St. Louis Post-Dispatch Go! Magazine hadn’t seen this one coming when they ran the story “The 7 Best Places To Smooch” – Inflammatory racist reader comments. The comments had nothing to do with the story itself but this photo of a black man kissing a white woman that went along with it. Here are a few of the sampled comments:
“Haven’t read the story but don’t like to see blacks and whites kissing.”
“This doesn’t surprise me at all. Libs take every opportunity they can to shove miscegenation in our faces. Now that TV has to show blacks in every commercial, notice that they are always posed beside a blonde woman. Not a brunette, a blonde. Its done for shock value. Sickening that a once proud newspaper would resort to this. Joe Pulitzer is turning over in his grave in shame.”
… and those are just the subtle ones.
The couple on the above cover is a real couple and not just models. Chris Spencer and his girlfriend Emilee Murphree have been together for 2 ½ years. And seeing how their interracial kiss made many in St. Louis queasy had made Chris angry at first…
According to a Gallop poll of 2007, 77% Americans claim to approve of interracial marriage. But do we really approve of such relationships if a mere photo of an interracial couple kissing can make people have hot flushes? What was the real issue here? An interracial couple kissing? A black-white couple kissing?
All Chris had to say was: “This is one of the first times it’s slapped me back to reality that people like this exist.”. So much for our “beyond race” nation!
Tags: black women white men, black women black men, black white dating
Popularity: 22% [?]
Comment by singergal on 27 April 2009:
It’s spring and I think all of us should smooch in the streets as much as possible! More interracial PDA…that’s what I’m talkin about. It’s a beautiful thing.
Comment by kristent on 27 April 2009:
I think when something like this happens we all just need to remember that it is the intolerant minority that is always the most vocal. That 23% can make a lot of noise, but they don’t represent everyone.
Comment by butterfly353 on 27 April 2009:
Funny you don’t hear such comments with celebs like Halle and the sex God she’s with. Nothing about Hiedi and Seal either. I think its jealousy. They wish they could get a hot guy or girl of another race! Keep on secretly wishing with your backwoods minds! LOL
Comment by Glock on 27 April 2009:
I’d like to know how many people complained about it.
Really, come on, there is always going to be SOMEONE that complains. Why does that surprise anyone or is the fact that anyone complained being stirred up alittle to make IT the issue?
Comment by lolcat82 on 27 April 2009:
@kristent, i agree
Why should we worry about the minority that care anyway? Who are they to stop two people that care for each other?
It’s time we stopped worrying about bigots and got on with our lives. They only have as much power as we give them by acknowledging their existence as thorns up our backsides. Let’s starve them of that gratification.
Peace.
Comment by shreksdonkey on 27 April 2009:
Excuse me but I find it unbelievable that this thing is still going in your country.
I am from the Netherlands and these seems to be like from another planet to me.
And every time I see or read about it i get pissed off. Just for the fact that it is still happening on an every day basis.
Kristent mentions 23%. Well for me that is a really big minority.
It seems there is atill a long way to go in your country.
@lolcat82
I agree but i believe that ignoring doesn’t make it go away.
Thank god these things stay limited to very small incidents in our country.
By the way I am from the Netherlands europe.
Comment by 45browneyes on 27 April 2009:
Post a picture of a couple that is Black female and a White male than get back to me. That pictues is old news and 95% of the people know it. The new news is the Black woman and White man. You will here more white women complining than men.
Comment by fearlesscrus on 27 April 2009:
Words of wisdom from all of you…
My guess is, 77% approve IN THEORY, but a good many of them are upset when they see if for real and not just as an abstract concept. My mother was like this; she raised me to be non-racist but when I dated a black woman she had a fit. Likewise, a few years ago, WalMart ran an ad for patio furniture, with an interracial family in the ad. One of my friends wrote them a letter praising them for using an interracial family in their advertising…but it turned out, the ad had been furnished by the patio furniture company and Walmart exacutives hadn’t looked at it carefully. They wrote back, denying that the family was interracil, and promptly canceled the advertising. I guess this is what we can expect from an Arkansas company; as a general rule, people from Arkansas (and Maine) are the friendliest in the country, but most of them just don’t get it when it comes to black & white. The only white woman I’ve dated in the last 15 years was from Arkansas, and she dumped me when she found out I also dated black women, saying, “How could you possibly have anything in common with someone from another culture?” It’s no wonder Eisenhower had to send in Federal troops to face down the Arkansas National Guard in Little Rock; traditions die hard in the heartland.
Actually, I suspect the newspaper deliberately used an interracial couple to attract attention…not that I mind. I welcome everything that portrays interracial relationships as acceptable and normal, and everything that provokes people into discussing them. And I think we do need to worry about the minority, in terms of letting us know that there is still work to be done educating these ignorant people. I’m not going to let them bother me, but I am going to be concerned that there are still people who think like that.
Comment by kristent on 27 April 2009:
shreksdonkey, you are right; 23% is a large minority. Unfortunately change happens slowly. Remember, the USA was settled by religious groups who found Europe too liberal for their sensibilities. The US is far from perfect but we are all doing our best over here. I’m sure the Netherlands has its own unique societal problems that are probably as embarassing to you as the fact that there are racists in my country is to me.
Just don’t forget that 23% is still a minority, and we will not be discouraged no matter how long the journey.
Comment by areyouready on 27 April 2009:
Heck no the response is not warranted! Those people should mind their own business and leave that couple alone! They were not doing anything to anyone. Heck I know of some of my black friends (males) who are great fathers and boyfriends so any stereotype that anyone can think of that says a black man is not good enough for a white woman does not hold water in my book. Have to take people on their own character and merit! Can’t we judge a man based upon that in 2009?
Comment by noni18 on 27 April 2009:
i think it is ridiculous that a picture would still cause an uproar so what! he’s black and she’s white all that matters is that they’re happy and in love why should it matter what skin tone he or she is
Comment by SheSpeaks on 27 April 2009:
Well ignorance will always be around I say love the one who is worthy of your love in whatever skin they are in. Love is so special and finding someone to commit to, is an irreplaceable beautiful part of life so you cannot let your love be tarnished by people who don’t understand you. Just keep loving and more love will come to you.
