We all know love knows no bounds. It weaves its connection beyond race, gender, or skin colour. However, there are many age-old prejudices and discriminations still persist in society. Many first-time couples involved in interracial dating often have to face the bitter edges of these prejudices. This blog is for them. We have compiled some common problems and social stigmas interracial couples face, and what are some of the best ways to overcome them.
Unique challenges and social stigmas faced by interracial couples
Lack of social support
Lingering negative attitudes and a lack of social support often put mounting pressure on an interracial relationship. The lack of social support makes many couples feel vulnerable, knowing very few people will stand by them in times of difficulties and dismay. Moreover, the scrutiny and the moral policing of the strangers also pose a difficult obstacle in their path. Many people also erroneously and maliciously suppose that people pair up in interracial relationships for social benefits. For instance, many patriarchal people assume that black women date white men to climb up the social ladder. This kind of mindset is not only orthodox, but it is also instrumental in spreading lies and rumors about the interracial couple.
How to overcome and fight against this stigma?
We strongly recommend you surround yourself with like-minded peers and progressive people who not only support your decision but also stay by your side through thick and thin. We imagined our dating app and our website to be such an inclusive place where you can get in touch with progressive and like-minded people. It is a safe place to explore your desires and forge bonds that transcend the shallow barrier of race or skin colour.
Cultural differences and difficulties in communication
In an interracial relationship, both parties have very unique and divergent experiences due to the specificity of their native cultures. They may often find it difficult to express their own feelings to the other party. Everyone is specific, and they have their own subjective history entangled with the native community and culture. For instance, if one partner is Asian and another European, they may have a conflict of moral values: one may give precedence to cohesiveness and collectivism, while the other may prefer individual liberties, etc. There could also be religious differences, differences in faith systems, among other things.
How to overcome it?
No conflict is unsolvable. You can always create strong boundaries about it and respect each other’s boundaries. It is essential to accept that you may not render your ‘belief system’ or ‘Cultural idiom’ with full clarity to your partner. There will always be a bit of ‘difference’ irreducible to language. But we encourage you to look at the bright side of this difference. Maybe this difference is what makes your relationship more exciting and enthralling!
The problem of racial privilege
Though love tries its best to create equality between two parties, we can’t ignore the question of haunting social inequalities. One person may be more racially privileged than the other. This gulf can cause discontent in the relationship, feelings of resentment, and others. Social pressure can further worsen this already-existing unease. Many interracial couples find it difficult to deal with this existing gulf. Did you make your first interracial match, and are you worrying about this problem? Let’s take a look at how you can circumvent this conflict.
How to circumvent the problem of unequal privilege?
You should not be guilty of the difference in privilege. Society is generally unequal in many ways, and no two individuals are alike. If you are capable, you can help out your partner as best as you can. It is a good idea to articulate each other’s differences as something to celebrate. To the ocean of love, these mundane material differences are nothing but a few granules of sand. If you strive through the difficult times together, you will find the happier times more enjoyable after all.
As a bottom line, let us remind you once again: love knows no bounds. So, though today’s gloom can shadow over your relationship, tomorrow’s sunrise will be brighter than ever. Join Krossbirds and be part of one of the largest interracial dating communities today. You can access it on both Apple and Android for mobile interracial dating. We have turned every stone to make our app safe and secure for people of all beliefs, nationalities, religions, and genders. Explore your desire in a safe space with us.