In some countries the prejudice and stigma are so great that couples who become involved romantically with an individual of another race may find the pressures of family and society become too overwhelming to resist. In other countries, a general level of tolerance leads many to consider mixed relationships, but an undercurrent of bias deters them from marriage. It is a fortunate group who find the level of acceptance in their society means that their marriage is rarely, if ever, marred by prejudicial onlookers.



It is a sad fact that intolerance has become part of human nature, but individuals who have found love in a different race have fought the challenges for hundreds of years. What does that mean for their marriages?

To comment on it from a purely secular viewpoint, it might be said that the fight to become a couple in the first place may well help a couple to create a bond together that is not easily broken by outside influence.

A couple who can outwardly show their abilities to see beyond the superficial may be better able to hazard the storms of marriage.

Is a mixed couple's marriage stronger than a non-mixed couple? NO. Many couples face trials which create a similar sense of 'us-against-the-world' - an outlook that may sound negative but which creates an environment of trust and reliability between the couple. It also fosters a feeling that they have fought together and can take on any obstacle as a team.

With the world becoming what some have termed a 'melting pot' of cultures, many couples find that aside from their outer appearance they share much of the same cultural background.

In marriages where there is a clear difference of traditions it could be noted that to marry outside of one's race would indicate a flexibility and strength of character which would smooth out many of the cultural distinctions. Perhaps a genuine interest and love of their mate's culture could also attribute to a healthy marriage.

Whatever the situation, in today's society, as many cultures are beginning to adopt a less respected view of marriage, it is wonderful to see couples who outwardly, or even privately, are able to stick together as one and fight off the intrusions that so often pull marriages apart.