Comment by chellebelle6 on 27 April 2009:
I agree this is old news… Geez, when are people gonna get over it already!!! Love is beautiful no matter the race. I’m finding that dating outside of my race is exciting and fun. I don’t mind the stares when I get them… it’s really kinda of sad but funny that in 2009 it’s still not socially acceptable. Whatever, I just give em something to stare at…lol My man doesn’t mind.
Comment by ninja39 on 27 April 2009:
I think that the picture is beautiful especially the contrast of the dark skin with the milky white skin. For all you haters stop hating because no matter what we are all God’s children and we all bleed the same color blood. I think that we should be able to love whomever we choose no matter what race we are. I had a relationship with a latin man and a lot of the brothers hated it but whenever we got the chance we really showed people how much we cared for one another. I have a beautiful daughter from that relationship and she shares enormous beauty from both of our races and culture. I say more power to you and love who you want to love.
Comment by shreksdonkey on 28 April 2009:
@Kristent
Thank you for pointing that out to me. If I recall there were a fair share of dutch people among them aswel.
But ever since I watched and read ROOTS I have been looking at this stiuation. That is allmost 30 years now. And many times I see things happen and I think hey it’s going better and then I see examples of the opposite.
And that makes me sad. But in your country It’s still happening every day.
And indeed we have our own problems, even with racial discrimination. Even were affected by it once, when my kids were selling there toys in the streets, to raise money for Tsunami victims.
My youngest was 5yrs old and asking everyone who passed by for a small donation when one man said”screw them let them die tey are all (n-word) anyway. I almost exploded and would have gone after him if it wasn’t for my kid being present.
I did have some explaining to do when we got home though.
Comment by imaro on 28 April 2009:
Well, having been in this area for about 8 years or so I am intimately familiar with the political/social climate, and, quite frankly, Missouri, being a state of the Deep South, is perhaps the least enlightened state I’ve yet lived in, not surprisingly. It is shockingly segregated. I have yet to see an interracial couple here, as opposed to several in the ‘northern’ states. Come on, people! It’s the 21st century. Let’s move forward and smooch more!
Comment by TPB218 on 28 April 2009:
I don’t think 23% is high enough, alot more people have a problem with interracial dating than will actually say. That really doesn’t matter though, I’ve been exclusively dating black women for more than 10 years and I could care less what anyone thinks about it. I look at that picture and crack a smile because I’m just thinking that’s one more black woman out there for me to chose from. After a while you tend to just focus on who is in front of you because that’s really the only person who truly matters. Everyone else and what they think doesn’t mean a thing, they wouldn’t be so concerned if they had their life on track.
Comment by pons67 on 28 April 2009:
I encountered the same sort of reaction. While on a date at Myrtle Beach a woman said directly to my date and I upon seeing us kiss, “That’s the most disgusting thing I’ve seen!”
My response, “You apparently haven’t looked within yourself in a long time. You’re going to be really scared if and when you do.”
I don’t think she understood my point. I have to admit to my self consciousness in my early to mid twenties, but glad that sanity won. Peace of any kind in my opinion is an inside job. Like Chris in the article, I’m often angered initially, but it subsides quickly. “Forgive them for they know not…” that they are being A$$holes.
Comment by fixitirght on 28 April 2009:
Love is truly amazing when you found that person to share it with. Yeah i’m a blk male and i feel that talk is cheap until you experience it for yourself.You will never know how much love there is from someone opposite of your race.Interracial dating can happen to you or anyone and when it does your whole perspective about comments,reactions,and negativity will change.Love is a blast outside your race whether its spiritual or physical because you learn from each other.My friend try it once and you will see.
Comment by morninflower on 28 April 2009:
OOHHHHH! This ignites a fire in me! I am so happy and proud of the couple! my prayer is that their love continues to get stronger especially after such hate! Love is Love no matter what shape..size.. color.. ethnicity or creed..! I wonder if I could put together an interracial PDA Stunt thing at Centennial Olympic Park just to stick it to these ignorant bastards! - sigh! but then.. I would just be sinking down to their level.. - Anyway! this is a great eye opening article that racism and ignorance is still very much alive and well…
Comment by CatEyes34 on 28 April 2009:
Well ignorance is as ignorance does.. What they suffer from is FEAR! We should feel sorry for their ignorance and social retardation.
Comment by groovycat on 28 April 2009:
You won’t catch me kissing a black guy….. or a white guy…… oops, what’s the question.
Comment by brandonhugs on 29 April 2009:
I am a black man and I have dated interracially and i am for interracial dating as long as people love each other and consider each other’s race to be equal to their race, and that’s why it pisses me off when people say, oh it’s 2009 and America isn’t racist anymore and hey a black man is even president now etc etc….well I have a question for them…we have all seen probably millions of commercials…can anyone name me ONE commercial out of those millions that has a black man/white woman couple kissing in it or even holding hands? Think about that. Think and think… And then realize the obvious…it’s one thing for interracial couples to be in TV shows, but companies even now in 2009 do not want to risk being associated with a black man/white woman couple in a TV commercial. And then think about how many TV commercials u have seen with romantic interaction between a white man and a black woman. I’ve seen several. Any guesses as to why that is the case even though the black man/white woman interracial couple is much more common in real life? Good ole Amerikkka. Peace.
Comment by NOPLAYER on 29 April 2009:
Being from St. Louis, IR dating is common and up in your face. If you go out to malls, down on the river front or in the Centralwest end you see it, so it’s not a shock.
You still have those old hardliners around and you’ll just have to let them die out. When you look at the youth and how they’re turning their backs on their parents and their hang-ups about race, it’s a good sign that things are changing.
As I’ve always said IR dating is not for the weak at heart.
Comment by LaLaLisa on 29 April 2009:
I once read a very profound statement that has stuck with me all these years….”He who angers you, controls you.” That hit home with me then and I thinks it’s appropriate to this situation. We cannot let the ignorant minority of bigots in this country anger us. That just gives them power. Even acknowledging their complaints over the picture is giving them a voice. I say ignore them, shut ‘em down.
Comment by meisha81 on 29 April 2009:
There’s nothing wrong with that cover! A good looking man kissing a good looking woman. Who cares! You would think that by now this would seem relevant but i guess not. Let me go find a good looking man of any color to give me a smooch!
Comment by meisha81 on 29 April 2009:
There’s nothing wrong with that cover! A good looking man kissing a good looking woman. Who cares! You would think that by now this would seem irrelevant but i guess not, can’t help that there’s still small-minded people in the world. Let me go find a good looking man of any color to give me a smooch!
