Oral+History+Research

Topic - Interracial Dating in the 1960s

Interview Subject - Otha and Patricia Smith (my grandparents)

As the movement for civil rights waged on there was another problem at home; what fate lies for blacks and whites who wish to date or marry?  During this time, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was recently passed and was opposed by many white members of society. African Americans no longer had to deal with segregation but there was still social injustice. Interracial dating during the mid to late1960s had life-long effects on a couple’s children, led to hostility between both black and white societies, and was considered Taboo in American society.

Some Historians and Psychologists believe interracial (or "mixed") children have one major challenge, finding their identity. Biracial children are sometimes torn between white and black societies. In the white community, they will have an advantage over black children (just because segregation ended didn't mean racism did). However, they will not be completely accepted because they are still part black. In the black community, the child will have an elevated status because he is lighter, but will feel resentment from others because of his/her special privileges. There were //some // perks to being a biracial child. Mixed children have access to different points of view, and are exposed to the culture of more than one race. This allows the child to relate better to various groups of people. Moreover, mixed children get the benefits that black //and // white children get. For example, the biracial child could apply for the Negro College Fund because s/he is part black.

Interracial dating in the 60s also led to aggression between black and white societies. This was especially true in the couple’s families. Some families felt what President Obama’s grandfather believed, and didn’t want black blood spoiled by a white woman. Several white families felt the same way. Also, interracial couples were frowned upon in American culture. Interracial dating was considered taboo back in the 1960s. In other words, it was viewed by many as morally unacceptable. By breaking the taboo, interracial couples faced abhorrence from citizens of both races. As a result, the couple would receive spiteful glares from white and black citizens.

At the beginning, interracial relationships were deemed as taboo and were not acknowledged in American society. As the years passed, interracial relationships became more and more acceptable. Now, they are common and are a part of everyday life.

Magnuson-Cannady, Melissa. ""My Daughter Married a Negro": Interracial Relationships in the United States as Portrayed by in Popular Media, 1950-1975." //Journal of Undergraduate Research Online//. University of Wisconsin La Cross, 2005. Web. 28 May 2011. .

Alouis, Nancy. "Interracial Marriages and the Effects on Children." //University of Dayton//. Vernellia R Randolf, 31 12 2010. Web. 28 May 2011. .

Berryman, Anne, Jeanne DeQuine, and Constance Richards. "Color - Blind Love." //Time Magazine//. Time Inc, 2011. Web. 28 May 2011. .

Media Interracial couple harassed in today's world - []

//Another View// on Interracial Couples - []