Is Interracial Really the In-Thing Today?
Yvonne
world through the internet. Because of this emerging reality,
interracial relationships are widely observed. In a world where
interracial relationship is a sensational issue, it is astounding to
note that due to technological innovations, it has been increasingly
accepted by the society.
The internet poses as the most popular medium as far as virtual (and
eventually real) meeting is concerned. Dating sites, chatrooms, and
friend finders have been popular since the rise of the Internet. People
from different parts of the world mingle in one chatroom. Two people
can get to know each other within the comforts of their own homes even
if they're half the world away from each other. Often, they end up
getting themselves into an online relationship and hoping for the
possibility of meeting in real life.
The people who are involved in an interracial relationship, however,
meet a lot of challenges such as distance and eventually cultural and
language barriers. The first challenge that two people who meet online
encounter is the geographical location. The internet can provide
communication via chat or email but it paves way to misunderstandings
as it lacks intonation or expression that real-life meeting offers
(smileys just don't work sometimes).
Much as chatting online or sending love quotes through email help, the
need to hear each other's voices is essential. The people involved
feel closer and secure. Telephone calls go beyond the boundaries of
virtuality. In spite of this need, international calling is rarely
considered by many because it is expensive.
Trisha, 27 of Manila, Philippines met Mark who resides in Michigan,
USA, through a dating site, says that in a relationship, communication
is as important as breathing, "We frequently chat online but we try
to indulge in the luxury of telephone calls as much as possible. I feel
a lot better when I hear his voice." She uses the service of
PinoyNumber.com, a prepaid call forwarding service, to call Mark
anytime. Trisha advised those who are involved in an interracial-long
distance relationships to look into different telecom providers who
offer the best rates and services. "I found my current telecom
service provider via the internet at http://www.pinoynumber.com and it
has specifically been attentive to my communication needs." She added
that it helps a lot that both parties initiate the calls and not merely
wait for the other to do so.
Interracial relationships work for some and others would frown at it.
Commitment, understanding, communication and resourcefulness play vital
roles. The people involved in it must successfully bridge the
geographical gap through constant communication before they take the
many other challenges of growing up in different worlds and becoming
one.