Roundtable Talk: Black Women; White Men

Olivia Pope’s got one, Nia Long had one in The Best Man Holiday, Zoe Saldana seems to keep one both on and off-screen…even E-V-E has one!

That’s right; I’m talking about a white man. It appears that vanilla is becoming the flavor of the month for African-American women.

So what is going on? Is it apart of a new cultural awakening–The next love revolution? What do you think about the whole white knight in shining armor image?

In our latest Roundtable Talk we converse with Chirl Girl, Artellia, and Cindy; African-American females about inter-racial dating, more specifically–dating white men.

V101.9: It appears that images of black women romantically involved with white men are trending lately. Why do you think these images are so prevalent in the media?

Artellia: We are seeing it more in the media, because it is more realistic. All interracial dating was never just black men going after white women. It’s not realistic that all inter-racial kids come from a black daddy and a white mama.

Cindy: I think it is because a lot of black women are noticing black men turning to other black men. I personally don’t think there are a lot of black men out there. So black females are considering other options.

Chirl Girl: They’ve always been dating, now it’s just more socially acceptable. Historically speaking, white men and black women have always been “together.” It’s just that now everyone is making their choice about it. It’s a different world than it was.

V101.9: Well, inter-racial dating can’t be that bad–right? After all “swirl” loving brought us Lenny Kravitz, Lisa Bonet, Jesse Williams, Halle Berry, and Alicia Keys. Would you consider dating a white man?

Chirl Girl: I am very comfortable with interracial dating—my family is mixed. At a family reunion it looks like the United Nations. If you love someone, if you are attracted to them, it shouldn’t matter what their race is.

Artellia: I’ve dated white guys, it’s a little uncomfortable–the looks that you get, but I was okay because I was dating for the right reasons. I was dating those people because I actually liked them, not because I was trying to do the shock and awe kind of thing or to get people talking.

Cindy: I am not opposed to it. That’s not something that I seek, but if it happens maybe.

Chirl Girl: I have dated outside of my race. There’s not that big of a difference between black and white men…men are men. You have a type that you like; you keep picking that type regardless of their race. There is a certain way that I want to be treated–any standard that I hold for a black man, I also hold for a white man.

Premiere Of CBS Films' "The Words" - Arrivals

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V101.9: There seems to be a reservation among black women about dating white men that only date black women.

Artellia: I wouldn’t date a white man who only dates black women because I feel as though there is something going on with his psyche. That something is going on where he doesn’t like himself.

V101.9: It has become the norm to observe professional black men paired with white women. From celebrities, to doctors, and lawyers; affluent black males are often seen with white wives or girlfriends. I remember the great sigh of relief released from black women around the nation the first time we saw Michelle Obama. Why are we so proud that our President has chosen an African-American bride?

Cindy: I have never heard that. I never thought about her being anything but black.

Chirl Girl: I admit that I did feel relieved to find out that the President is married to a sister, a true sister—you don’t glance at her and think, what is she? She is a beautiful, strong, black woman.

V101.9: Brothers have been jumping ship for fairer waters for years and now it looks like African-American females are also exploring inter-racial relationships on a larger plain.

Chirl: We see so many successful black men leave their race behind. Some black males may look at it as moving up. They’ve done better as far as their careers, so they don’t have to date black women. It makes me wonder; how do you feel about your mother, your sister, your daughter—she’s going to be black regardless.

Artellia Burch: It’s funny that some men that date white women have a problem with black women dating white men. It bothers them to see that black men aren’t the only option for black women and we’re not just sitting around waiting on them—we’re not going to fight and compete for black men we’ll just find something else.