Does Opposition to Interracial Marriage Constitute Racism?

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Racism is not a new issue for the United States; it is an issue that has plagued our nation since its inception. Whether racism originates from family, community, religious beliefs or friends the tension it creates- destroys. As a nation we have worked to eliminate racism from everyday live. The civil rights movement of the 1960’s and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King brought about some much needed changes. We, as a nation have come a long way, since that time.

We however, still have a long way to go. It is unfortunate to say, but there is still a great deal of racism that exists in this country. One incident that will not be soon forgotten was the lynching of a man in Texas. It was only 1998 when James Lynch, an African American man was kidnapped and murdered by three white men with ties to white supremacy groups.

It is hard to believe that it has only been a little over forty years since the US Supreme court overturned a ban on interracial marriages in Loving vs. Virginia, deeming a ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional. That ruling affected sixteen other states with similar laws on the books immediately rendering the laws null and void.

There may not be laws in effect that ban interracial marriage, but interracial marriage still has its fair share of opposition. Many groups and organizations strongly disagree with people of different races being joined in marriage. It was just last month when a Justice of the Peace in Louisiana denied a marriage license to a couple after a phone conversation revealed the pairing was of mixed race. Justice Keith Bardwell refuses to marry any mixed race couples because children are not accepted by either race. So it begs the question: does opposition to interracia...

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...nary.com “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.” (Dictionary.com)

I liken the Justice of the Peace, in Louisiana, who refused to sign the marriage license to a pharmacist who refuses to fill a prescription for the so called morning after pill, citing moral reasons. While I personally believe that regardless of what frame we use look at the perils, of interracial marriage, the effects on the children, or even religious motivations, the underline true motivating factor, whether overt or subliminal is racist. I know that many who oppose interracial marriage truly believe that their concerns for the children are what drive their opposition, and while I do not agree, I can see their point.

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