Huidskleur onbelangrijk? De acceptatie van raciaal gemengde paren en de omzichtige omgang met zichtbaar verschil in naoorlogs Nederland

Samenvatting

Skin Color Unimportant? The Acceptance of Interracial Marriage and the Cautious Dealing with Visible Differences in the Postwar Netherlands. Based on interviews conducted in 1996 with 13 Dutch-Surinamese and Dutch-Antillian couples, the acceptance of ethnically/racially mixed couples in the Netherlands is examined. Although it is generally stated in modern Dutch society that skin color is not an issue, white skin is still considered the standard among white Dutch people; conversely, among the ex-colonial Caribbean (Antillian and Surinamese) population, skin color is generally considered a primary aspect of identity. For 66+% of the respondents (Rs), acceptance among family and/or friends was somewhat problematic, especially from the Caribbean side, but complete acceptance had eventually occurred for most. Surprisingly, Rs felt uncomfortable discussing racial, rather than more general cultural, differences. Finally, changes in ethnic identification among members of mixed couples are discussed, noting that in particular, the men, eventually assumed a "half-and-half" identity. Adapted from the source document.