ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the extent to which the experiences that African American women in interracial relationships have shape and affect their perceptions of race relations. At the same time, in examining their thoughts about race relations, the chapter considers the way that these thoughts may impinge upon the quality and stability of their actual relationship. A Black person involved in an interracial relationship, particularly with someone who is White, will have a host of unique perceptions about the quality of race relations. Because interracial intimacy takes place within the general realm of race relations, it is instructive to consider general public attitudes towards interracial intimacy. These attitudes are likely to reveal volumes about people's perceptions of race relations and more importantly, the actual quality of race relations. Among the women who were pessimistic about the current state of race relations, some pointed to America's failure to meaningfully discuss race as evidence of the dismal state of affairs.
