SOURCE

ANNOTATION

THOUGHTS/CONNECTIONS

Wang, Wendy. "The Rise of

Intermarriage." Pew Research
Centers Social Demographic Trends
Project RSS. N.p., 15 Feb. 2012.
Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

Based on the facts stated on Pew Research Center

there were many key findings that will be
extremely important in my research. There is an
increase in the popularity of marrying interracially;
of all of the marriages in 2010, 15% of them were
intermarriages. That is more swirling then in
1980, which was 6.7%. There are also different
gender patterns, for example, black men are more
likely to marry outside of their race than black
women.

Roosa, Amanda. "Couples of the

Future." The Huffington Post.
TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web.
09 Feb. 2015.

Amanda Roosa believes that media is more

concerned about dating interracially than the actual
interracial couple themselves. She is upset by the
way they are portrayed in the media and how the
public responds to it. She states that people always
have something to say when an interracial couple is
captured on lets say, a commercial and believes
that more media companies need to showcase their
products with more diverse individuals. She certain
this will be happen because she says that by the
year 2050 that our youth will be more aware and
proactive when it comes to inter-dating and
intermarriage. In 2008, the number of interracially
married peoples was 310,000 in 1970 to 2,340,000
in 2008.
The five reasons to not date interracially include:
To End the Losing Streak in Your Love Life, To
Gain Status, Everyone Else is Doing It, Rebellion,
and You Fell Inferior.

I really enjoyed looking at this research because

the way it was formatted was fantastic. I loved how
easy it was to read from the key points at the very
beginning to the graphs and visuals to also help
capture the rise in intermarriage. There are literally
no boundaries in this research. It showed what
states were more prevalent for intermarriage and
which mixings of couples had the greatest income.
Like I said, anything you need to know about
interracial dating and marriage was right there in
the research. Sure reading an article would be a bit
more entertaining, but it definitely wouldnt give as
much information as Pew Research did.
I couldnt agree more with Amanda Roosa. There
should be more diverse and multicultural families
portrayed in the media. There should be fewer
backlashes as well. When the Cheerios
commercial debuted with the interracial couple and
mixed daughter, there was a huge stirwhen there
shouldnt be.

Nittle, Nadra Kareem. "Five

Reasons Not to Date Interracially."
Racerelations.about.com. N.p., n.d.

I liked and disliked this article for several reasons.

I enjoyed the fact that Nittle said the cold hard
truth about certain reasons why people even think
about dating interracially, but I dont believe that

Web. 10 Feb. 2015.

To End the Losing Streak in Your Love Life: This

basically means that after a long-run of dating
people from the same race, you believe that it is the
ethnicity of the partner who is causing the problem.
So a person may venture out and start to believe for
instance, Asians are better partners.
To Gain Status: Some people may date out of their
race because someone of another race is perceived
to have power. For example, a white woman dating
a white man, because white men tend to have more
power in society. But bottom line, that should
never be a persons motive for dating outside of
their race.
Everyone Else is Doing It: Oh everyone is doing
it! Its all the rave! No. Just because something
becomes popular, doesnt mean you should do it.
So, basically, just because doing crack is becoming
popular, you should do it too? And plus, what
would you tell your partner? Oh, I really only dated
you to see what the hype was about. Thats
horrible!
Rebellion: Okay maybe you want to upset a past
partner, a family member, or a friend, so you
decide to use your partner to get back at
someone.what?!
You Feel Inferior: Society ingrains certain
messages to make different racial groups feel
inferior. So maybe these people date outside of
their race so they dont have to fit into those
categories anymore.

some of those are actually that prevalent, but what

do I know? Im sure there are people that date for
these reasons but I really do not know how often
this happens. I kind of would like to ask people if
they have heard of anybody doing some of those
things but that might be rude. I am really interested
though!

Rice, Dan. Rice, Alyssa. Personal

interview. 13 Feb 2015.

Have you dated interracially before?

Alyssa: yes
Dan: yes
How and when did you meet?
We met online in March 2004 on a dating site.
Who made the first move?
Dan: Technically I did, I messaged her.
What was your first date like?
They met in real life memorial day weekend 2004.
Alyssa: I was nervous, but then again I was in the
dating groove, so this was just another date. He
looked ivy league when I first saw him.
Dan: I dont really get nervous, plus we talked the
entire time so there was no awkwardness at all. But
I just knew that I had to be myself on this date.
What do you find attractive about him/her?
Alyssa: His eyes!! His smile, egghead, intelligence,
height and we just have great conversations.
Dan: Her physical beauty, and the ease of
conversation.
Did you have any doubts about the relationship
because of the race difference?
Alyssa: No, I dont see color.
Dan: I didnt with her. But I did with her kids.
After communicating with her about that, my fears
went away soon after.
How was breaking the news to your family and
friends that your partner was not of your culture?
How was meeting each others parents?
Alyssa: I got 100% support from my mom. But I