Comment by maryann_2000 on 29 April 2009:
i think that is a perfect match!!!
Congratulations to them!!!!
and others should stop being jealous!!
Comment by fkoi on 29 April 2009:
Okay, here’s my take: Kissing good; racism bad. Not only that but it is none of my business when or where two adult human beings want to kiss. I would have to abstain from the vote (though if pressed [or paid] to express my opinion of course I would fall into the 77%). It doesn’t surprise me but it does amaze me that this is an issue in 2009. That horse has left the barn. No sense in trying to close the door.
I do recognize that racism is alive and well in America. Morninflower, in support of your idea of a public interracial PDA event, I volunteer to come and kiss you in the middle of Centennial Olympic Park whenever you choose. Maybe the demonstration should even be taken on the road. Aren’t I big-hearted?
Comment by girlsixdiva on 29 April 2009:
I have to agree with 45browneyes’ comment to a certain extent. I too wonder if there would have been as much a big deal if it was a pic of a black woman and a white man kissing. I think interracial couples should be shown more often in commercial ads and not just in an ad like this one that emphasizes their relationship.
Comment by Superlite27 on 29 April 2009:
Quote: imaro
“Well, having been in this area for about 8 years or so I am intimately familiar with the political/social climate, and, quite frankly, Missouri, being a state of the Deep South, is perhaps the least enlightened state I’ve yet lived in, not surprisingly. It is shockingly segregated. I have yet to see an interracial couple here, as opposed to several in the ‘northern’ states.”
Nice. Thanks for speaking for the rest of us Missourians. I guess I are just a dum suthernur. Too bad fer all us dum “unenlightened” suthernurs. Wees don’t have as much learnins as you smart ‘northern’ staters.
I happen to agree with NOPLAYER. I’ve seen (and participated in) IR dating quite often here in the Lou. There is still some racist sentiment around. You’ll see racist comments in the comments section of the online Dispatch (often when there’s a gangland shooting) but I’ve never been hassled in St. Louis on an IR date. I’ve seen IR couples quite often. (I have no idea where Wyatt Earp has been hanging out.)
Comment by maryann_2000 on 30 April 2009:
These people are just in love,,, does anyone do not know what love is!! if someone really has fallen in love he/she will agree with me so!!
Love is a very special thing!!
Comment by sassyvixen on 30 April 2009:
Brandenhuggs in answer to your question. The people at pepperridge farms need to be applauded. In their commercial for stuffing during the holidays. They had an entire family. Black wife/white husband with his/her parents at the table for dinner. It aired the entire holiday season. It was on CBS down here in the Dirty South!!!
Comment by fadetoblack5 on 30 April 2009:
Change is hard for most people. I agree with kristent comment on the history of this country. The eastern US was colonized by prudes. It is one thing to say that you accept interracial relationships, its another to go out and date other races. I think dating people of different backgrounds gives people a chance to learn from one another and see things from a different perspective. Relationships are fun and exciting no matter what their color or background is. I can’t change the way ignorant people think, I can only think for myself and influence others. I don’t think the magazines should change their advertising policy based on 23% of racists. If they don’t like it they can start their own magazine.
Comment by imaro on 30 April 2009:
Quote: Superlite27
“(I have no idea where Wyatt Earp has been hanging out.)”
ROTFLMAO!
I guess I’ve been lurking in the wrong saloons, pardner!
I totally agree with morninflower. I’d love to participate in a mass IR kiss-a-thon for the record books! Great idea!
Comment by Leavitobeavr on 30 April 2009:
Hello vanilla babe i am dark chocolate can i love you? Can i do the same thing to you like the couple in the picture? I like the picture of those two loving each other.It reminds me of something anyway i wouldn’t hide my love from you.Vanilla sweetie if you’re going to be my girl i will definitly be wide open with it.Theres nothing to hide if you’re loving each other.Oh yeah,we will be all in public showing off.Touching,rubbing,smooching,and getting it on girl. I’m hear to say if you want me and have desires to unleash, look me up.
Comment by lovelybliss on 1 May 2009:
It has been said before, and I guess I just feel the need to repeat it. Yes it is a shame that ignorance is still alive and well. But to think that one day there will be a complete acceptance of people of all races, creeds, colors, religions, sexual orientation. That will never happen. Not in our life time, and most likely never.
Throughout history, there has always been prejudice, racism, sexism, class discrimination, and more isms. And like it or not, we live in a country where we are free to speak out minds. So, not that I agree with the ignorant mindsets of those who are unwilling to Love in the way that God intended. But I will always be aware that they exist, and despite their presence, I do believe that the majority is still on our side, and that is all that matters.
Comment by crpsseye on 1 May 2009:
Ya know, if people would just shut the hell up and stop wasting energy focused on other human beings, and worry about their own problems within, we would have such a better place to live, but I know it’s to easy isn’t it? I guess I will never understand how someone can create so much anger if they see me kiss another human being with a tan when really that anger existed way before they seen the kiss. It must suck to walk through life hating your own self but I won’t judge you that’s not my job, whatever you do is between You and God! So have fun with that one and remember this…there is only one race, the human race. “Peace In” Crosseye
Comment by crosseye on 1 May 2009:
I have one more thing to say not that it’s really about that magazine but I’m heated now, so here it goes…I dated a black girl for three years then I proposed to her. When I met her she had a baby whose father was not in the picture so as the child got older he believed I was his dad and that was awesome because that boy was a big part of my heart. Well after I put the ring on her finger, that changed everything in the minds of her family especially her mother, she didn’t want that to happen and she didn’t stop until she won and got into her daughters head. The sad thing is…that family saw how much I loved that child and vise versa and their daughter and they looked at me like I was below them. This is a family who went to church every Sunday, fed the homeless and put their money in the collection plate every week. Her family pretty much won and she ended up cheating on me and the thing that hurt the most was losing that relationship that I had with that child. Glad I don’t go to that church and I hope that boy grows up to respect all human beings because you never know when your entertaining angels! Crosseye
Comment by hazelpride on 1 May 2009:
I totally agree with totallybliss, prejudice will always live with us till end of time, there will always be those die hard people who cling to hatred. As long as we have the majority on our side. I have always being open minded about life in general, but even with so much openess nothing really prepare you to actual understand another race until you date one. To crosseye, I empathise with you on your girl issue. One thing you have to understand is that taking a step to date outside your race like NOPLAYER is not for the faint heart. There is so much resistance and especially from the closest people from our lives. It will take someone who is emotional mature to heck this one. That is why some people can not make it to long term relationship because the pressure is just too much.
