ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the reactions by examining the women's replies to several of the authors' questions about whether they'd ever been the target of negative sentiment because of their inter-racial relationship and what, if any, type of stranger was most likely to respond negatively. The reactions the women described receiving from strangers ranged from overtly negative responses to curious looks to affirming nods. Despite the increase in the numbers of interracial couples, particularly those including Blacks and Whites, a taboo against these types of relationships remains. The taboo makes it possible for those who oppose the idea of interracial relationships to feel at home in vocalizing or demonstrating their opposition. The reactions family members have to a relative's interracial relationship not only reveals their own specific attitudes towards interracial intimacy, but it also may suggest the presence (or absence) of a potential deep-seated conflict for the woman involved in that relationship.
