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View Full Version : How do you deal with parents being somewhat racist towards your significant other?


redrumx3
Jul 3, 2012, 01:40 PM
Here's my issue, I'm a Caucasian/Asian female (raised as Caucasian more or less) and dating a man from Jordan. He's the first guy I've dated that isn't white. I am 22, he is 25. Although my half Japanese, half Caucasian mom is supportive of my happiness, she has made it clear that "her work has trained her to be cautious of certain people and he fits the description". (She works as a civilian for the U.S. Army.) Which I've taken as implying that he is middle eastern and has moved from Jordan to USA so he is suspicious.

As a result she's unsure of him, even though he's got a great personality, makes me happy and treats me well and from a parent's stand point is (I would think) one of the best guys I've been with. He has a good full time job in IT, his own place, is going to school still, owns a successful business, and the list goes on. I get very defensive with her, because I know he's an amazing guy yet she questions my judgement.

My parents are separated, and my dad is one of those "manly man" guys and all my life I've hated his racism. He hasn't met my boyfriend yet, nor have I told him about him. I'm almost afraid to mention anything to him.. so that's an entirely different issue.

At the end of the day, I'm going to stand up for what I believe in. I'm happy, we make each other happy and regardless of any obstacles deserve that happiness. Color doesn't make a difference. I just need help knowing how to get my parents on board so to speak.

Homegirl 50
Jul 3, 2012, 05:06 PM
It is hard to breakdown prejudices in people. Your mom will hopefully see how happy you are and how nice he is. Perhaps she is also concerned about the cultural differences, worried about how you will be treated as a woman. That is a valid point.
You may never convince your father. It's too bad this has to be a problem, but it is and parents worry about their kids, even their adult ones.

Fr_Chuck
Jul 3, 2012, 05:38 PM
What do you mean ? "what are you going to do about it?" you don't do anything, there is nothing you can do, people believe what they believe. You just date him if you want, tell mom, tell dad, and let them think what they will.

Then hopefully after he is with you long enough, they will learn to accept him.