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Interracial marriage increased from 651,000 in 1970 to 1.46 million of all marriages in the year 2000 (Cabrera). Biracial dating and marriage is two people of different racial backgrounds who come together as a romantic couple. Some partners in biracial relationships find that with each successive generation, people seem more and more used to the idea of couples from different ethnic backgrounds, supporting the idea that biracial dating has become more and more common. Couples also have the opportunity to learn about each other’s culture on a very deep level, and their friends and families also benefit by learning to understand and respect their diversity (Clarke, p.112).

The realities of Asian and Asian American women dating and marrying white males have since become more acceptable. In 1945, after WWII, a lot of servicemen brought home war brides from such Asian countries as the Philippines and Vietnam where the soldiers were stationed (Fong, p. 243). Now, more than half a century later, where the Internet is available to many, interracial marriage across the net is becoming more common, heavily due to a system known as the “Mail Order Bride.” There are many reasons why biracial dating and marriage seems to be on the rise. One reason that US-born individuals of Asian descent enter into interracial relationships is because in the US, there aren’t just only Asian men everywhere; there are people from all sorts of races, such as African American, Caucasian, etc. (Fong, p. 244) Another reason would be that some Asians would like to assimilate into the culture that they live and so, by marrying a person within that culture, they also become a part of it (Fong, p. 244).

Although, biracial relationships are increasing as time goes on, sometimes it is hard for the families of the Asian/Asian American in the relationship to accept because of the culture, traditions and values of Asian families. Some parents dislike their child’s biracial partner due to their racial difference to a point that the couple could be excluded from many family functions. Family members who are of an older generation, such as grandparents may not attend any of the biracial grandchildren’s birthday parties or family reunions due to the fact that they follow old values that don’t reflect the changing times. Due to this, a lot of time biracial couples sometimes are excluded from bonding socially with the rest of the family. (Haag)

Interracial individuals (those who were born from an interracial relationship) are said to have low self-esteem and are more likely to experience angst and confusion about how to identify themselves. For example, when asked the question, “What are you?” it can be very difficult for the biracial individual to answer because the individual could identify with either country they were born in, either race they could belong to, or a mixture of some or all of the options just listed. People, through first impressions, often pass judgment on those born interracially by appearance, name, accent, and/or skin color.

Sometimes, due to the difficulty of coping with issues that come with being an interracial individual, they may tend to think that it will be much easier to live the life of a person who is not biracial. Recent research has said that biracial students go through stages in coming to terms with their identity. They start with little or no concept of racial identity or difference, and then progress towards self-acceptance and integration, learning to accept who they are and how they fit in the world. Students that had been interviewed say being a biracial individual, their parents don’t mind letting them chose whomever they want to date. Interracial individuals are having unique needs in today’s world. (Wardle)

As a parent, one should try to discuss some way to help the child to see the differences and learn how to deal with insensitive remarks early in their life. Answering the entire child’s question openly and accurately about the physical characteristics that come from both parents is important. Mostly, it is suggested by experts that supporting the child’s difference in being a biracial individual can help them with identifying themselves. Then introduce the child to friends of both families. Developing a positive relationship with both sides of the extended family is very important. (Wardle) As the interracial individual grows up, he/she will be more satisfied the way they look.

Works Cited

Cabrera, Cloe. "Biracial Marriages On Rise As Couples Overcome Differences.”WebNews Kansas 03 01 2003. 05/21/2005 http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:1hywFkMAue0J:www.kccall.com/News/2003/0103/Web_News/063.html+cloe+cabrera&hl=en.

Clarke Ivory, Roberts Angie, Morokoff Patricia. "Dating Practices, Racial Identity, and psychotherapeutic Needs of Biracial Women." 2004 ed.

Fong, Timothy. The Contemporary Asian American. New Jersey: Nancy Roberts, 2002.

Haag, Den. Dating for Beginner: Interracial Dating. 2004. 05/22/2005

Lee, Bill. The Reality of Interracial Marriage. 2003. 05/18/2005.

Wardle, Francis. "Raising interracial children." Mothering Magazine 1991: 1-5. EBSCO. 5/21/2005 http://web7.infotrac.galegroup.com.