Comment by tonydevin on 1 May 2009:
77% of us on around the world have agreeded that we are the majority (interracial couples ) We rule plain and simple. The 23% are slowly dwendeling away and soon there will be a total and complete change. Even here in Delaware (wasn,t born here) I see the transformation coming at an fast pace.That magazine cover was embraced and the person making the statement is probably activly seeking an interracial relationship to fullfill his/her secret desire to kiss a person of color. I recently was in a heated debate with a white police officer who strongly admitted that he wouldn’t date a black woman well turns out that he is strung out on sisters now after he was approached by a sexy sister and she kissed him at a function we had , he is like the whispers song for Olivia says “Lost and Turned out”. Ha Ha . Aint life grand we just tok another one in. He is a changed man now and cant hep but explain his new experiences to me.
Comment by D on 1 May 2009:
I felt compelled to post my feelings on this subject because I am a white woman who was raised in a white community who never really gave dating outside my race much thought until much later in life. I was about 38 years old when I met a man who was of a mixed race. I was so highly attracted to him, that when he asked me out, I never gave his color a second thought. After dating him awhile, I fell in love with the skin contrast and have dated multi racial or blacks ever since. There is something about it that one really cannot explain. If you have never dated outside your race, you are not qualified to comment on the subject because you are ignorant to what it is like to do so, and if you have never dated outside your race, you should try it before you voice an opinion about such a thing. There are worse things in this world than people of different colors dating and marrying. My God are we THAT shallow that such trivial things bother us? The bottom line is….people are people! Get over it!!!!
Comment by serbbral on 1 May 2009:
I guess I’m in the minority, in that I feel that the MAJORITY of Americans don’t like interracial dating. They just won’t say it because they want to be “pc” and don’t want to be called a racist. There are MORE people out there that don’t like it, but just won’t say.
Comment by starthai on 1 May 2009:
There is nothing wrong with that picture.
Comment by NOPLAYER on 1 May 2009:
starthai he should have grabbed her butt or put his hand on her thigh! LOL ( cracking up )
I’m sure a few of those old haters would die of a heart attack !
Comment by starthai on 1 May 2009:
lol @ NoPlayer. I’m sure they would.
Comment by lattelaady on 2 May 2009:
…the funny thing is the persons who wrote the negative “stuff” probably doesn’t realize they might just be models too…lol!
Comment by Sinsereious on 2 May 2009:
It could have been worse….it could have been two interracial GUYS kissing…LOL
Comment by vrycutensexy on 3 May 2009:
I am completely disgusted with these ppl that hate, This is not the first place i have seen an artical bout this. I am also a white women dating black guys and now i have 2 lovely boys with a black man. i just think it’s such a shame that there are still these ignorant people in this world, ppl stop me in the street and give me comments but i just walk away we have to ignore it or yes it will control our relastionships.ITS 2009 ppl need to grow up n open their eyes and mind.
we are all equal all God’s children so we should live like it.
Comment by FoxyCheri on 3 May 2009:
Muah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grab someone of a different race and pucker up! We’ll show them!
Comment by kdogg1976 on 4 May 2009:
Well me personally get the racism from the opposite race towards the woman I may be with at the time…just says that is disgusting…I for one love the attention of the thrill of having someone envy what I am…I am blind to color, and have been that way my whole life. Ignorance from people that hate what they see is the fear of the unknown…from what they most desire to do. They want to try, but they are to afraid of what everyone is going to think of them. I feel that it doesn’t matter whether it be black man/white woman or white man/black woman…IT IS ALL ABOUT ENVY cause they haven’t tried and they have always wanted too…In their mind they are telling themselves…I wish that was me….
Comment by infr on 4 May 2009:
GO! magazine was asking for trouble. Peolple lie in polls.
Comment by lovechild77 on 4 May 2009:
It really makes me mad to know that we still have these racist SOB’s amongst us. Lets’s not allow them to stop the love. Love is what really matters and it should be admired and respected regardless of skin colour.
Comment by LaLaLisa on 4 May 2009:
AMEN, lovechild77!!!! My thoughts exactly!
Comment by fkoi on 4 May 2009:
Without a doubt racism is alive in America (and a good portion of the rest of the world). The reaction to this cover story is one of the milder expressions of it, unfortunately. A Black man was beaten with a bat in that “quiet as it’s kept” hotbed of racism, New York City, the night Barack was elected (granted it on Staten Island but all five boroughs have recent reminders).
As tragic and unbelievable as that is, I have to remember what it was like. Brandenhuggs brings up a good point about the lack of mixed couples seen in advertising (and thanks sassyvixen for citing the interracial family that did make the cut, though that may be the exception that proves the rule). Remember though that one of the most popular vocalists of his time (and a seriously underrated jazz pianist), Nat Cole had a television show beginning in 1956 that had to be largely underwritten by the NBC network because so many sponsors wouldn’t touch it (A representative of Max Factor is quoted as saying that a “Negro” couldn’t sell lipstick for them).
Thankfully those days are gone. And with continued pressure, awareness and watchfulness they’ll stay gone. We have a ways to go but at least we are on the way. Barack Obama is in the White House and I didn’t think that possible a year ago to say nothing of April 4, 1968.
Comment by fearlesscrusader on 4 May 2009:
We had a black man in the White House 149 years ago. Lincoln’s first VP, who helped puch the government into passing the Emancipation Proclamation and enlisting Negro troops, was harshly denounced by Democrats and Southerners alike for his color. Who would have thought it possible then? And by the way, Lincoln’s second VP was a fugitive slave.
Comment by chellebelle6 on 4 May 2009:
Interesting…
Comment by DiAnteMama on 5 May 2009:
Speaking from my standpoint. I have a bi-racial son and my father is a racist. Although he accepts my child and loves him unconditionally now (he’s only 2) I know that later on down the line if he doesn’t change his views he will not have any relationship at all with me or my child. These people speak on what they don’t know. Somehow ignorance is still abundant in this country. It’s sad but it definitely is. All we can do is educate and let live. If they choose to live their lives in ignorance to other cultures its their right just like it is ours to be blind to other colors and love everyone equally. I believe that even though sometimes bi-racial couples will go through cultural strain our determination will see us through. We will be the better people.
