Interracial Marriage

    While searching through websites about Asian-American issues, I came across a website article dealing with Asians and interracial marriage.  The article states the facts about interracial marriage in the United States.  "Asian Americans engage in more interracial relationships than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States" (Interracial Marriage).  Interracial marriage between Asians and Caucasians was illegal in the United States until Perez vs. Sharp in 1948 (for California) and until 1967 for the nation.  Although interracial marriage for Asians was legalized long ago, the "negative perspective on such unions has been slow to change" (Interracial Marriage).  The negative concept does not just come from whites, where one might expect it to, but also from a traditional Asian perspective as well.  Interracial marriages between Asians and Caucasians started heightening during World War II when United States soldiers were stationed in asian countries near villages.  Many of the women were drawn to these different, intriguing white men.  The low economic conditions in these countries led these women to culturally different male figures.  Because of cultural differences these marriages were frowned upon during that time by the women's families and their society.  Although acceptance of interracial marriage by Asian families today has grown, "there continue to be difficulties because of cultural differences" (Interracial Marriage). 

   

 In the novel, Snow Falling on Cedars, an Asian man named Kabuo is put on trial accused of killing a white man.  

The trial takes place on a small island off the coast of Seattle post WWII.  The racial tension is high and the town is very small.  Other than the trial, there are other racial topics that are touched upon within the novel.  The town reporter, Ishmael, covering the trial, a middle-aged white man, takes us back into his memories.  This is where we discover his past relationship w

ith Kabuo's wife Hatsue.  The relationship was complicated because Hatsue was asian and interracial relationships were highly uncommon at that time.  Because of the racial tension between the two groups due to WWII, the couple was forced to hide their love for one another which also caused them to drift apart.  The relationship between Ishmael and Hatsue could be considered very similiar to the interracial relationships discussed in the article.  If the couple

 decided to display their love publicly, they would have endured ridicule from both sides: the asian and caucasian perspective.  The races intertwining was looked down upon because of cultural differences.  In my opinion, I feel that everyone can grow from learning about different cultures and that interracial relationships benefit both sides. It forces cultures to come together and learn about each other.  The differences they have must be put aside in order to gain the respect of someone they love.  As much as it may pain them to see their son/daughter with a person of a different race or even religion, family should always come first.

Interracial Marriage  

             

         

Heterosexual Priviledge

    "The Office" is a comedic show about a

 Pennsylvanian office branch and the people who works in it.  In this episode, "Cocktails", we meet Michael's girlfriend and are introduced to their relationship.  Although the newly established relationship may be complicated because of the two people (a branch manager and a more important executive), no one ever questions the relationship due to the gender of the two.  This is an example of heterosexual privilege.  Heterosexual privilege is defined as the discrimination in favor of heterosexual people.  It is the assumption that everyone else is heterosexual.  In the episode of "The Office", heterosexual privilege is clearly exemplified.

    When at a restaurant after a long day at work, a heterosexual couple was able to sho

w their affection towards each other in front of their co-workers without worry of harassment, neglecting, or attack.  Michael and his girlfriend were also able to attend a business party together, feeling comfortable and safe.  Public displays of affection are a normal part of a heterosexual relationship, but for some same-sex couples the worry behind publicly displaying their affection is too much to risk.  Depending on who is around or what part of the country they are in, a same-sex couple must be very aware of how much they show affection toward each other. They do not have the privilege that heterosexual couples do, they are different to some and completely wrong to others.       

    Throughout the episode Michael and his friend discuss Michael's relationship and his friend's struggle with women.  Another heterosexual privilege; reference sexuality to someone without fear of discrimination or other negative consequences.  Sometimes gay people are not as fortunate to be able to feel comfortable around everyone about their sexuality.  Making a reference to their sexuality, relationships, or even their partner to the wrong person could have negative consequences.  It is a heterosexual privilege to feel comfort around other people about sexuality, to live life without fear of discrimination based upon sexual orientation.  Something as basic as these heterosexual privileges, some people take for granted, while others just pray for acceptance.