Intercultural Programming

Not to delve into my personal life (again), but recent events forced the wheels in my head to burn rubber all day. I met someone last night. No one special, just someone who’s eyes caught mine across the room. Although we hit it off right away, a more sober version of myself had different thoughts on the entire night come this morning. Overhearing him chatting with my girlfriend about their cultural commonalities (they are both the same ethnicity) made me wonder ~ can two people who are mildly attracted to one another really look past the ethnic differences that are a common encouragement for other people to date within their own race (when both individuals are extremely passionate about their own cultures)?

The idea of interracial coupling is becoming extremely paradoxical. Granted, the idea of one person who is willing to look past everything he doesn’t understand about you is quite enchanting. On the other hand, it would be so much easier to date someone who doesn't think eating rice for breakfast is weird.

I’ve never dated a Filipino before. I’m naturally accepting of the hybrid of two cultures (I love me them white boys). Isn’t it beautiful? In fact, interracial relationships are not at all the issue here. A more appropriate term to label this quandary would be intercultural relationships. It’s hard to compromise with someone who is super-dooper pro “his culture”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this. But it gets to the point where you cross your heart and hope to bjeezus that his pride doesn’t make you cringe. Pride is good, but too much is just that ~ too much.

It’s a really scary thought isn’t it? All our lives we are taught to be proud of who we are, and accepting of others at the same time. Sounds easy, right? I used to talk to someone who is the same race as this guy and it was so much easier because he didn’t always talk about “his culture”. It's an unfair comparison (I know) because one night with this bloke really didn't give me a chance to learn a lot about him. But still...

For egotistical purposes (and peace of mind), I’m really glad I’m the one whose number he wanted. My decision on whether or not I want this great looking guy to actually call me is still pending. The whole ‘cultural’ mumbo-jumbo was a bit of a turn-off. (UPDATE* he ended up being totally lame.) Anyway, here’s to hoping that the next few years go by relatively slowly. I’m going to soak in every last drop of my fertile youth before it is stolen by a future relationship.

UPDATE* I'm reminded of my Korean guy friend in Riverside who, while madly head over heals for his Filipino girlfriend, says that at the end of the day, he'll end up with a Korean girl. I guess I understand, but am very perplexed... what happened to love conquers all?