I have always been sensitive to race issues, especially in relation to equality. Luckily, I had parents that ostensibly believed I could do anything, and they didn't push me to fulfill any of their own dreams. So it shouldn't be hard to rationalize my strong sense of self and sometimes dilettante-like interests.


Now, small towns aren't exactly known for their open minds, so I've championed quite a few causes, hoping for a sort of viral enlightenment. One of the beliefs that usually brings me to brandish righteous weaponry is the race exclusivity clause that people have for relationships. This hurts me because I tend to take things personal (like most humans). So when I hear a girl say, "I only date black guys," I actually process, "You're not good enough for me, and nothing you can do will ever cause me to be physically or emotionally attracted to you." My usual immature response is to put on a pimp suit and throw the most amazing game I have at them, which actually isn't much, because I think I'm a sexy beast and I'm capable of changing their racial dogmas. Of course it hasn't worked yet, and it's not because I'm not a sexy beast.


My problem was me taking their statements personal without actually thinking about the origin of the preference. Attraction is not a simple science. It's possible that the person is unconsciously referencing their mental dictionary (probably biased) for compatibility. It's widely accepted that we use our parents as models for potential mates, and it wouldn't be too crazy to deduce that we also reference our database of media proposed stereotypes when we make judgments about individuals around us. Inevitably, the best way to battle these stereotypes is to embrace the individuality of one's self.


Next time this happens to me, I will simply ask the person to question the origin of their preference. Hopefully, with introspection, they will come to a realization (probably not, but I did my part without being an elitist jerk). I am not against preference; we all have them. However, if our preferences are founded in hate or ignorance, we are unknowingly burying one of America's issues with race. If we continue to pretend that everything is ok, time will be more than willing to help us bury these issues. And that will only separate us more, making it even harder for us to grow into an undivided nation of equals.