Interracial Dating: Is love all that matters?

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Interracial Dating

By Faizah Fele

Dating, in general, is a complex subject in my household, but interracial dating only increases that complexity. I grew up fixated on dating within the same race as the only acceptable relationship, as that's what my peers and family were accustomed to. I found myself wanting something different, though. After all, a legacy doesn't end when it's mixed with another complexion; it only strengthens the bond of unity between two or more ethnicities.

To overcome differences and share a bond like that with someone resembles the anastrophic effect of two worlds colliding to form one, where cultural backgrounds develop together as they head towards the future. I believe those bonds are more important than ever before. Being in an interracial relationship has taught me so much, but the most important lesson is that love should blossom despite the barrier of judgement.

I grew up pressured to find someone who looked like me, hoping to please my family. But now that I can stand tall enough to shake it off, I realize that as long as I love myself, it doesn't matter what my partner looks like. It doesn't matter if their skin tone matches mine, if they talk like me, or if they're the opposite of everything I am. Our love is all that matters.

About the Author

Faizah Fele is a sophomore at Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, PA. She enjoys reading, writing and traveling and one day hopes to be united with her extended family once again.

Parejas interraciales

Por Faizah Fele

Las parejas, en general, son un tema complejo en mi casa, pero las parejas intrarraciales lo son mucho más. Crecí obsesionada con la idea de que las únicas relaciones aceptables son las interraciales, ya que a eso estaban acostumbrados mis conocidos. Sin embargo, me encontré queriendo algo diferente. Al fin y al cabo, un legado no termina cuando se mezcla con otra tez; eso solo fortalece la unión entre dos o más etnias.

Superar las diferencias y compartir un vínculo así con alguien se parece al efecto de dos mundos que chocan para formar uno en el que los trasfondos culturales se desarrollan juntos mientras evolucionan. Creo que esos lazos son más importantes que nunca. He aprendido mucho de estar en una relación interracial, pero la lección más importante es que el amor debe florecer a pesar de los prejuicios.

Crecí presionada por encontrar a alguien que se pareciera a mí y tener la suerte de complacer a mi familia. Pero ahora que, con la frente en alto, puedo desentenderme de ello, me doy cuenta de que mientras me ame a mí misma no importa el aspecto de mi pareja. No importa si su tono de piel coincide con el mío, si habla como yo o si es todo lo contrario a mí. Lo único que importa es nuestro amor.