Local interracial couple talks about race, challenges they face

Summary

Dock and Ashley Simpson share their 10-year relationship and the challenges of being an interracial couple. While facing judgment from strangers and some family members, they emphasize the importance of love and understanding. Ashley reflects on her journey of recognizing racial biases she hadn't encountered before, while Dock discusses tackling conversations about race with their children. They believe that their experiences can inspire change and foster acceptance in future generations, highlighting the growing acceptance of interracial relationships in society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dock and Ashley Simpson have been together for 10 years, married for three.
• 😀 Their relationship challenges racial stereotypes and societal perceptions.
• 😀 They experience judgment from some family members and strangers due to their interracial marriage.
• 😀 Ashley has gained insight into racial issues in America that she hadn't faced before.
• 😀 They often receive negative comments on social media regarding their relationship.
• 😀 Ashley notes a stark contrast in how they are treated in stores based on race.
• 😀 An incident involving Dock being pulled over highlights systemic racial issues.
• 😀 Interracial marriage statistics show a growing acceptance in society over the years.
• 😀 Dock and Ashley emphasize the importance of teaching their children about race and equality.
• 😀 They believe future generations will see less racism and encourage coexistence between races.

Q & A

How long have Dock and Ashley Simpson been together?

They have been together for 10 years and married for three.

What is Dock's perspective on Ashley's race?

Dock states that when he looks at Ashley, he doesn't see her as a white woman but as the love of his life.

What challenges have Dock and Ashley faced regarding their interracial relationship?

They have encountered comments from extended family members and negative reactions from strangers who don't know them personally.

How has Ashley's understanding of race changed over time?

Initially, Ashley would question why race was always a topic, but she has since experienced racism firsthand due to their relationship.

Can you give an example of an incident highlighting racial bias that Dock faced?

Dock had a negative experience trying to return an item at Walmart, where he faced difficulties that Ashley did not encounter when she went in with the same item.

What did Ashley experience when Dock was pulled over by the police?

When Dock was pulled over and guns were drawn on him for an expired tag, the situation changed immediately when Ashley identified herself as his wife.

What statistics are mentioned regarding interracial marriage in America?

In 1967, 3% of married couples were interracial; this increased to 10% by 2015 and 17% for newlyweds, with nearly 40% of adults viewing the trend positively.

What are Dock and Ashley's hopes for the next generation?

They hope that their children will learn about race and promote equality, resulting in less racism in the future.

What message do Dock and Ashley want to convey about interracial relationships?

They believe that interracial relationships demonstrate that love can transcend racial boundaries and coexist peacefully.

How did Dock and Ashley meet?

They met online and quickly connected, reflecting how much societal attitudes towards interracial relationships have changed.