Why are interracial relationships still taboo?

     Interracial relationships are still quite scarce, at least within the media.  We rarely see movies or television shows depicting an interracial relationship.  However, when we do see it, it is usually because it is the focus of the plot.  Such is the case with the film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"  The film was made during a crucial time wen interracial marriages were illegal.  The film tells the story of Joey, a young white woman, who falls in love with John, a young black doctor.  Joey brings John home to meet her parents and assures him that they will love him.  Joey's mom is fairly alright with the situation, however her father is completely taken back by the news.  One of the main reasons Joey's father is upset is because he knows the struggles that his daughter and John will have to face.  No father wants to see his daughter go through hard times.

     

     In the article "My Daughter Married a Negro: Interracial Relationships in the United States as Portrayed in Popular Media, 1950-1975" the author, Melissa Magnuson-Cannady, discusses the opinion of the Catholic Church on interracial marriage.  The Catholic Church, playing a big role in American's lives, spoke out by saying race should not be an important factor when choosing a person to marry (Magnuson, 2005).

     

     The movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"depicts this support through the character of Monsignor Ryan.  Monsignor Ryan shows only joy when he finds out that Joey and John are engaged.  He also tells Joey's father that he is being, essentially, immature about the matter.

     

     Why is interracial dating still thought of as taboo?  Or are people just not ready to visibly watch it in films or on television?  If movies like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" continue to be made, I guess the people's decision will be made for them whether they are ready or not.