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How Common Interracial Relationships Have Become in the United States

These days one can easily notice the rate at which interracial dating has skyrocketed especially in the United States. Often times, you see one or two interracial couples with their cute kids taking a stroll and you think,” Wow! So we’ve come this far?”

The contrast between the strict laws and discrimination of the past and the interracial lovers of the present is one that is encouraging and shows that we’ve moved past a horrible time in human history.

Interracial Dating in the US According to Stats

Statistics is a very handy tool when it comes to situation like this so we’ll be pulling up some very vital stats in regards to interracial dating and its evolution. First of all, it’s important to note that Interracial Dating in the U.S. was given the nod about 49 years ago and ever since, the public’s tolerance of marriages between people from different races has been on the increase.

In 1959, only 4% of Americans approved of interracial marriage but in 1971 after the government had given the green light on interracial marriage, the amount increased considerably to 29%. In 1985 the amount increased once again to 43% and continued to grow. Just recently in 2008, it became 77% and in 2013, 87%. Today, a staggering 87% of Americans approve of marriages between Blacks and Whites (According to Gallup), compared to the meagre 4% in 1959.

It is a great thing that Americans are now legally permitted to date or marry whoever they want to but the question is how many really go ahead with the marriage? According to different statistics taken by the United States Census Bureau in 2010, the amount of interracial couples in the U.S. rose from:

310,000 to 651,000 between 1970 and 1980 accounting for 1.3% increase in the total number of married couples,

651,000 to 964,000 between 1980 and 1990 accounting for 1.8% increase,

964,000 to 1,464,000 between 1990 and 2000 accounting for 2.6% increase, and

1,464,000 to 2,340,000 between 2000 and 2010 accounting for 3.9% increase.

From the statistics above, it can be clearly seen that interracial marriage in the U.S. gradually rose from 1.3% to 3.9% between 1970 and 2010. Out of the total interracially married couples in 2010, white men marrying black women is at 0.3% and black men marrying white women is at 8.6%.

One can easily see from the detailed statistics above that the reasoning of Americans in regard to interracial marriages has greatly changed but the rate at which the actual marriages occur is still rising. However, this census was taken in 2010 and happens to be the most recent available. Six year have passed and in addition to the several interracial dating sites on the internet these days, it is safe to conclude that the numbers will definitely take a giant leap when the next census comes up.

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5 Myths About Interracial Dating


Though we’ve come a long way in terms of tolerance and diversity, at least according to law and basic respect, we do still have a long way to go in terms of fostering an encouraging environment for interracial couples. Many attitudes and viewpoints are still very offensive and they are more mainstream than you might think.

We hear of stereotypes all the time, and not just from older family members. We see them on television, in the movies, on websites and all over the media. It helps to break down some of these myths that are unfairly spread and explain why they’re inaccurate. Maybe this will help people to come around and fully embrace black and white romances without hesitation.

1. It’s usually NOT a cry for attention.

A lot of young people today are accused of dating interracially just for attention, just for the scandal or just to make a statement to society. While anything is possible, it’s about time we give our young ones a little more credit. Just because they can date someone outside their race doesn’t mean that’s the only motivation they have. Usually it’s just because they happen to like someone of a different race. They are free to explore their sexuality but not obligated.

2. It’s still noticeable.

While it’s true that it’s safe to date black and white partners now and segregation is a thing of the past, people still do stare and still may make offensive remarks, usually without even thinking about it. So yes, it is a better environment now, but the idea of “you won’t have any problem, any awkwardness, any confrontation” is not quite true. You do sometimes have to prepare yourself to deal with the reactions of other people.

3. If you like the race, you can’t possibly be racist.

It’s actually quite shocking how many interracial-leaning singles ARE racist and get away with saying some offensive things just because they’re dating someone of another race. If one partner holds onto racist attitudes or offensive humor, this can be very upsetting and all the more so if the partner doesn’t discuss it. By all means, talk things over and find out where any racist viewpoints may be coming from, if that ever becomes an issue.

4. Love is easy now that we live in a better world.

No, if anything the greater freedoms we enjoy to date black or white partners is blinding. Now we have the opportunity to foster more relationships built solely on lust that might end badly because of incompatibility. Remember that making a love connection and a long-term relationship has to involve intellectual and emotional connection. It has to be about shared values, shared goals and similar passions in life. Many people have been hurt, indeed marriages have ended, because a relationship was mostly based on sex and not true compatibility.

This just illustrates the importance of filtering out people who are incompatible, even if they are attractive. Differences in sexuality, religion, politics, lifestyle and family can be very difficult to overcome. Make sure you’re not wasting anyone’s time or your own by searching smart. You can use our new interracial dating app, which makes this process easy. Search for the type of person you want and this time, instead of settling for good enough, let’s make a perfect match!