Author Sheryll Cashin believes that the future holds the hope for better race relations in the United States. But her optimism isnt merely dependent on population trends. What will matter, she told Salon in a recent phone interview, is how well we can adapt to being culturally dexterous that is, more willing to learn about and accommodate cultural differences and accepting of the notion that diversity requires negotiation and compromise.
Cashin discussed this concept at length in her new book Loving: Interracial Intimacy in America and the Threat to White Supremacy, published by Beacon Press. The nonfiction book hit shelves on June 6, a few day before the 50thanniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia that struck down laws banning mixed-race marriages in 16states.
That decision and the relationship between Mildred and Richard Loving is at the center of Cashins book, but it doesnt comprise the entirety of its message. I really want to underscore this:You dont have to marry or sleep with or adopt a child of another race to acquire dexterity, Cashin said. Friendship, I think, an authentic friendship is enough for people to acquire insight. Thats a form of intimacy that I think has as much potential to have impact as anything else because increasingly people have somewhat of a different race ethnicity in their life, even if its at work, your co-worker. Thats powerful, and its radically different.
Even as socially polarized as we seem to be now, the concept of spending time with people of other races, whether in a platonic sense or romantically, is not as unusual as it was in the 1950s or the 60s. Cashin, for her part, noticed that interracial couples have become more visible in public in recent years as well. She began contemplating writing Loving, she said, a few years ago, although she originally envisioned it as fiction. I had this idea of representing some of the things that interracial couples have to get over, she said.
In the culture at large, the share of newlyweds in interracial marriages has grown sharply. A recent report by the Pew Research Centerhas indicated that 1out of every 6 newlyweds today is married to someone of a different race or ethnicity. The report further indicates that in 2015, 1out of every 10married people had a spouse of a different race or ethnicity around 11 million people.
And this is reflected in the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics indicating that ethnic minorities will become the majority of the U.S. population in 2044. More than half of the births in the U.S. since 2013 have been to people of color.
The Georgetown University Law professor, however, is under no illusion that interracial romances and marriages will overcome the anxiety and tension surrounding race relations. Loving, in fact, looks much further backwardinto our nations history all the way back to the 1600s.
Looking at the whole history of interracial marriage, regulation of it, banning of it, I didnt realize that it has a longer history than anything else and a more formidable role in constructing white supremacy, Cashin said. People have been obsessed with this idea for a very long time.
Anti-miscegenation law was created to solve a class conflict between wealthy planters and poor, white indentured servants, she continued. They created whiteness. What they wanted to do is divide poor white people from potentially being allies with other struggling people, with bonded black people. That political function, this dog-whistling divide and conquer it continues to this day. We no longer have anti-miscegenation laws, but we still have that kind of politics.
In a sense, Cashin is hoping that calling attention to this aspect of interracial relationships will help further the cause of moving toward more harmony in our social and political lives. My hope is that as with each passing decade its just going to get easier and easier for a center-left coalition of culturally dexterous whites and people of color to become a political majority, she said. My hope is that that political majority starts to dismantle the structures of supremacy, one of which is ghetto isolation.
Added Cashin: I wanted to make that clear. If we dont have an intentional effort to dismantle mass incarceration, to really tackle these enduring structures, some of that stuff and the othering is going to continue.
And there will still be pus back, even as Americans make strides. This is a country whereMildred and Richard Lovings story was made into a film, Loving, widely released in November 2016. These days television and film productions are expected to feature racially diverse casts as a matter of course. This year, in fact, is featuringthe first African-American Bachelorette on ABC and an interracial teen romance, Everything, Everything, in movie theaters.
Nevertheless it wasnt so long ago that internet trolls created a furor over seeing an interracial couple featured in a Cheerios commercial. And yet, that example helps Cashin make her case. In authentic friendships, when we like someone and spend time with them, were probably going to sit down and eat with them. That can be very powerful. So yes, invite someone over for a meal.
