The United Kingdom has a wonderful atmosphere. The people claim a rich cultural heritage and long history that includes many of the foundations in human rights. They are curious, frank and highly observational. With Great Britain as its central sphere, it has a high social impact around the globe.
The Little Snub
Great Britain has a relaxed attitude toward its ethnic mix that includes blacks, Asians and Latin Americans, but it hasn’t quite settled in its attitudes toward interracial dating. An example is the ongoing scandal involving Robert Pattinson, from the “Twilight” franchise, and Radhika Sanghani, a London singer of Jamaican, Spanish and English descent. Twilight fans have sent Sanghani e-mail messages, calling her “monkey”, while other commentators have stated they are waiting for Pattinson to “come to his senses” and take an interest in someone of his own race.
For interracial couples, the safe haven is London, although the racism isn’t overt. Interracial couples visiting outside the city can expect “the look”; silent expressions of disapproval from passers by in the street, or in public places such as restaurants or transportation hubs. These looks aren’t reserved to the white population, who sometimes go to great pains to pretend racism doesn’t exist. An Indian can expect disapproving glances from other Indians, or Koreans from other Koreans.
Sensitivities
Racism in Great Britain can be so subtle, the white partner never notices the disapproving glances or the innuendos, such as “I know this fabulous person from Indonesia. If you decide to break up with your partner, I think the two of you would make a great couple.” It’s not that your light-skinned partner is insensitive. The eyes, ears and the mind have not been trained to pick up the clues that racism exists and you’ve just overstepped the boundaries of proper protocol.
The more youthful the generation, the less likely you’ll find disapproval toward interracial dating. Youthful circles have a broad mix of whites, ethnic minorities, and mixed race companions who are bound by common interests. Even among the youth, however, there can be awkward moments.
If you are in a youthful interracial relationship, don’t be surprised if your British companion hesitates to bring you home to meet the family, or simply drops the idea of visiting particular family members, at all. Many of the older generation, beginning around age fifty-five and older, still cling to the notion of same-race dating and marriage. The arguments and expectancies have already been hashed and rehashed. Your partner may feel a little battle weary. Instead of sparking another family feud, he or she may decide to avoid confrontation at all with unmovable forces.
The Exciting Edge
With London setting the pace, Great Britain is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting places for interracial dating. The highly mobile youthful population is well-educated, sophisticated, curious and adventurous. Over fifty percent of the youth are of mixed race and proud of their ethnic origins, but ready to commit strong bonds across all racial barriers. There are still a few hiccups to work out, but that’s what makes it exciting. Great Britain creates an opportunity to learn about each other by setting aside our racial, cultural or social differences, and learning to love each other simply for our qualities and personal attributes.