A relationship can be defined as a connection between two people, either through blood, kinship, marriage or by sexual involvement. In this paper, the relationships discussed are those of a romantic or sexual nature. As the world becomes a global village, the differences among people have blurred away, and similarities have become a bonding factor. For this reason, relationships have sprouted between people of different races, ethnic groups and cultures; there are referred to as interracial relationships.
In the past, the word interracial meant people with different skin color living in the same country. It also meant people with different cultures and ethnicities, regardless of them having the same skin color. However, nowadays the word is used to refer to a relationship that has two people of a different race, skin color and ethnicity romantically connected. These kinds of relationships for a long time have been expected to fail because of the differences in norms, beliefs and values of the two parties (Okitikpi, 2007).
Some of the constraints involved in interracial relationships include cultural differences, religion and language barriers. Other challenges that may be experienced are people within the community they live in not recognizing or accepting the relationship. Cultural differences may emerge when the families are meeting, especially when one of them does not believe in the culture of the other. Some of the traditions that are sacredly followed by a family may not be in line with what the other one believes and practices (Alderman, 2009). In such scenarios, friends and family start keeping their distance from the partner. Within the relationship itself, the couple may have disagreements on whose beliefs or values are more important, and those that are to be used as the common philosophy for both of them. The couple may find this challenging to deal with, especially because they would desire each other to be accepted by their families.
Fortunately, with understanding and mutual respect the problems experienced in interracial relationships can be solved. The way a person is raised defines their perception towards life, which includes his or her outlook on love, respect, gender differences and thoughts on relationship roles. To understand one’s partner it is crucial to understand his or her upbringing, how he or she thinks and what the individual values. Each partner should study the other’s culture, beliefs, country of origin and family norms. Paying attention to the intricate details of a partner’s life highlights commitment to the relationship (Alderman, 2009). Stereotyping a partner just because they come from a certain ethnic background should never be allowed, as the diversity can be used to make the relationship interesting. It should be noted that a partner may be from a certain culture, but he or she does not identify with that group. Misunderstanding between partners, friends and family may be prevented by merely understanding the differences and similarities between cultures.
Religion is another contentious issue that has to be addressed for a successful interracial relationship. This challenge is mostly experienced if the couple has different religious backgrounds. Religion has a major influence on each individual’s life. An example of a religion that has an influence on its followers is Islam, which has norms and traditions on the roles of women and men in marriage. A woman who gets married to a Muslim man has to convert into Islam. As a result, a relationship between a Muslim and a member of another religion could collapse if this issue is not addressed beforehand.
It is important for partners to discuss religion, especially if they are from different religious backgrounds. If both or one of the partners is extremely spiritual, this topic could be a major divisive issue (Haugen, 2006). Discussing religion should be done before getting serious in a relationship. On the other hand, this may not be an issue if the partners are from the same religious background or are not particularly religious.
When it comes to interracial relationships, language barriers are a common challenge. In any relationship, communication is vital for it to succeed. Having a challenge when communicating with each other is hard, and not understanding what a partner is saying makes it frustrating. Partners from different backgrounds have different ways of speaking, what one thing means in one language does not necessarily mean the same in the other. For example, one partner may not understand the native language or the slang language used wherever they live and could more often than not be offended. Humor and patience are vital when tackling language associated problems (Smith, 2009). Each partner should try and explain his or her language to the other. Learning a partner's language not only shows seriousness towards making the relationship work, but also improves communication.
Language can also be a challenge when children are involved, especially when both partners have different own mother tongues. When at home it is important for the partners to identify which language will be used; exposing the children to both languages is an issue that partners should address. It is best to use the language being used where the partners live. As a result, the child can communicate with the parents and also the community around them.
Body language is a critical issue in relationships because different physical movements and actions have varying interpretations in each culture. For example, in the Islamic culture holding hands among men and women is forbidden while, in other cultures, it is a sign of tenderness and affection. To the Thai people a lady touching her son’s head and playing with his hair is strictly unacceptable.
Both parties should be allowed to maintain their identity without having to compromise who they are for one another. If one of the partners is drawn and strongly attached to his or her ethnic or racial group, it is healthy that they continue associating with the group. Some individuals’ identities are defined by their ethnicity and race, and interfering with these could cause disagreements and strife.
Irregardless of all the challenges and differences that come with interracial relationships, they still can work if a couple is serious and in love. Skin color, cultural background and an individual’s mother tongue are elements that can be harnessed to strengthen a relationship. It is more crucial for an interracial couple to acknowledge their similarities than it is to accept any differences they might have. For any given relationship to work, it is essential that the parties involved share a common perception of life. Creating room for compromise on their traditions, beliefs and culture by having a middle ground will facilitate the success of the relationship. A solid foundation, respect and love are the basics of a strong relationship.
References
Alderman, B. (2007). Interracial relationships. Greenhaven: Thomson Gale print.
Okitikpi, T. (2009). Understanding interracial relationships. New York: Russell.
Smith, E.C. (2009). Interracial relationships in the 21st century. London: Academic Press.
Haugen., D.M. (2006). Interracial relationships. Boston: Greenhaven Print
