Othello and Desdemona
Festishism
Loving v. Virginia
If you are a man in an interracial relationship, there will inevitable be accusations of fetishism. But obviously, the only way a person of one race could become involved with a person of another, is through some kind of carnal lust. For reaons unknown to me, people don't consider love as a driving force. Most people seem to only think in terms of domination or submission. But we all know that love doesn't (and can't) work that way.
Honestly, I can at least give some credit to people who attempt to pretend they don't notice. But being treated as an oddity simply cannot be quelled by people pretending we don't exist. I'd probably prefer that people got up the guts to simply ask me a question than to simply ignore our existence as a couple all together.
It's always encouraging to see another interracial couple walking around, minding their own business, because you know other people are experiencing the same struggle.
Stereotypes
Of course, when someone does decide to ask you a question, it may not be in the most polite way possible. Mostly, because people simply don't know how to be polite about anything dealing with race--there's simply no way to go about it. I can sympathize with this, but there are some line that just shouldn't be crossed no matter what type of relationship you're in. For example, one guy found it appropriate to ask a white man with a black girlfriend, "Is it true black girls do it better?"
C'mon. Let's not be immature here. Would it be appropriate to ask any other person in a relationship that kind of question? A little critical thinking should help you out with that one...
Cultural Differences
There are going to be struggles. There are going to be misunderstandings. Anyone in any kind of relationship knows that basic fact. Unfortunately, however, ethnic/racial differences can make misunderstandings paramount. For those in an interracial relationship, it's best to be honest about any cultural predilections that may interfere. This includes the possibility of introducing one's significant other to one's family, one's friends (if the groups of friends is already familiar with one another, then you lucked out), and being proud of your love and the one you love!
