Beth Humphrey, 30, and her boyfriend, Terence McKay, 32
posted by Sam Richards
Some of you have no doubt heard this story pass through the media outlets. More surprising than the Justice of the Peace being unwilling to give these two a marriage license is that fact that he stands by his decision, as discussed in THIS ARTICLE.
Before you go off on how outrageous this is, I want to remind you that two weeks ago in class I discuss the number of you who would not adopt a child with ancestry other than your own or who would not use the sperm or egg of people with ancestry different from your own. And you might recall that everyone who stated that they were uncomfortable being the head of a mixed ancestry family all said it was because of the children. “The children would have a difficult go of it down the road,” was the sentiment.
So how is this judge any different? Along with “mixed race marriages often end in divorce,” this is what this guy has said (although that particular statment is not in this article). Sounds like we might have to get back to some serious thinking about what constitutes racism and bigotry. If people in SOC 119 can say it, why not the judge? Okay, so you’re actions of not starting mixed ancestry families do not impact someone else’s life, but the idea that we’re protecting those who most need “protection” is still the same. Just a thought worth pondering.
It’s unfortunate that he speaks with a southern accent. In fairness, he says that his definition of “racist” is when you treat black people differently than white people. By not issuing the marriage license he’s actually treating black and white people the same! So I guess he’s not racist. Life is complex…
It makes me laugh how he said he is not racist but refused to marriage the couple. And his definition of racist is exactly what he’s doing. Who does he think he is? In my opinion, he has no right to refuse to marriage the couple. I mean it is his job after all. Moreover, his reason not to marry them is because they are from different races and their children might have a hard time when they grow up. It is totally none of his business. The couple should be the one who worry about that problem and since they do not mind about it, neither should he. Personally, I do not think dating with a different race is bad or wrong at all. I have dated few guys who are different race from me before and there was no problem at all. It is about the two persons, not anybody else. Especially when it comes to marriage, no one should be involved with the decision other than the two people. We keep saying that there are no more racism these days but this case is actually the perfect example of racism especially from such a powerful person like this guy. Since he has the authority of marrying people, he should not have the idea of racisms in his head at all. It makes me lost respect in him and think that he should just quit this job and go work somewhere else like McDonald’s or something like that. I think the guy should just resign. The couple should definitely form a law suit against him and I am pretty positive that they will win the case too. There is no reason for him to win because what he did is obviously very wrong and show discrimination against black people. I do not know how he got a job with that philosophy and I cannot believe his definition of racism. Not only white people are racist. I am sure that Asians and others are racist too. For the fact that children might have problems growing up because of their parents are from different races, I do not think that is true. I have few friends who are half African American and half white and their childhoods were just as normal and peaceful as any other kids. I think it is probably about where they are living too. If they are living in a lovable environment then I do not think they will have any problem after all. And if their parents raise them well then they can be as good as anyone else. Personally I do not mind marrying anyone from different race than me at all because I think everything should not be about race, but it should be about who they person are inside, not just from outside or their look.
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Love vs. Justice
I think that love is something that needs to be kept away from justice unless we want it to get ruined. Some people out there do not give a fuck to what is going on. Those assumptions that interracial people do not last a long time is dumb because everyone is different and one can never know what will happen. That judge is completely mistaken, I think that kids born into interracial families have the most ability to see racism and to overcome it. That judge has no right to stop a marriage, he should be shot in the head for that.
These people are racist; let’s face it he did not want to let the couple get married because the dude was black and not because the couple was interracial. I do not think that the difference in races mattered but what really mattered was the fact that the lady was marrying a black man. The judge did not like the idea that the dude was going to marry the white chick, he was probably jealous. This kind of behavior makes me mad because no one has the right to prohibit marriage.
This has being going on forever; people are always marrying people from other races. I do not know if this happened before or if it never went public. My guess is that it never made into the news. So I kind of see were the judge is coming with his argument of the children. The kids might have problems in the future, but they are not going to get affected to the point that they can not carry out their lives. The argument that the judge makes about the children is just done to try to hide his racism.
I am not surprised at all many things like these happen every day and no one says anything about it. What really surprises me is that the judge did not want to apologize, this will certainly ruin his career. He is a racist, some one who should not be allowed to be a judge. I think that we should check his cases of people of color, I’m sure that all the people of color got really screwed up. This is not a case about the marriage but racism. It might be true that marriages between people of color do not last, but that is for most marriages. Most marriages in the United States do not work. Love v. Justice should be named Love v. Racism. I think that this issue can be taken care by making judges say their views on these kind of problems, and not giving them any cases related to problems were they have problems with.
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When I first read this article, my initial impression was that this was an instance of blatant racism and hostility towards mixed-race couples. However, upon seeing the interview with the justice, it appears to be a bit more complex. Though this is certainly a case of ignorance and “backward” thinking, it may be a bit harsh to condemn the man as racist, at least according to his definition.
Obviously, this type of thinking and behavior is obtrusive to race relations in the 21st century. Not only that, it is unacceptable according to legal standards laid out by the nation’s highest court. In fairness to the man, his actions were not racist according to his definition of the concept. He was not giving preferential treatment to one group of another and his actions were not done out of hatred or hostility. The issue that this instance really sheds a light on is that of growing up mixed-race in the United States.
Though interracial marriages have long been legally acceptable in most states, their acceptability from a social standpoint still remains variable. A primary reason for this is many people’s concern about the well-being of interracial children. It is true that mixed-race children face difficulties that other children do not have to contend with. These problems can arise from racial identity issues, as well as teasing from peers. This is an unfortunate but real situation, and the fact that many people take it into consideration when critiquing interracial marriages is not surprising.
With that being said, this reality does not excuse the behavior of the justice in this particular instance nor does it excuse society from examining the social factors that contribute to the problem. By endorsing the attitude that interracial reproduction should be avoided, people are implicitly saying that there is no hope for the future. You cannot fix a problem by avoiding it and hoping it will go away.
This instance highlights just how little attention is given to the mistreatment of interracial couples and children. It’s almost as if the taboo exists to perpetuate itself. People do not want to go so far as to say that it’s wrong for interracial couples to have children, but they will say that interracial children are in an unfortunate situation. In a sense, the problem is much more complex than racism. Even the judge in the article can make the claim that he is not a racist by definition. Additionally, this is an issue that crosses the color barrier. There are plenty of people across the racial spectrum that would prefer not to have children with someone of another race. Ultimately, I feel that it is people’s sense of solidarity regarding racial and cultural identity that leads to such reluctance.
Hopefully, as the rise of multiculturalism continues, instances like these will cease. Until that happens, we must become conscious as a society as to the damaging effects of this latent prejudice regarding multiracial couples and children.
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After watching the video of Keith Bardwell and assessing what we as a class discussed regarding interracial children, I do not necessarily see a difference between the opinions or decisions being made but, rather, whom is making the decisions regarding the concern of the offspring and the children’s comfort ability and confusion that may occur. I feel that, ultimately, it should be the parents’ choice on how to address the way in which they want to eventually raise their children or whether they want to take that step in having an interracial child in the first place, not someone outside the relationship like Bardwell. Deciding not to marry a couple who is madly in love due to your own personal self-worth or belief is irrational and out of “socially-acceptable” context. No I do not see it as a form of racism, but I do see it as someone (Keith Bardwell) whom has painted a picture of what or how children should grow up. It is almost as if Bardwell thinks that every child should have a clear-cut perception of who is who. What he clearly fails to realize is that society is not made up of children, or people for that matter, that embody just one race. There are plenty of mixed-descent individuals nowadays. Someone that still takes into account the “difficulties” that one is “destined” to go through if brought into the world having interracial parents or parents of another race is living in another time then, let’s say, 2009. Fortunately for our generation most issues and times have changed and we no longer question a baby’s race. We also do not mind explaining to our children why one parents’ race is different from the others, and in better cases, it is educational for our children…well, so I think.
