find attractive about him?I love his smile, his laugh, his sense of weirdness

Did you have any doubts about the relationship difference?No I didn't.

I have known Cathleen since we were in 7th or 8th grade. We went to the same middle school but we were never that close. But we kept up with each other as we went to different high schools and colleges. Cathleen got pregnant when she was 17 I believe, and she literally never ceases to amaze me. She gave birth to her daughter a couple of days before graduation and she still attended the graduation and walked across the stage to retrieve her diploma. She attends UNCG and has joined a sorority. She is living her life and I love it! I knew she’d be the perfect person to interview and it’s awesome to have an Asian ‘s perspective.

How was breaking the news to your family and friends that your partner was not of your culture?There wasn't much news breaking. My family moved to American when my mom was 18 so they were very accustomed to the American lifestyle. I never dated Asians and never found them attractive.

How was meeting each other’s parents?It was a little different because we were raised a little different. The greetings and customs we held he wasn't sure of but now he is more aware.

What are your greatest struggles as a couple?Our greatest issues probably have been things that have to do with our daughter. In traditional Vietnamese culture, we have baby showers a month after the baby is born and also the mother and baby have to stay in the house for an entire month. No one could come see the baby unless it was close family. So, that was very different for him to have to adapt to and another thing was I wasn't allowed to eat the normal American food like pizza or pasta ect. I was only allowed white rice, meat and warm water. So, that was another thing he had to learn to adjust to. 

Did you ever notice any ways people would treat you in public?No, I haven't. 

Have you ever been confronted by a stranger while with your partner?Only when we have our baby with us, but other than that no. 

If you could give any advice to someone dating (or

wanting to date) interracially, what would you say to him or her?Do it. It will definitely give you new perspective on things and you will learn a whole lot of things you either did know or didn't know and are able to experience. And if you end up getting married and having kids...interracial kids are the cutest!

Bori, Gaby. Personal interview. 8 Feb 2015.

We met in our 9th grade health class 

It took a while - 2 years after he text me and I told him I liked him.

Yes

Our first date was good, it was a movie and we watched Madagascar 2.

I liked his afro but I really liked his long eyelashes!

My family was fine with it, if friends didn’t agree they didn’t say it to my face.

I had met his mom beforehand because we were friends before boyfriend/girlfriend; but he was terrified, like very scared to meet my family.

The biggest issue/problem in our relationship is trust.

Yes, we went to a Chinese restaurant and sat down and we saw a lot of people staring and didn’t feel comfortable, once we left we brought it up. “Did you feel like you were being watched?” “Yes I feel like everybody was looking at us.”

One time we were play fighting and a white guy behind us at Chinese restaurant said: “If you don’t

Gaby is such a sweetheart! I really enjoyed speaking with her. We can really relate because we are both in interracial relationships, but we are also dating a man in the military, so we have a lot in common when it comes to that…as well as our favorite football team (Alabama Crimson Tide)! Gaby and I met online because we were going to be roommates at the lovely University of Alabama, but I ended up staying in NC to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Although we did not get to be roommates, we have kept in contact and I know she is always there to give me advice and help me out with projects (haha)!

stop messing with that girl, I’ll do something about it.”

My biggest thing is that no one else matters, even family and friends. In the end whoever is happy is you. You have to gain more confidence in yourself and relationship. It’s 2015 now and if people are still like that, just shrug it off. Keep moving frown. 

"Michele Norris." The Race Card Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

This amazing woman, who is one of the most trusted leaders in American Journalism, is Michele Norris. She has interviewed Oscar winners, American Presidents, world leaders and military leaders. The Grace of Silence, which was her first book, is about her own background. Norris discovers truths about her heritage and racial history. Upon writing her book, she started The Race Card Project in 2010 to “help foster a candid dialogue about race.”

After getting to know the lovely Michele Norris, I realized her passion and drive for creating The Race Card Project. She seems like someone I could really make great conversation with, which is why I am making it a goal to turn the tables on her and actually sit down and interview her. I can tell she is a very humble and down to earth woman with a lot of wisdom. I could use some of her powerful words in my life.