Comment by kristent on 5 May 2009:
to Fearlesscrusader:
Neither Hannibal Hamlin (Lincoln’s first VP) nor Andrew Johnson was black. Johnson wasn’t a “fugitive slave” either. He left an apprenticeship with a tailor, which today would be comparable to dropping out of college and refusing to pay your tuition or housing fees. So yes, the tailor tried to find him but he was hardly a slave in the first place.
Comment by SWEETOOTH4u on 6 May 2009:
You know,there will always be people with hate in there heart.I say let them walk through life with their eyes wide shut!!!
That means there is more BEAUTIFUL BLACKNESS for me!!hehe!!
Comment by HansAusMainz on 6 May 2009:
The U.S. people are just crazy - in Europe anyone who minds about picture like this would be recognized as a nazi and nothing else.
Comment by drivenman01 on 6 May 2009:
it’s an issue of the heart. If you notice, one comment not only commented on “the kiss” but started going off on seeing blacks in commercials next to blonds etc etc that person issue is with blacks point blank, not just the interracial dating. What’s funny is if you ask people black or white why are they against interracial dating i have never..NEVER had one of them give me a sane answer lol because they can’t..i’ve heard “oh it’s rough on the kids, or God doesn’t like it (oh please i’m the wrong one to say that to)..i could go on and on..it is ignorance, jealousy, and hate. That is why they don’t like seeing it but guess what..Interracial dating isn’t going to leave LOL..
Comment by fearlesscrusader on 6 May 2009:
Kristent, no one ever said Johnson was black. But my original source misled me on the slavery issue; you are correct that he was an apprentice and not a slave. However, in regard to Hannibal Hamlin, J. A. Roger’s book “100 Amazing Facts About the Negro With Complete Proof” gives the following information and references on page 17:
Hannibal Hamlin, Civil War Vice-President, native of Maine, was strongly objected to by the South and its sympathizers, who declared he was a Negro. Once when attacked on the floor of Congress because of this, he retorted, “I take my complexion from nature. He gets his from the brandy bottle. Which is more honorable?” - C. M. Hamlin, “Hannibal Hamlin,” pp. 56, 354-56, Cambridge, 1889; J. R. Ficklin, History of Reconstrution in Lousiana, p. 30, Baltimore, 1911; Dict. of American Biography, Vol. VIII, P. 197; J. B. McMaster’s History of the People of the United Ststes, Vol. VIII, p. 484, N.Y. 1913.
Comment by Philip1749 on 11 May 2009:
I found NINJA39’s and KDOG1976’s statements to be incrdibly right on. We are attracted to one another as races because the difference in our skin colors helps us to see the beauty and goodness in the other race so clearly. When I see a black man and a white woman kiss, I feel warm and joyful inside. I feel the same way when I see a white man kiss a black woman. As NINJA39 pointed out, there is nothing more beautiful than black skin next to milky, white skin. And I agree with KDOG1976 as well. There is indeed hidden jealousy and envy lurking beneath the surface in many cases, in addition to the cancer of racial hatred. Also, no where was it written in genuine religious teachings that the races were meant to remain apart. Instead, human fear and ignorance have produced that. The best way to fight it is to ignore it, and keep on doing what we are doing.
Comment by QX on 11 May 2009:
I wonder how many of the people who are angered by the sight of a Black man kissing a White woman voted for Barack Obama last year. If they did vote for Obama, then they are hypocrites. Remember, if his Black father and his White woman had not come together, there would have been no Barack Obama!
Comment by sirvince on 12 May 2009:
What is the big deal anyways I would and have kissed a black woman right in Wal-Mart while shopping and the the mall where ever I can people need to get a life! Black woman are hot!
Vinny
Comment by Orashi on 12 May 2009:
Actually in answer to your question up above, sure, Bryat Gumbal and a cohost on his show held hands. But then Byant Gumbal is Bryant Gumbal and although I have not seen it sense I believe he did it to make a point back then also. If those of us who are not fearful would just take a stand and tell those who seem to pass judgement to look in the mirror quite frankly we might get enough to leave this issues and find another one to complain about. Here in California, I don’t believe that people enjoy seeing racially diversed couples, but its more tolerated.
Comment by gjones66216 on 13 May 2009:
Not to diminish any of the comments, but the newspaper published this picture to raise awareness and to generate the exact buzz that you are seeing, that you are taking part in. And the website has stimulated this conversation by printing it. No doubt the users of this site would find the racism distasteful!
Comment by homesteader on 14 May 2009:
Praise those that Love each other , Allow those that don’t , their time to feel sda or mad . We are Happy / ARE THEY ?
Comment by homesteader on 14 May 2009:
and Yellow is my Favorite Color
Comment by Jenni123 on 15 May 2009:
Great picture! But I really dont think its a big deal, interracial couples are everywhere and i think its great to see it. My son is mixed race (Half Nigerian and half Irish, me being Irish) and he is beautiful. In my opinion Interracial couples make the most beautiful children in the world!
Comment by Kifarupembe on 15 May 2009:
I have been happily married to an African Kenyan lady and we have 3 children and fortunately in Kenya there is not so much discrimination as elsewhere we were so very happy and were accepted where ever we went but unfortunately all good things come an end and she unfortunately died of kidney failure and I am now back in the Uk but I have our children with me and all are doing well over here. Those bigots should mind their own business - Love must conquer all
Comment by Jabali on 16 May 2009:
I like that picture.
Comment by Sciencegeek on 18 May 2009:
A loving relationship is a beautiful thing. Race is a minor issue in this troubled society. I applaud any loving relationship under God’s umbrella. “We” represent the “body” of christ (apologize for the religious reference, but got to keep it real here). All of us. Remember..”One Nation under God” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So as long as what you see when you look at your mate is a blessing, then let the negative one’s be negative. Education is what this world is missing. Prejudice is the lack of understanding of one or numerous cultures, objects or political satire.
Comment by surprised on 19 May 2009:
I am surprised that anyone was bothered at all. BM and WF couples are extremely common.
Comment by Jazie on 19 May 2009:
This is really old news and there will always be a percentage of people that disagree. It’s so rare to find unconditional love and when you find it…regardless of skin color we should be so lucky. I really don’t see what the big deal is! We should all live and let live!!!!!!