As for what was concluded in class when asked the question whether students in the class would adopt a child of a different race than their own, I personally have no issues with dating outside of my race, having a mixed child or adopting a child of a different race than mine. Being a Dominican female, I have dated outside my race a number of times. I currently have a black boyfriend and I mostly definitely see myself not only marrying him but also having his kids. There are always going to be people, unfortunately, that disapprove of interracial relationships and, personally, that is ignorant and disappointing in my eyes. I do not plan to think in that way any time soon or pass that mind-set to my own offspring. I see color, like everyone should, but I can easily look passed it. Everyone should think this way, step outside their box, and cross over that color/racial border that unfortunately holds people back from experiencing life to the fullest extent and think beyond their limits. I say, do not let anyone like a Keith Bardwell tell you what is socially acceptable…
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It seems still kind of weird for me racism hasn’t gone away yet. I mean it has been how long? The justice who denied the interracial marriage is straight up racist. Who is this Keith guy to think that he has right to deny their marriage?
Should he resign? I don’t think that he will necessarily have to resign, although pressure from the public and media will continue to be intense. If he doesn’t resign, however, I imagine that he will have to change his ways. Unless there is some written code that states that small justices of the peace can deny marriage to whomever they want, under any circumstances, then he will have to permit interracial marriages. At the very least, he will have to admit that he was wrong in order to keep his position; though, I imagine that his resignation or removal will occur soon and without the apology.
But this judge really is not taking either of these approaches and seems generally upset about how people view his choice to not allow the couple to be married. Maybe questionably, the judge does not have an issue with the actual couple. Obviously this is problematic because it is about marrying the couple and not what that couple might produce. Nonetheless, he is not saying that he does not want the couple to marry because they are of different races or that this black man is “dirtying” his race, the white race. His reasoning for not allowing the couple to get married is that it is incredibly troublesome for the children. Having served for as long as he has, I find it hard to believe he does not know the statistics on divorce rates for interracial couples (which is higher than the American average) and the stress it can place on a child when it comes to identity.
This case of “Love vs. Justice” in which a justice of the peace denied an interracial couple a marriage license is an issue dealing with race, ethics, and our basic human rights. For this man to say he is not racist is an interesting claim, because he states that his worry in authorizing this couple to be married is the children that would result. If he was indeed uneasy about a mixed race child that would in turn make him racist, for seeing a mix raced child different than a child that was purely white or black; however, the same conclusion was drawn in our class when the survey taken by all soc 119 students revealed that a large majority of students would be opposed to using the sperm or egg of someone of different ancestry than them.
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I immediately found this article to be absolutely ridiculous and wrong. I thought that our country would have gotten past this horrible racism by now. To deny a couple their right to get married because the bride is white and the groom is black it’s a terrible injustice. Anyone and everyone has the right to get married to whomever they want (in most states except those that don’t allow gay marriage), no matter what race or color. After the justice refused to grant the couple their marriage certificate, he continued to support his decision. He continued to support his decision, claiming that it wasn’t racist and he only did it to protect their children. That statement in itself is racist. A white couple has the same chance at not having a successful marriage as any couple of color or a mixed couple. When watching his interview it’s as if this is completely what he believes in and he doesn’t think he’s being a racist. This exemplifies the constant problem of racism that’s still prevalent in our country. Although the majority of people who read this article probably thought it was as ridiculous as I did, there are always going to be the people that actually agree with it and still believe that their race is superior. If we as a nation really want to be considered an accepting country, then these stereotypes must be thrown out the window. People deserve the right to make their own decisions about their life, and this justice is denying this couple their natural rights by refusing to grant them a marriage certificate.
Although many people think this article was very ridiculous, when it comes down to it the majority of people claim they wouldn’t marry a person of another race or adopt children of another race. Though some may consider these people to be hypercritical by saying one thing and agreeing on another, there is a large disparity in what people believe regarding their own marriages and families and what this justice did. All people have the choice to marry whomever they want. In addition, this statement also relates to people choosing their partner. If a white guy wants to continue to have a white family he may have a preference to marry a white woman. However, saying that an interracial couple doesn’t deserve to get married is utterly racist. By saying that, the judge is denying them to do what they want. When it comes to adopting your own child or choosing whom you marry, then the choice is ultimately put in your hands and you can do whatever you want. There are obviously still issues of racism in our nation and these issues need to be solved if we want to become a completely accepting country
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When I first read that a judge refused to issue a marriage license to an inter-race couple, two thoughts entered my mind. First…this has to be somewhere in the south. Second, what do they need a judge for, I thought anybody could get married. I mean, Brittany Spears married Jason Alexander in Vegas, and it wasn’t even the one from Seinfeld! What kind of judge could possibly okay that? Also, I’m extremely ashamed that I know that fact without looking it up. But seriously, the point is, the judge here is supposed to be like a lifeguard at a swimming pool: to make the whole thing look legitimate and just nod his head in disapproval when kids start splashing, and by that, I mean when two gay guys come along, because that isn’t legal. But as far as I know, this isn’t 1958, and no laws exist anywhere in the USA about allowing a couple of two different races to get married, so who the hell is this douche who’s stepping in unprovoked and stopping the marriage of two people who, presumably, love each other. So my first problem with the whole thing is procedural: who ever hears of a justice of the peace declining any marriage? What legal right does he have to do that? Would it be like me going into 7/11 (or I guess they call it Sheetz, in Pennsylvania) and buying a diet coke, and the guy going “nope, you can’t have a diet coke.” I mean, it seems equally contrived. I’m sure the couple got married anyway, but if the dude was just going to do his job, we wouldn’t hear about this.
Now, he argued that he thought it would be tough for the kids of this couple to get by. However, I didn’t realize they were going for a parenting license, or that such a thing even existed, though it most definitely should. How does “think of the children” even apply? The dude knows that a) they can have children without getting married and b) can get married without having children, right? Actually, listening to the interview, in which he says “I treat people equal good,” I’m not actually sure. I mean, he also had to know that he was just inviting controversy by denying them the license, he couldn’t have possibly thought nobody would find out. So either he’s a racist, or an attention whore, and right now, both wouldn’t surprise me. Has he done this before, in the past? One would assume so, and I’d also assume that the people he denied didn’t make a big stink of it, and just went to a different justice. But why haven’t they stepped forward, or been found by CNN or someone? Shoddy reporting, guys.
Personally, I wouldn’t adopt a kid that’s of a different race, or go with the sperm/egg implant of a different race, but I wouldn’t adopt, either. Call me shallow, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t love the kid I adopted, and rather than be “oh, so cute” when he vomits all over me, I’d be begging my wife to let me send him back to the orphanage. I’m not a very patient person, though with my own kid, I’d probably be. That’s not racist, it’s just kind of a dick move, though I’m sure most people who adopt would rather have their own kid for real, whether they’re willing to say it or not.
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I hadn’t heard of this story until now and I was even surprised to hear that individuals trying to get married, especially male and female as opposed to gay/lesbian marriage, could be denied this right. The guy is considered a “justice of the peace” and he still stands by his decision of denying the inter racial couple their right to get married. Since he clearly broke their constitution right to the “freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the state,” he should be punished accordingly. But his reasoning is because he didn’t want the children to suffer so he couldn’t personally endorse the marriage. He also stated that he has married black couples in his own home, so he doesn’t feel he’s racist because he treats black and white people the same. He kind of backs this up since he is denying both of them marriage and they are white and black individuals. So he’s not being racist in one aspect but still is denying their constitutional rights. Sam did bring up a good question, asking the class if we would be partial to adopting a child of a different ancestry and further asking if we would be partial to using the sperm or egg of a person with different ancestry. I personally am more partial to adopting and using someone’s egg/sperm that was more closely related to my own ancestry so that it would be easier for the child to correlate and feel more comfortable growing up not feeling out of place especially since they wouldn’t be genetically tied to their parents. I don’t feel this is being racist but just more partial, for any reason that I adopted or had an egg/sperm of another ancestry I wouldn’t be mad or negative I would embrace them and act as if they were my own regardless I just would prefer a child closer to my own ancestry. If I was of black skin I would also be more partial to having a child that looked more like me even if it’s not of the same ancestry but just so they would feel more comfortable. So saying this I don’t think the justice is wrong in his reasoning but his own personal opinions should not interfere with his job as a justice of the peace, or interfere with people’s own decisions especially something as sacred as marriage. He violated two peoples rights to get married, this is a right all Americans have and who is to say they would have children anyways. And if they do he can not make assumptions that can not be proven, he’s not making an ass out of you and me he’s just making an ass out of himself.