Since I have known Alyssa, more than half of my

life, I know all about her relationship, but I wasnt
aware of some of the thoughts Dan had. I was very
glad to have interviewed them because I really
needed an adults perspective. They really inspire
me and remind me that dating interracially will
always have its struggles, but its all about
knowing how to deal with those struggles.

was so nervous to meet his parents and didnt

know what they would think.
Dan: My parents were supportive.
What are your greatest struggles as a couple?
Alyssa: Communication, I tend to keep things
bottled inside.
Dan: Communication: Im an open book, and thats
a difference between us two. Plus, we approach life
differently. I love it, the fact that we have two
different cultures and ways we handle situations,
but sometimes we clash and cant agree on things.
Do you ever notice any ways people treat you both
in public?
They get stares and one time a waiter was just rude.
They said, by far the worst service they have ever
had. He came by the table to take the drink order
and didnt come back until he gave them the
checkand this is at a very nice restaurant where
good service is inevitable.
Have you ever been confronted by a stranger while
with your partner?
A stranger hasnt confronted them, but a neighbor
of Alyssas was very upset with their relationship
at one point. She stated that Dan was at her
apartment for a super bowl party and so was the
neighbor and out of nowhere she was questioning
Dan asking all sorts of questions like: Do you
really think youre going to be a father to black
children? Do you even know how to raise black
kids? etc.
If you could give any advice to someone dating (or
wanting to date) interracially, what would you say
to him or her?

Watt, Alyse. McDonough II, Brian.

Personal Interview. 11 Feb 2015.

Alyssa: Humans are humansrace should never be

a factor. Also, have a good comeback for people
who say stupid stuff.
Dan: People will be people- dont worry about
what people think and dont influence what people
think and remain neutral on both offense and
defense.
Have you dated interracially before your current
partner?
B: No
A: No
How and when did you meet?
A: We met at the schools block party and Brian
was drunk and was like youre the roommate!
Who made the first move?
Brian
What was your first date like?
They were already comfortable with each other
because they had hung out a couple times after the
block party.
What do you find attractive in him/her?
A: His personality- hes funny, smart, invested in
my life and hes like my bff.
B: What dont I like? But her smile, her
personality- shes outgoing, and not afraid to open
up, and she cares for me.
Did you have any doubts about the relationship
because of the race difference?
A: I did because Ive never dated a white guy
before and I live with my mom (who is black) so
Im exposed more to my black side than my white

Brian and Alyse are amazing! I really felt like I had

known them my whole life after that interview.
They are such a fun and outgoing set of
individuals.
I noticed how similar their relationship was as
compared to my own. I mean it was honestly
almost the same. I called them my relationship
twins. I really enjoyed the fact that they were
completely open and honest throughout the entire
interview. You could tell they really wanted their
story to be heard and I LOVED that!

side. I was nervous about being exposed to my

family and being out and about.
B: Yes, because part of my family doesnt believe
in interracial dating, but my mom and dad are okay
with it. I was also worried about what my little
brother would think.
How was breaking the news to family and friends?
A: My mom was just being a mom, so she had her
guard up. I dont think it was a race thing. And my
dad didnt care, as long as youre happy.
B: Same here, my parents didnt care, they said as
long as Im happy theyre happy.

How was meeting each others parents?

A: I freaked out at first and almost didnt go over
to his house to meet them; but his parents are really
super sweet.
B: Her mom does not like me, she probably doesnt
like white men because of her ex-husband and
meeting her dad was cool but hes awkward.
Greatest struggles/issues as a couple?
A: Trust, because Ive been hurt in the past.
B: Trust, and she yells a lot.
Do you notice any ways people treat you in public?
Old white people stare, and a guy shook his head at
us before. Black guys disagree and people stare at
parties and people get confused when we dance
because they expect it to be temporary but when
we stay together the whole time, they put two and
two together that we are a couple and they act
weird.

Have you ever been confronted by a stranger

(positive or negative)?
Some people will smile at us and we are a very fun
couple, so people around us always engage in our
conversations and it is viewed as acceptance.

Vo, Cathleen. Personal interview. 11

Feb 2015.

If you could give any advice to someone dating (or

wanting to date) interracially, what would you say?
A: Dont be scared, just do it! Dont worry about
what anybody else thinks.
B: Be sure you know you want to be in an
interracial relationship. Accept their race and be
open-minded.
Have you dated interracially before?
I have, all my relationships have been interracial. I
have never dated anyone of the same race as me.
How and when did you meet?
We met my freshman year of high school in the
Chick-fil-a parking lot.
Who made the first move?
He made the first move by messaging me on
Facebook messenger, and progressing by asking
for my phone number.
What was your first date like?
Our first date alone was basically like any other
high school relationship. We went to the movies.
What do you find attractive about him?
I love his smile, his laugh, his sense of weirdness
Did you have any doubts about the relationship
difference?
No I didn't.

