(February 20, 2002) — Imagine that you’re sitting in a dimly lit theatre as scenes of some drab movie flash before you. Your eyes wander off in order to find something of more interest. You look to your right and see an old married couple engrossed in the movie. Nothing new there. To your left sits your blonde-haired, blue-eyed date, looking just like your sister with her doll-like face. Can you say “mirror image?” Now recall the same scene, except this time, a girl of Armenian descent sits to your left. The crown of ebony curls sitting atop her head and thick eyelashes give you more than enough to study. An exaggeration? Maybe so, but what you don’t realize is that it isn’t just the bag of greasy popcorn that you’re sharing with your date, but it’s also your date’s unique sensibilities and cultural background that gives you such a thrill. Dating someone of a different ethnicity and culture certainly comes with some surprises, but interracial dating isn’t a new concept; the first interracial marriage dates all the way back to 1614. In the 1950s, interracial relationships had been considered illegal and relationships between two couples of different ethnicities were looked upon with scorn. Thankfully, times have changed. So why the commotion? The problem is that along with acceptance of interracial relationships, racism and ethnic prejudices have also made their way into society. However, with the help of interracial relationships, boundaries that had once defined racial territories are beginning to dissolve. What better alternative is there to experience a different culture than by directly interacting with one? One may argue that discrepancies in customs would make dating difficult or even impossible, but here we are in America, the great melting pot. How different can two cultures be? Beauty isn’t just skin deep. Appearance-wise, there may be little in common between an interracial couple, but when flipped inside out, people are all alike and most share similar values. Being in an interracial relationship allows people to experience the best of both cultures. Unfortunately, people still whisper about it, parents forbid it and differences may arise. So having an interracial relationship may not be the easiest thing to do. Face it. Nothing worthwhile comes without endurance or patience. Your parents, or anyone else for that matter, have no right to meddle with your personal affairs. According to sophomore Iveta Ovsepyan, seeing two people engaged in an interracial relationship will force others to face their own prejudices, and these relationships can bridge the racial gap many people see. As indicated by surveys conducted by the Chronicle , the majority finds no faults with interracial relationships, and many, like sophomore Edik Yeganian, commented that having an interracial relationship “is a great thing.”