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In my response to “love v justice” I would like to say that although Bardwell feels strongly that his actions are justified, they are false. No matter how you look at it his actions were an injustice. And an injustice regardless if it is subconscious or not is an injustice. Sometimes people are too motivated by their own emotions to see what is right and what is wrong. Also he is a government official. If you are an official in that situation you must use collective knowledge to make a decision not your gut feeling. If it was a better reason and not fueled by personal emotion I would say his actions are partially justifiable. But even that would seem to be some sort of conspiracy. Also the way our class felt about having interracial babies if impregnated by the person of the opposite sex, I say I feel partially the same way. One of my biggest dreams was to have a child God willing. But if for some reason I was not able to have one I would adopt. I feel that I would adopt a child. I would adopt a child of my own race, to not get into the whole awkwardness. But if I were a good father I feel that I would grow out of that nature and adopt children of other races and perhaps even interracial children. But even now there is a possibility that I will in fact have an interracial child. I do have my own biased towards adopting children because I do want my child to have my genetics, traits, and family tree. But hopefully I will grow out of this and adopt a needy child regardless of race or any other reason. As for punishment of the official I think he should either retrained of fired. If you are a government official you are a civil servant, a tool for the people. The only reason you have your job is to service the people and because we pay taxes. I can’t blame the couple for being outraged and looking to take legal actions in this matter. Hopefully a settlement can come about. I really hope the official opens his eyes. He needs to see that the world is becoming a more and more integrated place. And America is a place where this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. I understand he is a very proud man but such a biased cannot be overlooked. There have been interracial children in America for quite some time and although the road may not always be easy some have found away. My great grandmother was mixed and she had to deal with those problems during segregation and she made it through.
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When I first read this article I was taken aback by it. The way that this guy abuses his power to put forth his racist points of view is ridiculous. I do not understand how this is even legal. I had no idea that judges could reject marriage licenses for whatever reason they want to, it feels like there should be some sort of law against this and laws against discrimination over marriage licenses.
He claims that the reason he rejected their marriage license was because he was thinking of their children and that most interracial marriages end in divorce. Now I haven’t looked at the numbers, so I do not know if he is right about these numbers, but the fact of the matter is it should not matter. Although it may be easier to be in a relationship with your own ethnicity, because you would not have to deal with racist people like this judge, it is still the choice of the two people in the relationship and not some judge who thinks he knows what is best for them. This sounds a little too much like what people said back in the old days about the purity of the white race and not contaminating it. It is ridiculous the way that this guy can claim he is not racist, when he is denying these people a basic human right because of the color of their skin. This is basically the definition of racism and it is not right.
And to the idea about a majority of the class not wanting the sperm or egg of a different race is different. By saying that you do not want the sperm or egg of a different race that is your personal choice, even if there may be some slight racism to it, it is your choice and it does not effect anyone else’s life. This judge is basically making the decision for this couple and trying to stop these people from doing something that they have decided to do. It has nothing to do with this judge and he has no right to reject their marriage license and stop them from being happy just because of his own prejudice views. I really do not understand how there is not some law against this, it seems like there definitely should be. This judge should be forced to resign immediately and should not be allowed to try and become a judge again. I mean it is bad enough that he has these racist view points, but then to abuse his position of power to subjugate others to his beliefs is just wrong. I just feel terrible for this couple whom had a day that was supposed to be special completely ruined by this racist asshole.
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I think that the Justice of Peace needs to have his license revoked as well. He is being very ignorant and narrow-minded by refusing to marry interracial couples. He claims that he is not racist and that he is concerned about the children of the couple’s future because most interracial couple marriages do not work last. The key work there is “most” not all. Who is he to say that their marriage won’t last forever? I personally do not think it is even any of business and he should just do his job and marry the couple. What if the couple decides that they do not want to have children? If they do decide to have children, who is he to say that they will be affected negatively. These are all factors that he does not know, so I think the fact that he refuses to marry this couple is wrong. I think that the couple should just go to another parish and get married because it doesn’t seem like they’re going to get married within this parish.
If two people are in love with each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together, why would you refuse to marry them and claim it is because of the offspring? The subject was brought up in class of using the sperm or egg of someone of a different ancestry. In a situation like that I would feel uncomfortable. I feel like that situation is different because with the interracial couple, their offspring will be a mix of both of them. If I were to have a child by a woman who was a different race from me I would feel one hundred percent comfortable because our child will be a mixture of both of us. If my spouse was white and we wanted to get the sperm of a Hispanic man (because my sperm is no good for some reason) then I would feel uncomfortable because the child would not have any similarities with me at all. If my spouse was black (I am black as well) and we got the sperm of someone of a different race then I would be fine with that because the child would have some black in them and they would be somewhat similar to me, but I wouldn’t mind the mixture of a different race. It’s a complicated situation when you think about it because it is difficult sitting here typing it and trying to get my opinion on it out.
But overall, this man is wrong for not marrying this couple because like it was said in one of the videos, there are plenty of mixed children and most of them have no problems in school and growing up and they feel unique in a good way.
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I think this is an issue that I heard before but today is the first time I give my opinion about a issue like this. The fact that the judge says that he’s not racist, and he treats people all the same. I don’t think so because if he would he wouldn’t say anything about the couple. The judge asserts that he’s not racist and that the problem he has is the offspring. If he cared and not have any problem he would do his job and marry the couple. For his age he would understand that the couple loves each other and they want to make a live together. What it seems is that both love each other and if they want to spend their lives together they will want to have children. The children will have different traits form maybe one or other of their parents because they are from different race but they, but is not the first time we see this, and the judge has experience he should understand. In my opinion the judge seem to give his reason of why he doesn’t want to marry them but the children don’t know and they will come to live anyways. Why bother to make their lives more complicated. I have been involved in a related situation. A friend wants to marry a white girl and what I see is that they don’t have the same culture and from right now their parents don’t get along and will never because they don’t talk the same language. I think this situation can gave you different views and opinions. I oppose my friends’ relation with a partner from another race because I think they are not meant for each other and they will have problems. They don’t see it but their live will be difficult and they know but they won’t seem it. But in the point of their children will be beautiful. I think from these situations the children are the most blessed because they get opportunity to be around two cultures two cultures and they are like special. Mix children are beautiful and I think this is not an issue in making the judge marry the couple. What I think of adopting kids from another race is that if you have problems not be able to have kids race doesn’t matter. I think adopting kids from another race is wonderful. If I have the opportunity to adopt, is going to be somebody who needs me. I don’t see a problem with it like many people do and I think when you really want to what other people thinks is a waste. If he judge would have a problem with the kids he would do something to help the couple and marry them.
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I found this article to be very disturbing. I totally disagree with the judge that denied that couple their marriage license. He claimed that he was not a racist but I think he needs to reevaluate himself and really take a closer look into what he believes is right. It is not his place to say that there children or even mixed children in general, is going to have problems. I do not think that any couple should be denied the right to get married because of their race. The fact that in America we have come so far in regards to race and equality for everyone it is truly sad that there are still situations such as this still occur.
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Love Vs Justice
So the judge explains that he is not a racist because he treats black people and white people the same and didn’t want either of these people to get married. I guess then we have to re-evaluate what racism is because this does seem pretty racist to me. It’s racist against a new type of race of mixed children who are black and white. It would be the same thing to me as not allowing a Christian and Jewish person to get married because this would “confuse” the child. Or not allow an Italian American marries an Irish American because then you are mixing backgrounds. It all just seems completely idiotic to me because in this day and age everyone is already pretty mixed. America is a giant melting pot of different people breading together and that’s why this country is so special. So how is a black and white person getting married any different. I think today mixed children are more popular then ever or even adopting another race seems ok. The show “John and Kate Plus 8” is a number one family show about an Asian American and a white women that are married and have mixed children. Or what about Angelina Joe Lee or Madonna who have adopted Asian babies and black babies and they’re the most popular entertainers today and nobody seems to say anything about that. I think its time for people to understand that white and white people getting married and having white babies or black and black getting married and having black babies is no longer the norm and that there are all gets of modern families. It is hard to believe that this judge can actually say that he would not marry this black and white couple and get away with it. It seems wrong, racist, and illegal. I know that gay marriage is a big issue and that slowly it is becoming legal over the United States, but now you can’t even marry a different race. Why do people care anyway who marry’s who or who is in love with who? It makes no difference to that judge if that couple gets married and has children other then the fact that he personally doesn’t want those children growing up confused. Who is he to say that he’s the savior of these children and that he is actually helping out this couple? There’s bad parents all over the world who beat there children or can’t afford to keep their children healthy who are the same race yet it is perfectly fine for these people to get married. But when there’s a loving interracial couple who is having fun and wants to start a family, suddenly these people are bad and doing the wrong thing.