Comment by brownliu on 20 May 2009:
Please, why would you or me think, care, or even entertain who are looking or talking of who we kiss. why do this upset anyone.I’m being who i am really could care less.no news paper clip or a front page clip of me will get any attention from me.I am dating outside my race but I’m still dating inside the human race. what if the black man were kissing a monkey, would they stop take a pic,we must learn to be a little no care about what we can and cannot change. we can’t make others think like us, except like us, or be one with each other like us. I say to all of us keep embracing the difference, and the others will catch up with time.oh by the way, I never thought I will date outside my race because the negative comments others in my race would make. but just know that thoses that agree or disagree is just being who they are. but for me, its just another day in america.
Comment by brownliu on 21 May 2009:
are we still on the blk/white couple kissing? if so why? time to move on from here. whats next?
Comment by MusicLover11 on 21 May 2009:
@Glock: I agree with you. I think it’s funny how everyone seems to think that we are anywhere near the end of racism. Not anywhere close, unfortunately. More has to happen before racism completely ends. Not to worry, though. The more and more interracial relationships begin to catch on, the more bi-racial grandbabies will start popping out, and I’ll bet ya THAT will change the minds of some grandparents and aunts/uncles out there.
Comment by Ladyonthe1 on 21 May 2009:
Who the hell cares, love is love. Doesn’t matter, black, white, green or yellow. WTF
Comment by Ladyonthe1 on 21 May 2009:
Who the hell cares, love is love. Doesn’t matter, black, white, green or yellow. WTF
BESIDES….WHO PRINTS THIS SHIT
Comment by flady on 23 May 2009:
hey people tend to forget that its love which bounds two to do such things like a kiss.they are so inlove that they dont mind anywhere they do it.then who are we to be disgusted.they are happy maybe you are not because you have not found your partner.thats jeoulous.stop it and start accepting that we are all created in the same image..inside we are the same just colour difference..i think this is the most beautiful picture or scene to watch.because its rare.hey white and black.its time you kiss more if you are in public and let the whole world know that you are pat racism..those who are left behind let them stay.they are few the majority wins.wake up we are in the 21st century anyway.hello to all.
Comment by homesteader on 23 May 2009:
lolcat82 , You are correct . If people worry about what others complain about . They are wasting their time . Life is to Enjoy . Ladyonthe1 , Ria is her name - Nevada is her claim to fame . Counting Brits with tools in hand at another Blog topic and calling them / More Intelligent . Sometimes I wonder , who really needs to be Moderated . Life will always be as you make it . Uneducated families also bring Fine children into this World of Ours . Our Moderator here seems Real pickie and Slow if I may say .
Comment by prncess4ever on 25 May 2009:
Live and let live! All we have in this life is that dash (-) between our birth and death dates. It really goes by fast life does. Seems only yesterday I was a carefree 21 year old with no children, mortgage, responsibilities… Now here I am 50. Where did the time go? I refuse to live my life judging others or for that matter having anyone judge mine. I am so over what anyone says, writes, thinks about who I choose to date. The couple in the magazine is adorable. Simple as that!!
Comment by homesteader on 25 May 2009:
Happy Holiday
Comment by sweetpea459 on 25 May 2009:
By writing about and discussing the ignorant people in the original article, we give the bigots a continued voice. Why are we talking about this nonsense? Yes, racism still exists. Dwelling on the ignorance of those who still harbor such notions is not a good use of time or energy.
Comment by homesteader on 26 May 2009:
Change comes from within each persons own mind , We are Happily married and see no problems . Maybe Southeast Texans have moved beyond the Ignorance of days past .
Comment by bighoss101 on 27 May 2009:
I say keep every last one of the blondes! But really, it goes both ways. I live in Texas and have dated black women for a long time - try walkin into an all black club sometime with the best lookin black girl in the the club - at least it’s never turned physical - but you never know
Comment by pinkerspirit on 27 May 2009:
All I can say is… love has no colour!!!!
But the feeling is colourful!!
Even in London England, Some people turn their noses up in the air… who cares….
One should get on with life because we do not have enough time on this earth to worry about how some negative minority thinks.
Love always!!
Comment by homesteader on 28 May 2009:
bighoss101 ; I myself dated and we frequented a club on Blogette off Alamedia in the 1970’s . The members always did buy me some drinks and meet many friends . In life we will be treated as we treat others .
Comment by Girlstar7 on 29 May 2009:
I love the photo!. It’s two people that love each
other, let them kiss forever. As a proud black woman who is now speaking with a beautiful white
American male that I met on Afro (lol). I wonder
what will be the response we will get when we kiss in public, of course kissing with class (lol)?.
I say let people love …naturally.
Comment by Italian4blkf on 30 May 2009:
Let’s kick some ballistics here. Switch it and make it a italian guy kissing a black woman and what do you get? Every brotha comes out the wood work with their reverse racist bs. They want the white women, we know, I dont care, but they got the balls to get pissy when they see me with a black woman? I dont give 2 shits about who dates who. The problem here is the media only looks at a black guy and his non-black woman and their struggles. Id like to see that kinda attention when 4 brothas kill a white marine and his black wife for no reason other than jealousy. Ok, you follow me? Brothas can go to the length of killing and no one says a fucking thing but if someone gets pissed off because a black dude is kissing a white tart everyone gets on the PC horse? gimme a break. Imma tell you now, this shit stops when both sides stop the non-sense. For all ya’ll brothas out there that got beef w/ me for loving black woman. Bring me your hate and I’ll introduce you to your maker. Peace and Love or I’ll kick your ass.
Comment by bighoss101 on 30 May 2009:
I think your veiws are held by probably more people than would admit Italian4blkf. No one said life would be fair and there is surley a racist double standard in this country - and overwhelmingly so in the media. You’re example of the killing of the white marine as a result of having a black wife is one of many - however suprisingly enough that was not ruled as a “hate crime”. What really gets me is not that a group of haters would commit an act like that - but that a large percentage of americans justify the act, that somehow we should “understand” that these are acts of pent up frustration due to the racisim these individuals have endured! Reverse racism IS RACISM-any way you look at it. The individuals that killed the marine deserve the death penalty - and if four white men killed a blackman for having a white wife they too deserve the death penalty.
Comment by CanadianGC on 31 May 2009:
Do any of you really care what others think if you kiss in public!!!
