Dear Barbara,
I am a 25 year old white male and have been dating a woman of hispanic origins for
several months (first time dating outside my race). The relationship is getting serious enough to
introduce her to my parents, who have a tendency to be racially insensitive and have
made negative comments concerning interracial relationship. Any suggestions for
successfully broaching the subject?
Signed,
"Archie Bunkers Son"
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Dear "Archies Son",
Introducing a new significant other to your family can be stressful. When you are dating outside of your race, it can be downright scary!!!
When you say racially insensitive, what does that mean? If your parents' fluently use derrogatory racial slurs,
and stereotype racial minorities as a way of "doing business", then the onus of responsibility is on you to forewarn your s.o. that this
is how your parents operate. At the same time, I suggest you speak to your parents before hand to inform them of your choice and request that
they be respectful of your s.o.'s feelings as well as your own. In the interest of being proactive, I would suggest arranging this meeting in a
public place so as not to create an automatic "home team advantage" atmosphere for your parents or your significant other. Be prepared to
debrief with all parties later as communication is critical in these situations.
Â
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