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The video about the judge won’t allow interracial marriage was lame as it sounds. What could it be for not allowing a black guy marries a white woman besides racism?
He mentioned something about their off-spring could have harder life if those two are married, how could he possibly know that? May be he was thinking about black people
Could not get a job, so the whole family will be living in poverty, or other might look at the kid’s parents and give him a hard time for being mixed. If these are the issues the judge
Is worrying about, then he is definitely a racist because he is the one who has problem of seeing interracial marriage.
It is funny how he describe the definition of racism, he said a racist is the one who treat black people different than any others. Does that mean the others include white people, Asian people, Hispanic
People, but racist somehow just classify black people in the lowest rank. Right when he said what racism means, he just told everyone that he doesn’t like black people.
I don’t know too much about marriage law, but is it unconstitutional by stopping one race marries another race based on reason of racial bias? I mean even the head official of the state
Asked him for resignation, and he is sitting there try to get people to believe he was trying to do good for their next generation by blocking the marriage, who would buy
This kind of crab these days. The black man was right, he said it is two thousand nine and people should be able to pass over the issue how whether different races should marry, we should focus
On encourage different kinds of marriages to move forward in our race relations. I believe the judge is afraid of people around him see him as a racist and stop socializing with him, so he
Made up those non-sense to convince others that he was not trying to be racist, but now he choked on his own word and shown not only people around him but he also broadcast himself
Been racist against interracial marriage. This is what people get when they try to hide their true identity, others would see through them more clearly. I am happy about the couple’s marriage
Was approved by another judge in the end, and the fact really put dirt on the other judge’s face. It could be inhumane by not allow two people who love each others to be married, and it will be racism if
Two people in different color love each other and judge won’t allow them to be married. No matter what that old guy explain on TV, the result stays the same, he is a racist.
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When I saw this video I was in shock, because I think everyone should marry whoever they pleased to. I think this judge was very rude and racist, yes I know he has to imply the law but that doesn’t mean he has to denied them the right to be happy, and have a normal life like any heterosexual couples. I don’t think there should be these laws, because it really doesn’t matter if a white woman and a black man get married and have a mixed race baby. These laws are ignorant and they should not exist in The United States, I thought this country had freedom of speech and also rights to be with whomever they want to. But the laws here are just ignorant and they really don’t make sense, they are supposed to be equal for everyone. Also I think everyone has the right to marry anyone they want; it doesn’t matter if it they are from different races. I truly think that people can be happy with any person from any type of race. Another thing is that yes maybe if a couple of a black man and a white girl have offspring they are going to have different skin color, these babies are going to be mixed races. Like we saw in one of our classes one of the girls that were asked, if they will feel bad because their parents were from different races, and one of the girls said yes, because she will feel awkward if her parents were from different races. I think many of us who live here in The United States are exposed to get marry with people from another race. I think my parents wouldn’t agree with me if I went out with someone from a different race. But I think really don’t care if the person I love is from a different race, I would be happy if he loves me and I love him the way he is and how he treats me, I would never choose someone that is from my same race and not just because he has money or because he’s from my same race. Another thing I would do if I not able to have babies to adopt a kid from Asia, if my husband thinks the same way I do. But I will really like to do that, and I will truly show him or her to respect her parents even though they we are from a different race.
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In class, when many of the students said that they would not adopt a child from a different ancestry other than their own and would not take the sperm or egg of someone from a different ancestry either. This is people’s personal opinion and what they can accept or reject. Being a Justice of the Peace, there are rules and regulations to abide by and he had no right to refuse a marriage license to this couple. The students in Soc 119 and the judge had similar agreements with the children having a hard time growing up because the obvious ethnical different between the child and the parents. The difference is the students had their decision reflect off themselves but the judge is determining the fate of someone else. Not all people believe that the child will grow up different than a family with the same ancestry and for the judge to stereotype such scenarios was a terrible thing to do. He assumed that interracial marriages never last but that does not make logical sense to not give them what they want. It is the couple’s decision to get married and they have every right to do so even if coincidentally, it does not last long. I believe he did not even put any thought into his decision and admits he did not do anything wrong. From my prospective, I think that his actions reflect racism even though he claims he is not.
The couple has every right to try everything in their abilities to get this guy to resign. I am glad that they were able to get their license from someone else but the hassle could have been prevented if the judge was not so racist. The governor mentions that the judge “violated constitutional rights and federal and state laws….disciplinary actions should be taken immediately – including the revoking of his license.” And who wouldn’t agree? Anyone that stands by this man’s side is most likely racist as well because his ruling affected the lives of others and not his. If it was his life or marriage, denying interracial marriage is perfectly fine because of personal morals and opinions.
I found it particularly funny how he says that he is not racist because he does ceremonies for black couples in his house. It kind of reflects how Sam says that white people should not respond to someone calling them racist with such responses like “but my best friend is black so I can’t be racist.” In my opinion, such responses make the condition worse for the individual and more believable that they are indeed a racist. If the judge’s license remains intact or no prosecution occurs, it is difficult for the country to move forward in social equality.
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When I first heard about this story, I was absolutely appalled. I think Terence, the boyfriend, said it best when he explained that in 2009, we shouldn’t have to deal with issues like this anymore. The truth is—we still do. And probably will for years to come.
I’m actually not surprised that the “Justice of the Peace” is standing by his decision. I did not expect him to change his mind or apologize. He seems like he’s very set in his ways.
Sam referred to the students in class who wouldn’t adopt a child of another ancestry or use the sperm or egg of people of another ancestry. In my opinion, these are two different concepts. Adopting a child of another race is helping a person who has already been born. The adoptive parents did not choose to create a child of another background. They are simply providing love, support and a family for a child without those necessities. On the other hand, going out of the way to create spawn of another race seems pointless to me. I don’t understand how doing this could benefit anyone involved.
I completely disagree with this judge’s definition of the word “racist”. He said a racist is someone who treats black people differently than white people. I believe a racist is someone who treats ANYONE differently than ANYONE else. In this particular case, this judge is treating mixed couples differently than white or black couples. How can this NOT be racism?
What’s sad is I’m sure this guy isn’t alone. There are probably other judges out there who feel the same way. I hope people read the articles and watch the videos and STOP tying the knot with judges who share this opinion about mixed couples. It should NOT be his choice to decide if a black person and a white person can wed and bear children. Would this same judge turn away two people for other reasons relating to parenthood? For instance, if two people who looked like stoners walked into this guy’s office, would he refuse to marry them because of the children they might raise someday? What about if two people had genetic diseases they could spread to their kids? I would like to ask this judge what he would do in these types of situations.
What about two gay or lesbian people who want to get married? I have trouble comprehending how denying mixed couples marriage is wrong, but denying homosexual couples marriage is acceptable. Two people are two people. Race, sex or anything else should never be a factor. I wish people would wake up and realize that EVERYONE should be treated equally. We should ALL be able to marry the person we love. Sam mentioned in class that people who care about other people’s sexuality may have a problem with their own sexuality. I agree with this statement, and I hope more states grant homosexual couples the rights they deserve.
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I can honestly say that I have not heard anything about this in the media outlets, but most of the people that I talked about this article with knew what it was all about. This might be because I don’t really watch the news all too often, my extent of news that I get are from the Collegian and some sports news from Sports Center. Let’s just hope that my parents don’t find out because they will be truly disappointed in me.
