This Month on Pulse - March

Sunday, March 20 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, March 24 @ 7:30 PM

 
Interracial Relationships
South Florida is a cosmopolitan area that prides itself on its international flair. How open-minded is South Florida when it comes to its diverse ethnic communities?   And what about new generations raising families with different cultural and racial backgrounds?

Guests:
Ronie Gomes, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University
Debra Nixon, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University
Joy Reid, The Miami Herald
Donna Aza Weir-Soley, Ph.D., Florida International University

Comments

[robert lion]

First of all, I want to say that I have been enjoying your show since I recently returned home to the Bahamas after living abroad for many years. Your show on interracial/intercultural dating struck a real nerve with me, and I enjoyed the panel's comments immensely.

I am a white Bahamian, casually known as a conchy joe. My father is English, and my mother is a white Bahamian. The interesting thing about this is my father's mother told him not to marry my mother because she was and island girl, and things would never work out. Well, they have been married now for 46 years, and could not be happier. I think this points out that while these days it may be a little more about skin tone, it shows just how skewed european perspective on marrying the unknown was. I'd like to think that these days it was different.

For me, I have dated both in and out of my race. I am most happy with women from the caribbean no matter what color they are. To me, it has more to do with our cultural similarities than the color of our skin. I love when I can talk with someone about something from home, and there is a look in their eye of complete understanding. I have dated asian, polynesian, south american, and african women. Women from the caribbean are by far the most compatible, and I have had the best connections with them.. It isn't a racial thing at all, just that I love my caribbean culture and all that goes along with it.

I am not proud to be white, or of the terrible history that caused us all to be where we are today. In fact, I don't even think of race when it comes to everyday life. We are all such beautiful creatures, and capable of so many wonderful things, that should be celebrated and not broken into groups to be classified and analyzed.

My current girlfriend is a very dark skinned Bahamian woman, and we could not be happier. If we get married and have children, they will not be taught that they are mixed or colored or bright or whatever label society wants for them to wear. They will be Bahamian, and that is all.