Problems with Mixing Colors Even though our country is becoming more accepting of different cultures, there are still many problems facing people who date outside of their race. For the past seven and half years, I have been dating Josh. Josh is a Caucasian male; and I am an Asian-American female. Josh and I have problems like any other couples. However, we have experienced situations where most same-race couples would not have encountered. From personal experiences, Josh and I have come across family discrimination and derogatory comments from family members, friend rejections, and the occasional stares and whispers from strangers. Many of us have the opportunity to receive an education and be open-minded; some of our parents or family members, however, do not have an education and are strong believers of sticking with our own race. My parents, uncles, and aunts were born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Unfortunately, my mother never finished her education. To financially help my grandparents, my mother stopped attending school when she was in the third grade. Some of my uncles and aunts dropped out of school early too, while others never even received an education. When I brought Josh home to introduce him to my immediate family, my mother did not acknowledge him. She simply ignored Josh when he said hello to her. For a few years, my mother never tried to form a relationship with my boyfriend. When my mother’s friends asked her if Josh was my boyfriend, she told them he and I were just friends. Eventually, my mother and I had a conversation about the way she was behaving toward Josh. My mother had explained that the language barrier, communication, and cultural differences were difficult for her. My mother believed if I have dated an Asian man, the circumstances would be easier. The Asian man would already know about our religion and culture, and she would not