My first reaction when I read the Love vs. Justice was to say to myself that the government has no right in telling that you cannot marry someone. I feel the same way about gay marriage, the government should not be there to judge you and give you permission to marry someone. I would understand if the church had something to say about because religion has very strict rules about marriage and whatnot, and marriage if for procreation. But the government is there to make laws that protect us, the keyword there is PROTECT. They should not sit there in their high throne taking away people’s rights of marriage.
I probably should have read the CNN article before watching the YouTube clip so I would have had some information about the actual incident. The first thing that came to my mind after I clicked play on the video and heard this judge’s voice was “Oh well here’s another Southern man bringing down the black man and being racist.” But even having read the article on CNN I still have sort of have the same feeling.
This judge does not feel bad about what he did and feels as though what he did was not racist. This is complete and utter bullshit. What he did is completely racist from my point of view. You cannot deny someone their marriage license because their children are going to be mixed race, they could have children whether they were married or not, so not allowing them to get married is just absurd. Sam made a good point stating that there were kind in our SOC 119 class that would not adopt a child that does not have the same ancestry group as we do or that we would not use the egg or sperm of someone in a different ancestry group but that’s just what we believe. We would not want that in our family, and that is completely fine because we have the right to choose what our family is going to be like. This judge on the other hand had no right on deciding that he would not give them a marriage license “for the children.” What is he going to do next tell the guy that he needs to get a vasectomy just to make sure that he does not have interracial children, and that he can only get it reversed if he approves his sexual partner? Let’s just hope it does not come to that in the future.
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I don’t think that this guy is necessarily racist, but I don’t agree with his decision either. This is a couple, a man and a woman, who want to get married. I’ve never read any legislation on the matter (for heterosexual couples) but I always assumed that if two people want to marry in our country they’re allowed to do so. This guy cites that it’ll be tougher for the couple’s kids to get by in life because they’ll be of mixed ancestry, and he’s right. His concern with that regard is probably completely justified; it can be really hard for mixed kids in the world, which is unfortunate. But just like anyone else who’s ever dealt with racism, those kids are going to have to learn to deal with these issues just like other minority groups.
Of course, I’m a white person. I’ve never really been hated on by anybody because of my race, other than some playful ribbing by some black friends. I have no idea what it’s like to be discriminated against, since I’ve lived in a majority white environment for almost my entire life (I really can’t think of a single time where I was actually in the vast minority for more than a few hours, which I find to be kind of alarming). So my opinion isn’t of the highest value with regard to this situation. But I think that the only way to destroy the divisions between us is to increase the amount of exposure we all (different races) get to one another, and to be okay with said exposure. Before I met any black people I never really had any opinion about them. After I met them I was, honestly, kind of afraid of them (that’s something I’ve never really put into words before). Then throughout high school I started making black friends, and having them over to my house, and learning that the skin color difference really didn’t make any difference. Then I learned that the statement at the end of my last sentence was totally wrong. It might not seem like there’s any difference from my point of view, but since I started taking SOC 119 my perspective on race has totally changed. I never really understood just how different the worldview is for black and brown people compared to white people and it makes me a little sad and a little angry/unsettled that this entire race of people starts out so far behind mine.
The last paragraph was really off-topic with regard to the post but I feel like I had to qualify where exactly my position on race relations is at the moment. I can understand this man’s sentiment that he doesn’t think that these people should bring a child into the world. But really, that’s not his decision to make and he (like me) has no idea what it’s really like to be a mixed child. Ironically, before I took SOC 119 I would have called this man a racist, but now I can understand why he doesn’t want these people to get married. I still disagree with his decision, I don’t think it’s okay. But like Sam said in the class on ethnocentrism, I don’t agree with it, but I understand it.
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If you ask me, the judge who refused to marry the interracial couple will undoubtedly be forced to resign. It is against the fundamental law of our country to discriminate based on race. To do so in unconstitutional, and was ruled so in the landmark US Supreme Court decision Loving vs. Virginia. Under Virginia’s miscegenation law, a white woman married to a black man were arrested and imprisoned because they obtained a marriage license in a bordering state. A judge is supposed to be impartial, and apply the law and fulfill his duties with no regard to his own personal ideologies. This judge is the exact opposite of fair and impartial, and as an actor of the government and justice system, is directly violating the law.
I don’t believe this is a similar situation to the example of asking our class if we would conceive a child with the sperm and egg of a different race. This is a person in an authority position denying people a fundamental right. This is not a matter where opinion and personal beliefs, however racist or lack thereof they may be, should come into play. Having a child is a totally different matter, and of course the parents’ opinions should come into play. If someone wants to believe that interracial couples should not conceive based on the assumption that a mixed-race child will face disadvantages, then they can believe this. I do agree that it is similar to the same idea, but in this context, what matters is that a JUDGE is denying OTHER PEOPLE this right. People who have children are not denying anyone of their rights. And I still just can’t get over the argument that the child will have a harder life. On one hand, I completely believe it. Why would I purposely create a child who will somehow have it harder in life than a child who I could make sure would be white, like his mom and dad? Is this just a cover-up behind some deep seated or unconscious beliefs I have about other races? Or do I just want a “cookie cutter” family, where everyone looks the same and fits the way society dictates we should? I find myself applauding and admiring those who choose to adopt. I think families are beautiful that have mixed race children. But for some reason, when I picture my future family, I tend to see white children. I tend to see the safe bet. I want to adopt, but I don’t see myself ever taking the sperm or egg of another race intentionally. Perhaps this is, like I said, because the argument that children who grow up in households of another color other than themselves might have it harder, is to me, very valid and always will be.
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“Before we go off on how outrageous this is”? I am not going to go off on how outrageous this is because it’s not at all. I totally understand the point at which the judge is coming from. A judge’s job is to make sure just is distributed to everybody. What kind of just will it are if children are allowed to born into a family in shambles, no unity or single parenting. The children are going to have a tedious life just for a reason that could have been prevented, denying the parents marriage license. This is not to say mixed racial marriages are bad and doomed to fail, that wouldn’t be the point. In fact I am all for interracial marriages, I actually want more ethnic group to ease out on their traditions of marrying inside their ethnicity, but what I am passionately against is, failed marriages. Ending failed marriages is the point the judge is trying to make.
I do not believe the judge is racist. I see it as he is part of an emerging movement to fight the high divorce rates, just like what happened in the 1970 80s; when most states began to fund marriage education workshops and other programs to combat the ridiculously high divorce rates then. Funds for the workshops halted when the divorce rate plummeted in 1990s. Although the rate decreased it did not decrease by much, it still kept lingering around 50%, even till now. It’s saddening that our government thought divorce rate under of 44% is alright. This number will be quite frustrating to man of justice or any family oriented person, knowing that your marriage or for that matter any marriage in the United States has roughly 1 out of 2 chances (the highest divorce of any developed country) for failure.
Divorce isn’t a onetime event; it isn’t a sad today happy tomorrow life changing event. It is a process of sadness, especially for the children they may have had. The children are deeply traumatized. Their social and academic performances are severely disrupted. Many children never recover from it. It is from this point that the judge based his verdict of denying the couple marriage license on. He is fighting for justice for these children, knowing the unfairness of the situation the children might be raised and the impact that will have on their development.
It is unfortunate that this had to this couple, since its difficult to predict the 1 out of 2 marriages that will fail, but the movement to drastically reduce divorce rate has to begin somewhere, somehow. I foresee laws being put on giving marriage license to couples in an effort to combat this crisis. Laws in the form of passing a compatibility exams.
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Im going to start off by saying that the fact that Bardwell denied them a marriage license, he contradicted himself. I say this because it simply doesn’t make sense to say that racism is when you treat black people differently than white people. First of all, racism isn’t just among blacks and whites. There are people of various backgrounds, along with millions of stereotypes about them. Second, it doesn’t make sense to even refuse a marriage license in the first place, because I don’t see the point in him caring about the fact that a white woman and a black man want to get married to each other. It’s their lives, not his, so why does it matter in the first place? I guess everyone is a bit racist after all. The “argument” that Bardwell is trying to make is “his concern of the children”. Again, the children shouldn’t be his problem because he isn’t the one raising them.