Norris, Michele. "The Race Card Project ® - Submit Your 6 Word Essay on Race." The Race Card Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

While on her book tour, Norris found that after telling her story, all over the country, other people ended up sharing their own. At first she had the idea to use black postcards as conversation a conversation, but that idea soon turned into it actually being epilogue. She asked people to think about their experiences, questions, hopes, dreams, laments, or observations about race and identity. With those, she asked for them to take those thoughts and condense them to just one sentence that only had six words. Not knowing how popular this fad would be, she ended up receiving tons of post cards from all over the

My friend Koula actually introduced this website to me and I am so glad that she did! It was such an eye-opener when I first visited the site. It was so amazing to see other people all over the world have the same issues as me here in North Carolina! For example, I have seen several posts saying: “You’re pretty for a black girl!” I have gotten that many times, and it was awesome to see how other ladies take that comment. I really love this website, and I hope to contribute to it in the future.

world. She heard from people in Belgium, Chile, London, South Korea, Australia, and Afghanistan. So she decided to make this something that can be accessed anywhere and something that other people can see so that they can hear from others who have bravely shared their experiences.

Cheney-Rice, Zak. "What Will America Look Like in 2060? 9 Bold Predictions About Our Future." Mic. N.p., 17 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

 The beginning of America?  Is America’s majority Caucasian population slowly turning into a minority?  Research conducted by the Pew Research Center, shows that the Caucasian population in America has steadily decreased over the past 50 years and the trend is expected to continue for the next 50 years, with the year 2043 being dubbed “the year of the white minority”. Contributing factors for this trend include a rise in inter-racial marriages, more immigrants, and the aging and demise of America’s baby boomer generation.

I really enjoyed this article! It was so interesting to me. The pictures caught my attention as soon as I got to the page. After viewing the pictures, I knew immediately that I wanted to read the article. It really was a huge eye-opener because I was aware that the U.S. is becoming more ethnically diverse, but I was not aware about the minority soon becoming the majority. That really shocked me.

"Mildred Loving." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

Mildred Loving, a young African American and Native American fell in love with Richard Loving who was white. The two met in grade school in their hometown Caroline County, and decided to get married after Mildred became pregnant at age 18. Due to Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924 (an anti-miscegenation law), the couple drove over 90 miles away to Washington D.C. to say, “I do.”   After returning to their home in Caroline County, a couple weeks later, July 11, 1958 at the top of the morning, the county sheriff and two deputies stormed into the Loving’s home to question them. The sheriff asked, “Who is this woman you’re sleeping with?” and Mildred blurted, “I’m his wife.” while pointing to the marriage certificate hanging on the wall. The sheriff responded

When I first found out who Richard and Mildred Loving were, I was bored one day on Netflix, and I came across their documentary and decided to watch it. I was completely upset that I had no idea who they were until now. I was wondering why the students of America were not learning about these two, because they played a large role in history. I immediately had a connection to their story since I am a black female who dates a white man in the south. Although we do not have it nearly as rough as when the Loving’s had it in Virginia, we still go through things being an interracial couple in the south.

intensely by saying that the certificate was not good in the state of Virginia. The two were immediately arrested, with Richard spending an evening in jail, and the pregnant Mildred a bit more than her husband.   Judge Leon M. Bazile ruled: “Almighty God created the races white, white, black, yellow, malay, and red, and he placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.” Later on, the couple pleaded guilty to violating the law and was sentenced to one year in prison.  The Loving’s began to get a glimpse of hope when their sentence of one year was suspended due to a plea bargain, but there was a catch. The couple was “ordered” to leave the state of Virginia and to not return together for 25 years. Once the couple relocated to Washington D.C., they had three children and made rare visits to Virginia to see family and friends.  Though the couple was living happily with three children, they couldn’t stand to be away from their loved ones just because they married out of their race. So they decided to take action in 1963. Mildred wrote Attorney General Robert Kennedy to ask for help, and with great surprise, Kennedy wrote back and referred the couple to the American Civil Liberties Union, who once again, luckily accepted their case.   Bernard S. Cohen and Philip J. Hirschkop, ACLU lawyers, appealed the Loving’s case to the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. They argued that the Virginia law did not agree to the Equal Protection Clause of the 14 Amendment because of the fact that it forbid interracial couples to marry

specifically based on their race. The Virginia court then UPHELD the original ruling, so the case went directly to the United States Supreme Court.   The HIGH COURT unanimously agreed in favor of the Lovings on June 12th, 1967, which eliminated Virginia’s law. The couple finally was able to return to their home in Virginia. The court states that the anti-miscegenation law violated both the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause of the 14 Amendment.   After the couple returned home, Richard died from a fatal car crash in 1975, and Mildred passed away from pneumonia on May 2, 2008 at the age of 68. These two fought a difficult battle, but they overcame it, and much more.