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Despite the fact that the United States of America recently elected it's first African-American president, and aside from the increasing open-mindedness of our nation's people, there are still a number of individuals out there who seem to have an issue with interracial relationships. While they don't necessarily harbor any prejudices against one race, or suggest that one race is "better" than another, these people simply do not find that interracial relationships are "appropriate."

My question to these individuals is: who cares? Regardless of one individual's personal opinions on whether or not he or she could become involved with a person of a different race, why should anyone have an issue with ANOTHER individual's choice to do so?

The United States was based on the notion that all individuals were created equal and that everyone should have basic, personal rights and freedoms. One such freedom is the freedom to determine with whom one can and will maintain a romantic relationship with. If another person has an issue with this decision, while they may be entitled to an opinion, this opinion should certainly not affect or compromise the decision to become involved with a person of a different race or ethnicity.

Individuals who are involved in interracial relationships should be commended not only for their ability to sustain their relationship despite challenges from their family members, social circles, or society as a whole, but also because they have the foresight to appreciate differences in cultures, races, and ethnicities and to celebrate this diversity rather than condemn it.

If a couple is facing considerable opposition solely based on the fact that they are involved in an interracial relationship, they should consider taking a step back and reminding themselves that although they may love their family members, they should also be able to conduct their lives as they see fit. Everyone deserves to be happy in his or her lives, and if your partner makes you happy, then you should pursue a relationship, regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity. If your family members do not accept your choices, then they are at fault for not opening their hearts and loving you unconditionally. If they reject you or suspend their affection because of your choice to become involved in an interracial relationship, then they are placing conditions on their love for you, and you should not accept this behavior.

Although we may all wish that our family members will be there for us to love us unconditionally no matter what happens in our individual lives, the reality is that there are often moments in life when we simply have to give ourselves the love and support that we wish that our family members would provide for us.

In conclusion, I think it is important for individuals to realize that we are living in a increasingly progressive and open-minded society where issues of race and ethnicity are no longer as focused upon as they may have been in the past. I support individuals who make the choice to become involved in an interracial relationship, especially if this relationship makes them happy.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
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