Personally, I believe that he is bitter that the world is changing at a fast pace and doesn’t realize that the upcoming generations are more accepting of different races other than their own. I agree that this is a racist move towards BOTH parties because NEITHER of them are being treated fairly in this case, making this a lose, lose situation on both ends. Bardwell is losing business along with making his race look bad, along with the couple having to find somewhere else to receive a marriage license.
The fact that people refuse to adopt a child of a different race/ancestry other than their own is what I like to call, “indirect racism”. Its not directly being racist, but it’s racism in a passive form, because you are limiting yourself to your own race or excluding one or more particular races. Also, I don’t understand the logic of “the children would have a difficult go of it down the road”, because if you are normal and you raise children normally, they are likely to be normal in the first place. The race of a child doesn’t make a difference, because there are too many factors that come into play. When I first heard that statement in class, I said to myself, “that’s an excuse. That’s a lame excuse.” It is indeed a poor excuse, because you are making an excuse to evade the subject matter. There is no valid reasoning behind that statement. I guarantee that if I asked them why they felt that way, they would say things like, “I don’t know”, “its not right” or give me a foolish response. Well, no matter what, as long as humanity is around, racism will always exist. Its beyond our control.
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After going over this article it really blew my mind and was hard for me to comprehend the fact that a judge simply wouldn’t marry two people in love due to the fact that they were an interracial couple. I really didn’t know that something like that could be done. I truly thought that it only happened with same sex marriages. It is crazy that this is still happening today. As the man said in the video it is 2009 and this shouldn’t be happening today. I completely understand people not agreeing with interracial relationships or marriages, however just like same sex couples we should try to accept them too. Who are we to say that they are not allowed to get married?
In the video he also stated that the children of this couple would run into problems in the future. However, who is he to say that is true. As well as if this couple truly wants to have a child together, they don’t have to be married to do so. He also needs to realize that same sex couples and interracial couples have to realize that their children may run into problems in the future, however they should be ready and prepared to some degree to take care of the situation. The judge also claimed that he did not want to marry them due to the fact that they will most likely get divorced. Again, who is he to say if they will get divorced or not?
After thinking more about this situation, the question of racism does come into my mind. I have trouble with fully coming out and saying that this man, the judge is downright racist. I think that he does have some views on African Americans that he may not have come to terms with just yet, however I don’t think he goes around treating African Americans with complete disrespect or some other form of disrespect. However, I don’t live there or see this man on a daily basis so who am I to say? Regardless though, whether or not this judge is racist or not. He should’ve let the couple get married. He needs to realize that yes, just like everyone else he is not going to agree with everything that everyone does. We all have different viewpoints and religious views. However, we can’t let that hold us back from letting people do certain things. Because for all we know, the outcome could be a good one. Everyone deserves to be loved, and should be able to get married if that is what they please to do. We as a society need to attempt to accept this and come to terms with this, so that we can learn and grow as human beings.
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A white woman and a black man love each other and want to get married. Who has the right to deny them this right? It is their life and no one should disrespectfully judge them by who they are or what they want. The judge who denied the couple their marriage license shouldn’t be described as a racist, but someone who is extremely immoral. This man would never/will never understand the position of the man and woman who aren’t able to get married, unless he is ever put in the position. People shouldn’t obey the law or follow anyone’s opinion when finding their partner. I think this has caused a huge issue on interracial relationships because these people were not allowed to have one of the most important rights, to choose whomever we want to marry. In the past, there have been many controversies with lesbian/gay marriages because it has challenged many beliefs that people have: where a woman marries a man. On the other hand, interracial relationships are entirely different. Someone’s color or ethnic background should not affect their choice in who they marry. I’m trying to see the side of the judge as to why he wouldn’t allow the marriage of the interracial couple and I really don’t understand why it would be a problem. Marrying someone of a different race would cause no harm on either the husband or the wife, or their kids. When I think about marriage, there’s basically two things that could potentially affect the children: marrying someone of a different religion and same sex marriage. A child growing up with two religions may cause unnecessary arguments between the parents and grandparents in what the child’s religion should be. Moreover, a child growing up with two moms or two dads would be difficult because I feel that a child should have a mother and father like figure in their life.
Comparing this to adoption and having children of a different race is a completely different issue. In the two questions, “would you use the sperm or egg of people with ancestry different from your own or would you adopt a child from a different racial background” I answered no. My reasoning behind this had nothing to do with discrimination or being a racist. If I had difficulty in getting pregnant or any other complications where I was not able to have a child, I would not want to openly share it with everyone. If my last resort was turning to adoption/implantation of some sort, I would attempt and prefer to have a child of the same “color” as me. Mainly because I don’t want to put myself or the child in a situation where people question how it is that the white parents have a black child. It is just unnatural and would not make sense for me to purposely inflict this confusion.
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Love vs. Justice
First of all, I do think that Bardwell, the Justice of the Peace in question, is being racist. He was also not following the laws. It is not against the law for a black person to marry a white person, so he should not be able to just refuse to issue them a marriage license like he did. A few classes ago, Sam asked the Soc 119 class how many of us would consider adopting a child of a different race or ancestry. Not many people raised their hands when prompted with this question. In my opinion, it would be harder of a child of mixed race. They may be confused as to how they should act or which culture they should “favor” or be a part of the most. Although in a situation like this, the child and parents could possibly have some different issues than a family with children with parents of the same race as them, they will probably be able to work through them. The single race families will have different problems than mixed race families, but they will be problems none the less. Everyone has minor, or major, problems, but part of life is learning to work through them. I think it is a great thing for a family to adopt a child in need of a family. I would not discourage a family from adopting a child just because they are from a different racial background and ancestry.
As for this couple being refused a marriage license, it is absolutely unfair and ridiculous. The decision of the couple to get married is none of Bardwell’s business. He should not be able to refuse them a marriage license under that one condition alone. It is against the Unites States Constitution and should not be tolerated.
Bardwell claimed that his definition of racist id treating black people different than white people. I would have to say that not issuing this license is a racist action. Bardwell would give a license to Humphrey and McKay if they were either both white or both black, but because Humphrey is white and McKay is black, then he refuses. This is being racist because he is not accepting that they should be allowed to marry.
There are more forms of racism than just treating blacks and whites differently. Bardwell shows signs of racism because he is against interracial marriages. This has to be racism at least to some degree. It should not matter what the color of a couple’s skin is, as long as they love each other. I know that sounds mushy and corny, but that is the way it should be. I think that Bardwell deserves to be forced into resignation, or to be removed from his position as justice of the peace.
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So the article says that he did not marry the couple because he was concerned for the children who might be born, because most interracial marriages do not last. HAHA that is the most ridiculous thing. A lot of marriages do not work, not just interracial ones. It is funny too that to back up his remark that he is not racist, by saying “I marry black people all the time.” Well that is just dandy! Now I know why Sam said when someone calls you racist do not try to defend yourself, because you will obviously just make it worse, what a perfect example.
I really feel though that maybe it is not what he really feels, but is honestly doing it to get media attention and the governor is attacking him for attention too. This could just be my whole conspiracy theory about the media though. But then again it seems to be a flaw with the judicial system, considering that Loving v. Virginia case. In the unanimous decision, the court said that “Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.”
So I believe he is being racist but obviously no one can do anything about it. It is pretty sad that he says the only reason for denying them as I said before was because of offspring. I read it first in the article and then listened to it and listening to it made me feel worse than just reading it. He has no remorse, but if it he was in their situation then it would be a completely different feeling for him. It stinks that people judge about things they really do not know anything about or until it happens to them.
Also he says racism is to hate black people or treat black people differently. Well if that is all he sees racism as then he has got a very sheltered version, because there are not just blacks and whites. One thing though that I found interesting is that the article did not really specify too much on their race, in depthly.
All I can say is that he obviously does not believe in it and seems to be racist and may be wrong in our eyes but is not wrong according to the judicial system. He does not have to marry them if he does not want to. Sam said in his blog that we should think about how a lot of us would not use sperm of another race. I would not use sperm from another race because I would want the baby to at least maybe look like me and have the same skin color. It would just save the baby from having a difficult life of people making fun and just not understanding that the kids mom had another man’s sperm because his real dad could not produce.
