Imani Belgrave

Rhetorical Analysis
Eng 112
Douglas
18 September 2014

Skin Tone is Trivial

Interracial Marriage is a term used to describe people who marry one another from a
different ethnic group. For example, if a Native American and a Caucasian person were to
become married. This would be known as Interracial Marriage. After researching the topic, of
interracial marriage, I found two articles based on pro interracial marriage and anti-interracial
marriages. The pro article is titled, Interracial Relationships Are Becoming More Socially
Acceptable which describes these types of relationships. On the other hand, the con article
titled, Introduction to Interracial Relationships: At Issue, describes the negative aspects of
miscegenation.
In 2006, the article titled, Interracial Relationships Are Becoming More Socially
Acceptable was written by Francine Russo. This articles used statistics to eloquently describe
how interracial unions are prevailing on our society. Interracial coupling is actually rocketing
up faster than the stats indicate, suggests University of Michigan sociologist David R. Harris.
According to his research, 1 in 6 interracial unions is a cohabitation, so the prevalence of
intimate partnerships among the races is greater than it appears. And casual dating between
groups is even more common. The Post found that 4 of every 10 Americans said they had dated
someone of another race and almost 3 in 10 said it had been a "serious" relationship (Russo)
Although this article stated that certain corners of the country are not accepting to interracial

marriages; Cities like New York, Florida, and California are more receptive to these types of
unions. The article is made relatable individuals who are for interracial marriages because the
author states realistic facts. It also gives a path for individuals who may have not been for
interracial marriages, to see that this type of marriage is ethical. Although, the point of view may
not appeal to everyone the author gives a logical and simplistic authority.
In 2000, the opposing view of Interracial Marriage was stated in the article, Introduction
to Interracial Relationships: At Issue, written by a variety of sources. This article deals with
more of a historical facet. Interracial romance has been a point of contention in America since
the first English settlers established colonies in the seventeenth century. In 1664 Maryland
banned interracial marriage due to questions over whether the offspring of a black slave and a
white person would be considered a free person or property. In following years, Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina instituted anti-miscegenation laws which
banned interracial marriage. In 1691 Virginia outlawed interracial couples and labeled their
children as "that abominable mixture and spurious issue (Introduction to Interracial
Relationships). This article showed and explained many credible historic facts about interracial
marriages, which explained the controversial aspect of the topic in depth. Many of the facts and
laws stated repulsive. Though the writer has a well-organized article, the morals are
unconstitutional.
The article that is pro interracial marriage explains very well why interracial marriage is
constitutional. It compares the rate of interracial marriages from twenty years ago until present
time. This comparison shows how our society has grown morally. Unlike, the anti-interracial
marriage article, which clearly states interracial marriage is cultural betrayal. A respectable
characteristic of the anti-interracial marriage article, is the writer has evidence to support the

opinions stated which is most important. Both of the articles stated facts to agrees or disagrees
upon. Although the morals of the two articles completely differ, the arguments are
comprehended by readers.

Works Cited
"Introduction to Interracial Relationships: At Issue." Interracial Relationships. Ed. Bryan J. Grapes. San
Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Sept. 2014
Russo, Francine. "Interracial Relationships Are Becoming More Socially Acceptable." Interracial Relationships. Ed.
David M. Haugen. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Rpt. from "When Love is Mixing It Up: More Couples
Are Finding Each Other Across Racial LinesAnd Finding Acceptance." Time 158 (19 Nov. 2001). Opposing
Viewpoints in Context. Web. 18 Sept. 2014.