View post:
- The Daily Progress: The Daily Progress, Charlottesville News [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- Progress Lighting - Home [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- WTC PROGRESS - One World Trade Center [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Postpartum Progress - postpartum depression and postpartum ... [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Center for American Progress [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Contact Us - Progress Energy [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2016]
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2016]
- Progress Announces ProgressNEXT 2017 Partner Conference - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Think Progress Editor Mocks Audi for Equal Pay Super Bowl Ad - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Penguins injuries: Hagelin has concussion; Malkin still out, but making progress - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Patel: Syria progress at risk without new push in 2017 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Market Recon: There's Progress on the Deregulation Front - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Assignment Helps Students Assess Their Progress - Faculty Focus (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Kiener Plaza reopening in May; Gateway Arch renovations continue progress - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Progress being made on possible grocery store co-op in Winston-Salem - myfox8.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Nioh Review-in-Progress: FromSoftware's Formula Evolved - Shacknews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Deutsche Bundesbank Cites Progress With Blockchain-Based Settlement - CryptoCoinsNews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Progress apparent on defense - Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- IMF: Greece's Debts are Still Unsustainable, Despite Progress - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Haupt's Take: It took eight years to destroy 50 years of progress - Watchdog.org [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Cavaliers' pitching rotation a work in progress - The Daily Progress [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Can US disrupter-in-chief trigger some progress? - Jerusalem Post Israel News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Cost of Progress - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- DACC women making progress - Danville Commercial News [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- City police cite progress vs. drugs - Rutland Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Women's Progress in the Boardroom Took a Hit in 2016 | Inc.com - Inc.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Britney Spears Says Niece Maddie Is 'Making Progress' After ATV Accident: 'Let's All Keep Praying' - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Progress on vet's Mustang to be unveiled - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Through the looking glass: Tower view showcases progress on Amazon's unique biospheres - GeekWire [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Blight Elimination Progress, Uplifting - MyWabashValley [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Forecasters See Slow Progress in Labor-Market Measures Favored by Trump Administration - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- United coach Adrian Heath looks at steady progress after third straight draw - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Evgeni Malkin making 'progress,' could return Saturday in Arizona ... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Franks recognized as 2016 Partner in Progress - Chanute Tribune [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- 49ers players optimistic about progress under Shanahan, Lynch - The Mercury News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Colts position review: OL showed legit progress, but work remains - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Jimmy Cheek: UT chancellor appreciative of hard work, progress on journey - Knoxville News Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Egyptian Economy Making Slow, Tentative Progress - VOA News - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Marginal progress for Turkish-backed forces in north Syria - PBS NewsHour [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Syria Regional Crisis 2016 Emergency Appeal - Progress Report - Reliefweb [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- CWLP officials: Bailout repayment would set back progress - The State Journal-Register [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Clairton works: Real progress is coming to the former steel town - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Pistons' Johnson making halting but definite progress - The Detroit News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Bluefield officials urge those that want to see city progress to take online survey - Bluefield Daily Telegraph [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virginia lawmakers making big progress despite shorter session - The Charlottesville Newsplex [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Tech industry shows little progress on racial diversity - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- North Korea Claims Progress on Long-Range Goal With Missile Test - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- How Travel Bans Can Impede America's Progress - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Adele, Beyonc, and the Grammys' Fear of Progress - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Ionis Earns $75M Milestone from Bayer for Progress of Antisense Drug Program - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Guilford Schools annual report shows mixed results on progress - Greensboro News & Record (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Sniper Elite 4 review in progress - PC Gamer [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- At California's Oroville Dam, Progress Made, but Threat Lingers - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- For Honor Review In Progress - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Downtown Seattle's 'incredible year of progress' - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- CDC reports more progress against HIV, but gay Latinos contracted more infections - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- China's military progress challenges Western dominance, says IISS - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/14: Patriots Offseason Outlook - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Huntsville-based Progress Bank to acquire Birmingham's First Partners Bank - Birmingham Business Journal [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- California officials lift evacuation order for 200000 threatened by damaged dam - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Gets Progress Report - Tristatehomepage.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Clean Samish Initiative partners discuss progress - goskagit.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Man United's Jose Mourinho: Progress in cups will create 'many problems' - ESPN FC [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Google Touts Progress in Android Security in 2016 - Threatpost [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- UW coach Lorenzo Romar: Markelle Fultz making progress but still not cleared to play - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Some Progress On Occupational Licensing But Much More Needed - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Officials making 'great progress' on California dam repairs, remind residents to stay vigilant - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Republicans' health care overhaul still a work in progress - Press Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Why Do We Pay So Much More for No Progress? - Cato Institute (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Halo Wars 2 Review in Progress - IGN [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Lenovo's data center ambitions remain work in progress following Q3 results - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- S&P 500: 'Blow-off' Phase in Progress - DailyFX - DailyFX [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- F-35 Program Makes Significant, Solid Progress, Official Says - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/16: Free Agency and Potential Patriots - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Combine invites are another sign of progress at Michigan - Big Ten ... - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Donald Trump touts promise progress at press conference - PolitiFact [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Mild winter helping crews make significant progress on East End Connector - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Latest edition of Pig Progress goes to Asia - Pig Progress (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Committee updates Legislature on precinct consolidation progress - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- SEC basketball shows progress but has room for growth - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]