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The last paragraph of Sam’s article was quite funny because of how he jokingly said the man, in one perspective, was not being a racist and that he denied both of them. What made this funny was that of course we can or at least should be able to see the racism in this article. I would first like to say that I thought the man seemed to have a pretty fair disposition and had held his position for some time so from a certain stance he must have been qualified, but this just goes to show that no matter who you are racist ideas can still be floating around in our minds. The worst part was that I believed him when he said he did not think he was being racist. I think he honestly felt like he was protecting the couple. The only problem with this is that its not his job to protect them and that well, it was an utterly racist move on his part regardless. I am in no way sympathizing with the judge. What happened was racist but I am trying to see it with his shoes on.
Ok so now to the couple, I think they should take legal action against the judge. Like the husband said, “it’s 2009,” come on, what’s your deal! These people should have never been denied their marriage license obviously, and I am sure when they went in to get it they were completely shocked when they were denied. I mean they probably had no idea or even dreamt that there was even a chance that they would be denied and that race would have been a factor.
As far as the judge resigning, I think he should. Personally I do not was someone who is in office that with these racist ideas. I’m sure there are others out there that believe the same way as the judge, but they do not exercise their ideas because they will be pointed out in just the same way as this man. It is their jobs that keep them in line, it is in no way the system I want for racism to be stop but it is just the side effect of how it developed. This whole issue just has me scratching my head. I mean I understand standing up for what you believe in but did he honestly think he was going to stop two people who love each other from getting married? This is just stupidity in action. With my limited experience with love even I know that you can’t stop it. If two people love each other they will find a way to work things out. This may seem like the cliché depiction of love, but it seems to hold true in most cases.
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I’m sure that this judge has gotten a lot of shit for his refusal. I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt though. What if he sincerely, honestly believed that he was doing the couple and their future children good by not granting the marriage? If this was the case, if he truly thought that he was doing right, even knowing that he was going to get crap from the public, would he still be a bad guy?
Now this is the 21st century, and the idea of a man dictating what is right or wrong for somebody else is pretty absurd. I am trying to concentrate on looking at if this guy is sincerely concerned about these people, or if he is just using that statement to hide his racist feelings. He says that he is not racist on the grounds that he has married white people in his home before. That does not necessarily mean that he is not racist. Often times, racists have strong feelings about men from other races marrying women of their own race.
One of the arguments was the high divorce rates amongst mixed marriages. A lot of people view divorce as a very negative thing. However, divorce is a very good tool that we have in our society. Divorce gives people the opportunity to give true love a chance without the worry that they would be stuck forever in a relationship with the other person. If a couple divorces, it is better for the family than having the husband and wife not love each other, create a hostile household environment, and cheat on each other. I do not think that risk of divorce is a good argument to use in his defense.
That said, it appears that this man is playing the role of god. At least it seems like he thinks that he has that kind of power. This probably comes from white supremacist views that he has. He most likely thinks that because he is white he is more intelligent and can make better decisions than a black man. This seems to be a fundamental error that some Southern people have. It seems like this view has roots deep in the colonial era, and it has not yet rooted itself out of our society. It would be important for high ranking Southern officials to take action against this man in order to discourage this type of behavior. If it is permitted without consequence, then it will be viewed as acceptable and the white supremacists will continue carrying out actions that keep people of color down in the South. Taking actions against situations like these is the best way to make progress with the racial tensions in the South.
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I think Sam makes a really interesting point when bringing up the issue of adopting a child of another ancestry and what the majority of the class’s opinion on that was. I really can’t sit hear and say that what that Bardwell did was racists or wrong. He has a distinct idea and opinion on inter racial couples and their children and he thinks that the negatives outweigh the positives. From his experience because he sees no good coming from an interracial couple he is legally allowed to deny them a marriage license. I personally don’t see the point of not letting them get married, if I was in his position I would have proceeded with giving them their license. I see no serious potential problem that this couples child or children would have that anyone else wouldn’t. This man Bardwell may have again seen or experienced dealing with interracial couples divorcing at a very high rate and seen or experienced what has happened to their children. Because his explanation of denying them is pretty vague I can’t fully understand his decision, and because I can’t fully understand his decision I can’t call him a racist. He has the right to deny them and I think that though this couple has a good case, I believe they are making this a big deal for illegitimate reasons. First off are they really doing all this just to single out a man who they believe is racists and that others should “keep and eye on”. Are they doing this because they got so pissed off about Bardwell’s opinion and being denied that they want him fired or to step down? Are they simply doing it to get attention, or do they really feel that Bardwell’s decision was clearly violation of constitutional rights and federal and state law. It seems to me from the report that this has been a rule of his for a long period of time now and that these aren’t the first people he denied. So I’m assuming there wasn’t some big hurtful and embarrassing argument where Bardwell sat them down and explained how wrong they are for being together. So again I think that this specific issue is being blown out of proportion a little. I think my opinion on this issue was also formed because of the appearances and actions of this couple during the You Tube and CNN interviews. On the CNN report the woman didn’t really have an answer to any of his questions, all she had to say was that she was shocked and took up more time by thinking of what to say and then repeating that she was just shocked and that he should be punished. At the very end of that video they show her and her fiancé in the kitchen and she hop’s up in the counter this weird ass grin, and then in other scenes in the you tube video they were purposely being over affectionate to show their love and what not. I think that threw me off a little and kind of second guessed them. If you’re going to go on television calling someone racist and demanding them to be fired from their job I think you should act and dress in a certain way. And on top of that you should present a compelling case for your opinion not just to say that you were shocked that in 2009 someone can deny you marriage.
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Wow this is so shocking. I knew that there are people out there who are still ignorant and racist but I had no idea that the people who held a judicial position would treat people that way. This is such a disappointment and shame on the court system. Who knows how many injustice things that he have done throughout this 34 years of duty that society did not notice. I was a little bit disappointed of how short the interview clip was. I want to hear more of his explanation regarding his decision. There are so many questions that I would like to ask him. I want to know what kind of knowledge or research he based on when making his decision saying that he is caring for the children’s well being. Another thing that I troubles my mind is why does he think that he has the right to step into someone business and tell them what they doing is wrong. This is clearly and entirely his personal opinion. Since when did the justice system judge on personal beliefs instead of written laws? I personally come from a very diverse family; we ranges from Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, to Asians and all of us are getting along fine. We embrace our differences and we learn different things from each other.
“Interracial marriages usually don’t last.” I actually that this statement is a bit amusing because about 50% of ALL marriages do not last and I highly doubt that the interracial couples break up because of racial issues. I think that to make such assumption is very much so close-minded and ignorant. What I do not understand is that if we do not open up our cultures, beliefs, and values to people of different races then how do we expect to ever get along and have equality? I’m not sure why he has he opinion that he has but I just simply don’t understand. I think that the guy is subconsciously racist. For him to deny the fact that he is not racist gives me two conclusions, either is just being a jerk or he is honestly unaware of this his action as racism. I personally think that love involves honesty, commitment, dedication, sacrifices, etc. The list can go on endlessly but one think I know for sure is race is not on that list. To see race as a problem in a marriage shows the lack of education as well as close-mindedness.
This might be too harsh but I really think that the judge should not be asking to resign; instead, he should be removing from his position (i.e. fired). His actions show that he has no credibility under any circumstances and all of his years of duty is a shame to this country. He is something that we do not represent.
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Even though it would be uncomfortable to have a child of different ancestry or be the head of a family of different ancestry, thinking about it and experiencing it are two different things. In class, we were just given a few questions that asked our comfort levels with the above mentioned situations. In my opinion, I think that these questions were limited. I mean, most of the people in class are not involved in interracial relationships, so all we can give is our thoughts. However, these thoughts can change as soon as one is in a strong relationship with someone of another ancestry (i.e. a white man having a black child with a black woman).
When I first read the article (before Sam’s input), I thought that the judge was blatantly racist. His reasoning was that, based on his own experience, interracial marriages don’t work out. First of all, it seems that he has developed a stereotype about interracial marriages, but it doesn’t make it true in all cases. Denying the couple a marriage license is especially dumb when he mentions that he is looking out for any children to be born by the couple in the future. I can understand this, as children may have a hard time with a divorce, but what says the couple wants kids in the first place? There are probably many successful marriages out there where neither person involved wants kids, so how can he not give the license to the couple when he doesn’t know what they want out of the marriage?
