The University of Memphis, an urban institution with 18,278 students, is quite diverse in its student body --yet, according to one U of M student, interracial dating is still virtually unseen on this large campus.
"It bothers me to see interracial couples," said U of M student T. Wilson. "I believe in dating one's own race. I would never date a girl of any other race but white. I am glad I don't see any interracial couples on this campus."
However, some other U of M students are accepting of interracial dating. In fact, some students praised couples for seeing beyond race in dating each other.
As recently as 1967, marrying a person of another race was illegal in at least 16 states.
A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, known as the "Loving Decision," overturned laws against interracial marriages.
Currently, no state, city or town can punish an interracial married couple, according to the ruling. Alabama last November became the last state to remove anti-miscegenation laws from its constitution.
U of M student E. Eriksson said she is currently dating an African-American, and they have been together for a year and a half.
"I am Swedish, and he is black," Eriksson said. "We met at a nightclub and have been living together for about a year and a half. We plan on getting married soon."
Eriksson said they really have not had any problems from anyone, but people do stare.
"People usually just stare or make comments," she said. "My boyfriend has been called O.J. Simpson. He usually responds with 'Why does it have to be like that?'"
Eriksson said people ask questions about how it is to be in an interracial relationship and personal questions about her life.
"Most people are just curious," Eriksson said. "They will ask my boyfriend about how I am, 'is she cool' and stuff like that. People should not butt in other (people's) business. They should not care."
Junior English major Beth Lockley said she has no problem with the idea of interracial relationships.
"I think interracial dating is encouraging," Lockley said. "It often represents a type of star-crossed relationship, and interracial couples should be praised for their willingness to be together despite the condescension of their peers.
"I would do it -- date someone of another race," Lockley said. "When I see interracial couples, I say good for them! You know they aren't together because it's convenient, but because they want to be."
According to the U.S. Census, the numbers of interracial marriages increased over sevenfold between 1960 and 1992.
Eriksson defined the attitude of individuals who stare at her and make comments as close-minded.
"It is the 'Memphis Mentality.' I am not saying it is everyone in Memphis, but a large number of people in Memphis and the Mid-South are very narrow-minded," Eriksson said. "These people who make comments and stare have a closed view of other races and cultures. They have a narrow perception of people who are not like them or of their same race."
Senior social work major Dana Blackwell said she feels the issue is a matter of personal preference.
"If you want to do it, that's fine," Blackwell said. "It's your choice. I personally would not do it. I feel that if God wanted everyone to be together, he would have made us all the same way and color."
Blackwell said she does not condemn anyone who dates someone of another race, but added it is not for her.
"I automatically think, 'Hey, it is their decision,'" Blackwell said. "But I personally do not think it is right and would not date another race."
History professor Beverly Bond said she really has not paid any attention to interracial dating on the University of Memphis campus.
"I can't tell whether (interracial dating) has increased, decreased or stayed the same," Bond said. "But those who are uncomfortable with interracial dating would probably be uncomfortable in a lot of similar situations."
Eriksson said people in Memphis and the Mid-South look too much at past problems, instead of looking to the future.
"People need to open their minds and learn to accept that there are other people with different views and lifestyles," Eriksson said. "Some people say they are racist, but can't tell you why they are - these people just don't have an answer as to why they are racist."
Senior English major Heather Miller said she has several friends in interracial relationships.
"I have never dated anyone outside of my race," Miller said. "I have several best friends that are outside of my race and I have friends who date outside of their race. It doesn't bother me - it is their own life and business."
Miller said she is not sure about dating someone outside of her own race because of background.
"I'm not sure," Miller said. "I have a family background of not dating outside of one's race. But I feel my happiness is more important than theirs, so if I had the feelings for someone outside my race, then the possibility is great that I would."
Graduate student Corey Jamison said people need to open their minds, because the country and U of M campus are not all one color.
"I am all for it," Jamison said. "People dating someone outside of their race should be rewarded. They feel the love with that special person, and they should express it."
Jamison said individuals should date because of love and not because they are of another race.
"Love is the key no matter what color," Jamison said. "People need to get over all of this keeping races pure and stuff. Let's all date and have fun."
Eriksson said education is the bottom line.
"Learning is what it will take to change Memphis and the South," Eriksson said. "In Sweden, we do have racism, but it is nothing like it is here. I'm still learning about other cultures, and we are both learning about each other."
Eriksson said she is dating someone outside of her race because of love, not because it is a "cool thing to do."
"My relationship with my boyfriend is for life," Eriksson said. "This is not something I am trying out - it is for real."