I have known Cathleen since we were in 7th or 8th

grade. We went to the same middle school but we
were never that close. But we kept up with each
other as we went to different high schools and
colleges. Cathleen got pregnant when she was 17 I
believe, and she literally never ceases to amaze me.
She gave birth to her daughter a couple of days
before graduation and she still attended the
graduation and walked across the stage to retrieve
her diploma. She attends UNCG and has joined a
sorority. She is living her life and I love it! I knew
shed be the perfect person to interview and its
awesome to have an Asian s perspective.

How was breaking the news to your family and

friends that your partner was not of your culture?
There wasn't much news breaking. My family
moved to American when my mom was 18 so they
were very accustomed to the American lifestyle. I
never dated Asians and never found them
attractive.
How was meeting each others parents?
It was a little different because we were raised a
little different. The greetings and customs we held
he wasn't sure of but now he is more aware.
What are your greatest struggles as a couple?
Our greatest issues probably have been things that
have to do with our daughter. In traditional
Vietnamese culture, we have baby showers a
month after the baby is born and also the mother
and baby have to stay in the house for an entire
month. No one could come see the baby unless it
was close family. So, that was very different for
him to have to adapt to and another thing was I
wasn't allowed to eat the normal American food
like pizza or pasta ect. I was only allowed white
rice, meat and warm water. So, that was another
thing he had to learn to adjust to.
Did you ever notice any ways people would treat
you in public?
No, I haven't.
Have you ever been confronted by a stranger while
with your partner?
Only when we have our baby with us, but other
than that no.
If you could give any advice to someone dating (or

wanting to date) interracially, what would you say

to him or her?
Do it. It will definitely give you new perspective
on things and you will learn a whole lot of things
you either did know or didn't know and are able to
experience. And if you end up getting married and
having kids...interracial kids are the cutest!

Bori, Gaby. Personal interview. 8

Feb 2015.

We met in our 9th grade health class

It took a while - 2 years after he text me and I told
him I liked him.
Yes
Our first date was good, it was a movie and we
watched Madagascar 2.
I liked his afro but I really liked his long eyelashes!
My family was fine with it, if friends didnt agree
they didnt say it to my face.
I had met his mom beforehand because we were
friends before boyfriend/girlfriend; but he was
terrified, like very scared to meet my family.
The biggest issue/problem in our relationship is
trust.
Yes, we went to a Chinese restaurant and sat down
and we saw a lot of people staring and didnt feel
comfortable, once we left we brought it up. Did
you feel like you were being watched? Yes I feel
like everybody was looking at us.

Gaby is such a sweetheart! I really enjoyed

speaking with her. We can really relate because we
are both in interracial relationships, but we are also
dating a man in the military, so we have a lot in
common when it comes to thatas well as our
favorite football team (Alabama Crimson Tide)!
Gaby and I met online because we were going to
be roommates at the lovely University of Alabama,
but I ended up staying in NC to attend the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Although we did not get to be roommates, we have
kept in contact and I know she is always there to
give me advice and help me out with projects
(haha)!

One time we were play fighting and a white guy

behind us at Chinese restaurant said: If you dont
stop messing with that girl, Ill do something about
it.
My biggest thing is that no one else matters, even
family and friends. In the end whoever is happy is
you. You have to gain more confidence in yourself
and relationship. Its 2015 now and if people are
still like that, just shrug it off. Keep moving
frown.

"Michele Norris." The Race Card

Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr.
2015.

Norris, Michele. "The Race Card

Project - Submit Your 6 Word
Essay on Race." The Race Card
Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr.
2015.

This amazing woman, who is one of the most

trusted leaders in American Journalism, is
Michele Norris. She has interviewed Oscar
winners, American Presidents, world leaders
and military leaders. The Grace of Silence,
which was her first book, is about her own
background. Norris discovers truths about her
heritage and racial history. Upon writing her
book, she started The Race Card Project in
2010 to help foster a candid dialogue about
race.
While on her book tour, Norris found that after
telling her story, all over the country, other
people ended up sharing their own. At first she
had the idea to use black postcards as
conversation a conversation, but that idea soon
turned into it actually being epilogue. She
asked people to think about their experiences,
questions, hopes, dreams, laments, or
observations about race and identity. With
those, she asked for them to take those
thoughts and condense them to just one

After getting to know the lovely Michele Norris, I

realized her passion and drive for creating The
Race Card Project. She seems like someone I could
really make great conversation with, which is why
I am making it a goal to turn the tables on her and
actually sit down and interview her. I can tell she is
a very humble and down to earth woman with a lot
of wisdom. I could use some of her powerful words
in my life.

