Date whites and `others' - Letters To The Editor

I would first like to thank you and your staff for the wonderful article, "Why Some Brothers Only Date Whites And `Others'" (Jan. 2003). I commend Zondra Hughes on her writing skills and for finally letting us Sisters know that we are just fine and that we are not the sole reason for Brothers stepping out into "fairer fields." I would also like to add that as a product of several interracial relationships, I am proud of my heritage and even prouder to say that I mark "Black" on my forms instead of the more accurate "other".

KIMBERLY NIXON
Portsmouth, Va.

The article "Why Some Brothers Only Date Whites And `Others,'" made me want to holler. Brothers date "others" because our forefathers hanged, bled and died for us to have the rights and choices of any other individual. However, I will be the first to admit that when confronted with their reality, I am disappointed. But life goes on.

Mr. Baisden, please don't condescend. We continue to support your craft and try to respect your opinion in spite of how you and some Brothers see our strengths and physical beauty.

Beauty or what's considered beautiful is always subjective. I will always try to respect others' choices, but don't make me feel inferior or not exotic as a justification for your inability to love yourself.

NANCY RAY
Irvington, N.J.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, I was one of those Brothers. Except for their natural genetic make up, my reasons for dating non-Black women had very little to do with skin or eye color. I am attracted to independent, self-directed women. Unfortunately, most of the Black women I met in this category had a problem getting past my occupation at that time (career military, not enough money) or I was not Black enough (attitude). I decided to exercise my options to pick, choose and refuse.

I believe that as more of us become active members of mainstream America, more of us, both men and women, will choose common interest, goals, and similar general values over race.

Heritage is very important, and America will always remind us that we are Black. It is up to us to decide who we areas individuals. I did marry an independent, self-directed Black woman.

JAMES MITCHELL
Oklahoma City, Okla.

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