Most likely not or else you wouldn’t have come to this site anyways.
Comment by homesteader on 31 May 2009:
In public me and my wife enjoy all the people we meet , in our country area / there are Bigots all around . The difference being is I know most of them bye name and before we met and married they acted the same terriorizing , vandelizing and threating while they stole from me . God shows us Love for each other / the Devil tests us continuously . Life goes on . Being retired , we have learned that when you cannot change things , to throw them on the back burner and allow them to cook . In the case of the Marine and wife , I would hope that some fellow Marines had a chance to work the 4 bad guys over . One for all /All for one . In public all seem to respect us and those closer to home someday will fell my hand in anger . Alas all things shall come to he who waits . We have a great advantage , because I know their names and where they live . I have turned the other cheek many times / alas one will never know as they sleep , how far that my Patience will go . God said ” thou shall not kill ” . I say when my temper finally lets go that in this East Texas county many will walk with a pronounced limp someday . Death penalty is too easy , make them live long and suffer everyday of their inconsiderate lives .
Comment by homesteader on 31 May 2009:
Everybody sleeps . Even the punks who play childish games like destroying our fence . The justice of the peace told me years ago to forget the sheriff and take care of it myself . Next week I shall place an ad in our local paper offering a Reward for information as to who destroyed our fence [ because I realize that more than one had to assist , to throw an 8″ diameter log cut by a chainsaw over it } and soon enough it will become time to Rock n’ Roll as someone will rat them out . Truckers run at night for less traffic .
Comment by homesteader on 31 May 2009:
P.S. Our problems to me do not seem as a Race problem / just a bunch of criminals out of control . I sure nuff do not desire to put them in jail and give them free meals . Keep em’ on the street and mark them / they have stole from many others . Allowing these others to collect their property back thru identifing them in public . Knot a lynch mob - just some attitude adjustment by prior victims . Every now and then , Hehe .
Comment by thankful on 1 June 2009:
I do not live in the US but I am in a multicultural relationship. I have had a few incidents with people being unhappy about it. It hurt and confused me greatly. Mixed relationships are extremely prevalent where I’m from but still some groups do disapprove. But as all of our children grow up together, naturally, bonds are made and wonderful relationships flourish. I voiced my thoughts on a forum recently and I was exposed to the realities that some people have it so much harder. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but I do understand. But, all of you who promote love between all people, and who promote kisses among all people, thank you. It soothed a bit of the burn I had. Both of us forget what we are and most people do not even care, 99%. But the fact that there are so many of you on here who are promoting love between us all, brings real happiness and promise for the future. You’re all beautiful. Those of us who have hurt thank you.
Comment by jewl on 2 June 2009:
All cultures are a beautiful thing, that’s why we are of different color, so please ignore the ignorance.
Comment by CaltTelmerara on 4 June 2009:
Sweet blog. I never know what I am going to come across next. I think you should do more posting as you have some pretty intelligent stuff to say.
I’ll be watching you .
Comment by shuin47 on 8 June 2009:
I have been reading the comments posted by everyone and I must add mine. I was raised in Oklahoma, considered by a lot of people to be “redneck”. I began dating in high school and the majority of the guys I went out with were from other races than my own. The first time any eyebrows were raised was when my boyfriend was Black. Nobody cared about the Hispanic/Latinos, the Asians, American Indians, etc. My father disowned me, my mother asked me if I was just doing it for the shock value. I was never raised to be racist and my parents never displayed any racist tendencies so I didn’t understand this reaction from my own family. I ended up marrying this man and had 2 beautiful, well rounded children with him. I now live in the Los Angeles area and am divorced. I continue to date Black men but I have to say, there is just as much racism here in the big city as there was in redneck Oklahoma, maybe more. Point is, racism is everywhere. People are just more careful about how they display it. Don’t be fooled by statistics. It’s a lot more common than we think.
Comment by Millicent4u on 13 June 2009:
I just think that we need to grow up.!!!!!!!! Who still cares what other people think, you have to do what you think is best for you, and what makes you happy.
Comment by MichaelMN on 14 June 2009:
The question was “should it matter?”
The answer is NO!
The more this shows in St Louis and elsewhere, the better.
When the love of my life (a beautiful black woman who died 8 years ago) and I went out, we usually got severe racist reactions from black men like “Oh hell no sista! Why you with this white trash?” lol..racism knows no color.
Print more photos like this .
All the time. Love conquers all.
This is too easy.
Give us a hard problem to discuss.
Comment by openstone69 on 16 June 2009:
Yeah, I hate to tell the truth but anyone 60+ and ESPECIALLY WHITE AND MALE in the Southeast USA is still as racist, bigoted, ignorant and bizzarly elitist as they were 50 years ago…so we’re still waiting on that generation to die off unfortunately.
Comment by homesteader on 17 June 2009:
Telling the Truth is sometimes Hard to do , when you are Generally speaking . I am Caucasian , Male 61 years old and glad I live in Southcentral USA / Texas to be sure . openstone69 ; Fortunately - Still alive and Well , been Married over two years to a Beautiful Ladie , I met at AfroRomance . Your Ignorance is showing / Pass the pipe and don’t Bogart that joint .
Comment by poddoc07 on 18 June 2009:
The reactions to this article only underscore how much work America really has to do. America purports itself to be the greatest nation on earth. How can that be so, when there is an immense socioeconomic gap bewtween blacks and whites? Whites suggest that racism has ended due to the ascension of Barack Obama. However, even he has said that one black President does not make up for 400 years of oppression. Blacks are still largely underrepresented in medicine, business and yes, politics. There is no way that America can become the greatest nation on earth until it confronts the ghosts of it’s past. The fact that there is such intolerance of interracial dating tell us that this self-reflection has yet to take place in America. Whites say that slavery is over and we should simply move on. Oh really? Is it that simple? The degradation, humiliation and murder of black during slavery has had profound modern-day impact. All of these stereotypes are directly traced back to this time. The fact that slavery has taught millions of young black males to hate themselves to such degree, that they make up more than 90% of the penal population. Moreover, what about the millions of unprosecuted lychings of blacks that took plce during the Jim Crow South? Are you telling me that kind of systemic mass murder does not represent the most egregious crimes against humanity? Are we suggesting that this is to have no modern-day impact on African-Americans? It would be outrageous to suggest it didn’t. So this is where the ignorance and prejudices of today emanate from–slavery. Until America confronts these ghosts from it’s past and properly addresses them, this will never be the greatest nation on earth. Not when I, an African-American medical student cannot walk into a jewelry store and be followed around it’s confines. America has work to do.