My friend Koula actually introduced this website to

me and I am so glad that she did! It was such an
eye-opener when I first visited the site. It was so
amazing to see other people all over the world have
the same issues as me here in North Carolina! For
example, I have seen several posts saying: Youre
pretty for a black girl! I have gotten that many
times, and it was awesome to see how other ladies
take that comment. I really love this website, and I
hope to contribute to it in the future.

sentence that only had six words. Not knowing

how popular this fad would be, she ended up
receiving tons of post cards from all over the
world. She heard from people in Belgium,
Chile, London, South Korea, Australia, and
Afghanistan. So she decided to make this
something that can be accessed anywhere and
something that other people can see so that
they can hear from others who have bravely
shared their experiences.

Cheney-Rice, Zak. "What Will

America Look Like in 2060? 9 Bold
Predictions About Our Future." Mic.
N.p., 17 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr.
2015.

The beginning of America? Is Americas majority

Caucasian population slowly turning into a
minority? Research conducted by the Pew
Research Center, shows that the Caucasian
population in America has steadily decreased over
the past 50 years and the trend is expected to
continue for the next 50 years, with the year 2043
being dubbed the year of the white minority.
Contributing factors for this trend include a rise in
inter-racial marriages, more immigrants, and the
aging and demise of Americas baby boomer
generation.

I really enjoyed this article! It was so interesting to

me. The pictures caught my attention as soon as I
got to the page. After viewing the pictures, I knew
immediately that I wanted to read the article. It
really was a huge eye-opener because I was aware
that the U.S. is becoming more ethnically diverse,
but I was not aware about the minority soon
becoming the majority. That really shocked me.

"Mildred Loving." Bio. A&E

Television Networks, 2015. Web. 28
Apr. 2015.

Mildred Loving, a young African American and

Native American fell in love with Richard Loving
who was white. The two met in grade school in
their hometown Caroline County, and decided to
get married after Mildred became pregnant at age
18. Due to Virginias Racial Integrity Act of 1924
(an anti-miscegenation law), the couple drove over
90 miles away to Washington D.C. to say, I do.
After returning to their home in Caroline County,
a couple weeks later, July 11, 1958 at the top of the
morning, the county sheriff and two deputies
stormed into the Lovings home to question them.
The sheriff asked, Who is this woman youre

When I first found out who Richard and Mildred

Loving were, I was bored one day on Netflix, and I
came across their documentary and decided to
watch it. I was completely upset that I had no idea
who they were until now. I was wondering why the
students of America were not learning about these
two, because they played a large role in history. I
immediately had a connection to their story since I
am a black female who dates a white man in the
south. Although we do not have it nearly as rough
as when the Lovings had it in Virginia, we still go
through things being an interracial couple in the
south.

sleeping with? and Mildred blurted, Im his

wife. while pointing to the marriage certificate
hanging on the wall. The sheriff responded
intensely by saying that the certificate was not
good in the state of Virginia. The two were
immediately arrested, with Richard spending an
evening in jail, and the pregnant Mildred a bit more
than her husband.
Judge Leon M. Bazile ruled: Almighty God
created the races white, white, black, yellow,
malay, and red, and he placed them on separate
continents. And but for the interference with his
arrangement there would be no cause for such
marriages. The fact that he separated the races
shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.
Later on, the couple pleaded guilty to violating the
law and was sentenced to one year in prison.
The Lovings began to get a glimpse of hope
when their sentence of one year was suspended due
to a plea bargain, but there was a catch. The couple
was ordered to leave the state of Virginia and to
not return together for 25 years. Once the couple
relocated to Washington D.C., they had three
children and made rare visits to Virginia to see
family and friends.
Though the couple was living happily with three
children, they couldnt stand to be away from their
loved ones just because they married out of their
race. So they decided to take action in 1963.
Mildred wrote Attorney General Robert Kennedy
to ask for help, and with great surprise, Kennedy
wrote back and referred the couple to the American
Civil Liberties Union, who once again, luckily
accepted their case.
Bernard S. Cohen and Philip J. Hirschkop, ACLU
lawyers, appealed the Lovings case to the Virginia
Supreme Court of Appeals. They argued that the

Virginia law did not agree to the Equal Protection

Clause of the 14 Amendment because of the fact
that it forbid interracial couples to marry
specifically based on their race. The Virginia court
then UPHELD the original ruling, so the case went
directly to the United States Supreme Court.
The HIGH COURT unanimously agreed in favor
of the Lovings on June 12th, 1967, which
eliminated Virginias law. The couple finally was
able to return to their home in Virginia. The court
states that the anti-miscegenation law violated both
the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process
Clause of the 14 Amendment.
After the couple returned home, Richard died
from a fatal car crash in 1975, and Mildred passed
away from pneumonia on May 2, 2008 at the age
of 68. These two fought a difficult battle, but they
overcame it, and much more.