Introduction
Interracial relationships consist of two individuals with differing cultural and racial identities. The problem that we want to address, through our intervention plan is the difficulty that couples face through the union of their individual cultural and racial identities. This process can become very problematic and requires equal effort from both individuals and therapy is often recommended. Greenman, Young, and Johnson (2009) state, “Intercultural couples are, by definition, faced with negotiating differences they may have in terms of habits, beliefs, values, and customs” (p. 145). Similar to same-race couples; interracial couples are trying to create a sense of “we-ness” by blending their own beliefs and values. In addition, …show more content…
Childs (2005) states, “Racial identity is a complex issue within society, and not surprisingly those in interracial relationships often struggle with their racial identity. The ways couples articulated their racial identities differed. They either emphasized or deemphasized their racial identity and continued to do so while discussing their relationships and societal responses” (p. 20). Individuals that identify themselves with the superior race may be less apparent to the power differences of the privileged. According to Akamatsu (2008), these individuals can be more readily accepting of a view of American society as a classless and color blind (p. 413). This can make it difficult for interracial couples to experience situations the same. Interracial couples also experience a negative reaction from society. “Within the United States, the responses to black-white coupling have ranged from disgust to curiosity to endorsement, with the couples being portrayed as many things-among them, deviant, unnatural, pathological, exotic, but always sexual” (Childs, 2005, p. 19). Additionally, interracial couples are presented with the difficult challenge of dealing with the responses of their nuclear family and their partners. Greenman, Young, and Johnson (2009) …show more content…
Smitherman (1977) and Kochman (1981) state, “In-group talk has a bonding effect for group members. It builds and maintains culture and creates a common reality (as cited in Foeman & Nance, 2002). Individuals experience rejection both from society and family. Addison and Volker discuss how interracial couples are more likely to live in integrated communities rather than in White communities. Addison and Volker state, “Many White women report that although some African Americans disapprove of such unions, African Americans have become their closest friends because their White relatives and friends no longer accept them in part this is due to the strong reactions such unions tend to elicit (2009). This rejection and isolation from nuclear family can have negative implications on the individual. These individuals no longer have the main support system they grew up with. According to Solsberry (1994), these couples need support and direction regarding the racism they receive due to whom they are dating and can focus on many different things such as self-identification in a racially different environment, always focusing on personal responsibility as opposed to blaming. Interventions aimed at coping strategies are expected to be beneficial for both partners, which is why we regard both partners in the intervention instead of working with just the
Interracial relationships consist of two individuals with differing cultural and racial identities. The problem that we want to address, through our intervention plan is the difficulty that couples face through the union of their individual cultural and racial identities. This process can become very problematic and requires equal effort from both individuals and therapy is often recommended. Greenman, Young, and Johnson (2009) state, “Intercultural couples are, by definition, faced with negotiating differences they may have in terms of habits, beliefs, values, and customs” (p. 145). Similar to same-race couples; interracial couples are trying to create a sense of “we-ness” by blending their own beliefs and values. In addition, …show more content…
Childs (2005) states, “Racial identity is a complex issue within society, and not surprisingly those in interracial relationships often struggle with their racial identity. The ways couples articulated their racial identities differed. They either emphasized or deemphasized their racial identity and continued to do so while discussing their relationships and societal responses” (p. 20). Individuals that identify themselves with the superior race may be less apparent to the power differences of the privileged. According to Akamatsu (2008), these individuals can be more readily accepting of a view of American society as a classless and color blind (p. 413). This can make it difficult for interracial couples to experience situations the same. Interracial couples also experience a negative reaction from society. “Within the United States, the responses to black-white coupling have ranged from disgust to curiosity to endorsement, with the couples being portrayed as many things-among them, deviant, unnatural, pathological, exotic, but always sexual” (Childs, 2005, p. 19). Additionally, interracial couples are presented with the difficult challenge of dealing with the responses of their nuclear family and their partners. Greenman, Young, and Johnson (2009) …show more content…
Smitherman (1977) and Kochman (1981) state, “In-group talk has a bonding effect for group members. It builds and maintains culture and creates a common reality (as cited in Foeman & Nance, 2002). Individuals experience rejection both from society and family. Addison and Volker discuss how interracial couples are more likely to live in integrated communities rather than in White communities. Addison and Volker state, “Many White women report that although some African Americans disapprove of such unions, African Americans have become their closest friends because their White relatives and friends no longer accept them in part this is due to the strong reactions such unions tend to elicit (2009). This rejection and isolation from nuclear family can have negative implications on the individual. These individuals no longer have the main support system they grew up with. According to Solsberry (1994), these couples need support and direction regarding the racism they receive due to whom they are dating and can focus on many different things such as self-identification in a racially different environment, always focusing on personal responsibility as opposed to blaming. Interventions aimed at coping strategies are expected to be beneficial for both partners, which is why we regard both partners in the intervention instead of working with just the