After reading Sam’s input, I could definitely agree with the point he was trying to get across. Many of my previous thoughts were thrown into question. In class, we thought we would be protecting the children by not heading a family of a different ancestry. However, this is exactly what the judge was using as reasoning (once again, assuming they have children). The only difference then between us and the judge is that he has the ability to protect the children, while we can only think about the subject. Personally, the judge should have just directed the couple to another justice of the peace of Louisiana instead of denying them and then having his wife do the job for him. The Constitution is clear, stating that the freedom to marry or not marry a person of a different race cannot be infringed upon by the government.
So in the end, the judge violated Constitutional law, yet his reasoning is something we can all get behind. This sounds like an example of morality versus law, which doesn’t have a clear-cut winner. In all honesty, after all this writing, I have no idea what to think. I feel as if I am split right down the middle: one side agreeing with the judge, the other condemning him.
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Before discussing what has gone on in class, I think it shouldn’t matter the race of a man and a woman getting married. These are two people who have fallen in love, and now want to take their relationship to the next level. There is nothing wrong with what these people want to do. Sure people may speculate at the chance this marriage will last, but that should not matter in the process of getting a marriage license. This guy really confuses me. There is nothing in the law that states that these two can not be wed. There is especially nothing referring to stopping the marriage of two people of different races. This man is clearly not performing his duty as an elected official. Also, whether it is true that these sorts of marriages historically do not last, this one could. And the simple fact that these two could be happily married for a long time is enough of a reason to give them a chance. Everyone deserves their shot at happiness and this couple is no different. The marriage license should not be denied to these two. I also do not understand why the judge would try to not let them marry when it was so easy for the couple to go elsewhere and get a license. He should have just given it to them even if he disagreed. His protest is only going to get him in trouble; it will not stop this marriage. I think he is just wasting his time and not using his head. The couple should only take legal action that will possibly relieve the man of his position, not get them any monetary benefit because they are still getting married.
As far as the discussion from class goes about adopting a child of another race, I absolutely would adopt a child of another race. I know I would because of my Aunt and Uncle. When I was younger they had the toughest time trying to have a baby. They tried everything. One day they decided to adopt. After much debate, they decided to adopt two children from Romania. When these kids came over there lives where changed forever. The first time I saw them, I knew there life back in Romania had to be difficult. I remember my aunt giving them a sandwich and watched as they ate it very intensely. They protected their food from everyone else and appeared paranoid that it would be stolen; something I believe happened often in Romania. Since this time the two have adapted to the American way very well and are very happy. That is why I know if for some reason, when I’m older, if I can’t have a child with my wife, I will adopt from an area where I can change a child’s life.
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It seems as though all the articles that Sam posts about in his blogs are about racism and the naive and ignorant actions of people in society today. However, I feel as though every time I write my soc 119 journals I believe these groups of ignorant and racist people are the minority. Perhaps I am wrong. He seems to find plenty of appalling stories of people who show neglect towards other races, genders and people’s sexual orientations. What I am trying to say simply is that these acts of racism that we all consider so rare and appalling happen quite often.
In this article Keith Bardwell a Justice of the Peace refuses to wed a white woman to a black man. Even more shocking is that in the interview he claims he is not racist! Clearly the man has a problem with the marriage, consummation and reproduction of a white women and black man. Not being racist would be being able to see past the color of ones skin and just see people as people. In this case, not being racist would be seeing that these two people love each other and skin color has nothing to do with their love for each other.
I feel bad for this couple being so excited to get married and spend the rest of their lives together than having a rude racist justice of the peace come between that. This couple will probably never be able to remember their wedding time in a happy light due to the disrespect and hate of others like Keith Bardwell. Society has taken strides towards seeing past color but clearly we have a long way to go. If not allowing this couple to wed is not racist I do not know what is. Keith Bardwell claims he is looking out for the best interest of the child however there are many children who live in society today of mixed race. Like the experiment we did in class, when we had to put people into Black, White and Asian groups, it was impossible! Even Sam, he believed a young girl from the class was “too white” and she was one hundred percent Hispanic.
He also claims that treating black and white people differently is racism. Therefore because he is forbidding the marriage of both the black man and white woman to get married they are being treated the same thus he is not racist. I think that this statement is clearly a cover-up to maintain a positive light on his job and career. If people in society keep living day to day as racist who are pretending not to be racist society will never really tear down racism and racist acts completely.
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The couple and the judge have what I would call a difference of opinions. I for one believe that because the judge is an elected official, he should be open to the different views of anyone under his jurisdiction. However, he is right to worry not about the marriage but about the future children that this couple will have. Believe it or not, 21st century hasn’t had that much improvement with the discrimination. I am a 100% Peruvian female that has been discriminated for being a minority. I have also seen discrimination towards mixed races throughout my high school years, where I began to realize how discrimination looked like, and as well as on this Penn State campus. The people of mixed races as well as anyone who is discriminated on don’t have to be physically or verbally discriminated, the judging eyes will do it to. And whether or not we realize it, I am almost positive that every here has in someway discriminated towards someone different then ourselves. This judge, I believe, has worries for the future generations of mixed races and not a refusal of giving the license because of racism. He has even stated, as Sam Richards also clarifies, that he believes racism is treating black people differently then white people. Here he does not. He is simply refusing to give a marriage license to mixed races.
To comment on how the class reacted when asked about adopting from a different race then ours or having an egg/sperm of another race as well I believe are two completely different things. I acknowledge that discrimination still occurs in this country and world. Therefore, I know that I would want an egg/ sperm of the same race. However, when it comes to adopting which I actually hope to do in my lifetime, will absolutely love to adopt from another race. My reason for the difference is because if I were putting money into an operation involving someone else’s egg/sperm then I would prefer a child of the same race because of the hardships faced with mixed races. However, when there are children out in the world already looking for a home I will gladly give my all to raising this child. I know having a child of mixed race would probably help the world out and eventually, or hopefully, shrink the amount of discrimination out in this world. However, I personally, as of right now, do not think I am ready to raise a child let alone of another race but eventually hope to get to that level because I know that it will make a huge impact on not only myself but this world.
All in all I believe that the judge does look somewhat racist because of opposing the marriage license, however I do see where he is coming from.
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I may be repeating myself, but it always shocks me when I see such blatant discrimination in the modern times. I choose the word discrimination in this case because I don’t think I can label what this judge did as racism. If he has no problem marrying black or other same-race couples, than he is just discriminating against interracial couples. That doesn’t make his actions any more justified or right in anyway, I just don’t think it is racist. I guess I live in my own little bubble but I always think it doesn’t happen anymore. And then when I see such a real and concrete example of discrimination, it brings me back to reality. I guess since I’m white, I have the privilege of living in a bubble where I see no blatant racism or discrimination. In all honesty that bothers me. I want to see what’s really out there without it being in a news article or discussed in soc 119. Clearly if it’s something that people are uncomfortable discussing, or that shows up in the news there is something wrong with it.
About the comment of people not wanting to adopt other race children, I think that is a completely different case. For one, when an interracial couple decides to get married and start a family, they know exactly what they are getting themselves into. They have made the conscious choice to have a mixed race family, and they are prepared to deal with whatever consequences that may bring. Additionally, they are both present to talk to their children about the different parts of their race. Since one parent of each race would be raising the children, it would be easier to help the children understand their race as well as embrace both parts of their culture. I don’t think it is any different than having two people of different religions get married. More importantly, it is not up to the judge to make the decision for the couple.
If I make the decision not to adopt a child of a different race, that is because clearly I know that I am not comfortable with my child growing up in that setting. However I don’t agree with that because I think it would be an amazing experience, but that is a different story. The point is that as people, we have the right to make our own decisions when it comes to whom we marry, how we live, and how we raise a family. Just because the justice of “peace” thinks that their children would have a harder time growing up because of the mixed race, does not give him the right to deny the couple their right to get married.
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