Comment by rebita on 18 June 2009:
America has a lot more work to do BUT even when that work is done there will still and always be those who have no concept of how races developed and buy into that myscegination(spelling) mess. My question is for all those (the majority) 77% why do we become so enraged at their foolishness. Let them think what they think. They are in fact being left in the dust to rot in terms of social evolution. Just laugh. I think it’s more affective.
Comment by bighoss101 on 19 June 2009:
Hey poddoc07, does the fact that 90% of the penal population is black have anything to do with thier own behavior and their own decision making? Or is truely that these men are somehow acting out of frustration of events 180 years ago? I could never understand this arguement my friend - it totally takes the responsibilty away from the man himself that commited the crime - as intelligent as I believe you are from your study as a medical student surely you can see that a man has a choice how to live his life and conduct himself in this world.
Comment by MichaelMN on 20 June 2009:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Poddoc. Thank you for sharing. While I know I will never understand the feelings of a black man - I must respectfully disagree with your premise. My people were mass murdered by the millions. And not 150 years ago. Only 60 years ago. I feel no self hatred even though my people are constantly maligned to this day. I do not for one moment hold the sons and daughters and grandchildren of those mass murderers repsonsible for what their parents and grandparents did. I am in charge of my life. As are you. Who is holding you back? I suspect from your handle you are a podiatric student. What downtrodden man could hold that highly honored position? If you are going to blame your anger on those who judge you, then you will never be free. And freedom is the most precious item God gave to us all.
God bless.
And print let’s more pictures of lovers kissing.
The world changes one perosn at a time!
Comment by homesteader on 23 June 2009:
In our case / Two people at one time .
We also see change in others Daily .
Our relationship is because we are Grown Adults / knot child with closed minds .
Happiness comes with Time , Believe .
Comment by Biggeesmoove on 24 June 2009:
bighoss 101, I understand where poddoc07 is coming from, I believe. He references the disproportionate number of blacks in prison (as opposed to others) as a by-product of the desperate conditions caused by years and years of being oppressed, not only socially, but also economically. Being on the “bottom rung” of society for so long can give a person (or group of people) a very bleak outlook. Desperation and illogical thinking easily become the norm under such conditions. It’s easy to hold a person accountable for making the “right” decision when they don’t have the disadvantages (educational, social, economical and otherwise) that African Americans did. It would be difficult enough to have ONE of those disadvantages, but ALL of them together? Now, don’t get me wrong - I TRULY BELIEVE that everyone is accountable for their actions, no matter how stressful the situation is that they act out of, but it’s EASIER to make the “right” decision when you are afforded more advantages.
As for the photo and the reaction to it, we give life to the racists of the world by being shocked and offended by what they have to say about it. Take this into consideration: Let’s say a racist white man calls a black man the N-word….now, the black man has a choice. He can be angry about what was said to him and react in a manner that shows his anger, or, (my personal choice) he can IGNORE the comment! By ignoring it, he acknowledges that the reason it was said in the first place was offend. If the black man doesn’t “play along”, there’s no offense, is there? Words are only that - WORDS. No blood is shed, no bones are broken. The only injury is MENTAL, and that, only to persons mentally WEAK enough that such things would hurt them. If we are not offended and enraged by the comments of racist people, the whole reason that they make them in the first place is eliminated. They would have to find new ways to offend, because the old ways don’t work anymore. THAT is the only way that we will affect change in this age-old battle; by not being offended by something that is intended to offend. WE hold the power, NOT THEM. Think of it this way: It’s illegal to physically enslave another person in this country. But there’s no law against MENTALLY enslaving someone. We don’t have to “play along” in someone’s attempt to mentally enslave us. A person told me a story about training elephants…..he said something about the fact that an elephant can have his foot chained to a stake in the ground for years, where it can only go around and around in a circle. But, when the chain is removed, the elephant still walks around and around that stake, even with no chain attached to it’s leg anymore. It’s MENTAL. We (African Americans) are not slaves anymore; don’t let someone’s WORDS keep you chained to the same old reactions. Another analogy is that of a puppet and Puppetmaster; if the Puppetmaster wants the puppet to raise it’s hand, he pulls the appropriate string. Let’s cut the strings, folks. Don’t suffer racists anymore.
Comment by Shotgun007 on 23 July 2009:
openstone69, thank you for being so brutally honest and candid.
MichaelMN, sorry to hear about your better half passing away 8 years ago.
I think we need to see more photos of Black Women and White Men kissing on the covers of Magazines quite frankly. It is oh so accepted for black men and white women to date now, because of the media being extremely one sided. I think we need to see different examples of interracial couples..period.
The reactions to the cover are basically expected in my opinion. We’ve come a long way, but still their will be those that tend to disagree and refuse to accept change.
Shotgun007
Comment by jsjm on 27 July 2009:
All I see is 2 people thats enjoying kissing each other. If I’m in public with a hot guy I’m dating (who cares what race he is) and I want to kiss him, then I’m going to dam well do it. Without regards to what anyone is thinks or cares.
But I grew up in an area where mostly all races date each other. And its everywhere. The majority white guys where i live are not afraid to approach a black woman if interested. People just need to grow up and move on with their lives.
I’m diff not going to miss my opportunity for love by thinking ignorantly. Every guy no matter if your (chinese, spanish, white, or black)
have to first show me respect before thinking they can date me.
Comment by Lioness22 on 22 August 2009:
I dated a white guy once and it was the most carefree time of my life. I actually enjoyed myself more with him than any other man I’ve dated.Its because I opened my mind/heart and found that the outer experience means nothing. I was shocked that the black man in another IR couple was digusted by us even though he himself was doing the same thing as I. There will always be a double standard and difference of oppinion. That’s what makes us individuals(free of speech).)Yet love is love, beautiful/ quite rare and if you’re blessed to find it -hold on tight. Smooches for All
Comment by bikerdude on 24 August 2009:
damn come on its the 21st century not the turn of the century
Comment by maishagal on 4 September 2009:
Yet…we here in the good ole’ U S of A have elected to put a mixed race President in office to run our country…just gotta wonder what kind of response his parents received from society back in the day?? Amen for open hearts & minds!
Peace