Ashton Grant is one of the long-haired, pretty faces that you’ll see walking around the fashion department. She’s a junior now and hopes to one day open her own stores, all of them carrying her successful clothing line, of course. From what I see Ashton wearing, she loves clean and collective looks. You might see her sporting plaid skirts, minimalistic jewelry, and handmade accessories at any given time.
Seeing as racism is a hot topic right now (though it always has been, here in the south) I asked her about what it’s like to be an interracial couple and how her family reacted to the idea. Ashton is Caucasian, but has dated Asian students here on campus. Here’s the Q&A that followed.
Alexia Zarate: What kind of guys do you go for? Any particular traits?
Ashton Grant: I’m really attracted to cute guys. And by cute I mean dorky and sweet. It doesn’t matter how good looking or how rich they are, as long as they have respect and a charming attitude.
Photo courtesy of Ashton Grant.
AZ: What was it like being an interracial couple and how does it compare to dating someone of your own race?
AG: I learned a lot of things—my boyfriend at the time wasn’t even from America nor was his first language English. To me, being an interracial couple requires dedication. When we held hands in public, many people stared at us and I saw some whispering. People don’t stare when the couple is of the same race.
AZ: Was there a specific reason you were attracted to the Asian boys at our school or was it a coincidence that you ended up dating a Chinese student?
AG: It was a coincidence! I’ve always been interested in different Asian cultures, but I never saw myself dating someone from a different culture. He made the first move, and I couldn’t have been more interested and flattered by his sweetness.
Photo courtesy of Alexia Zarate.
AZ: How did your family react to the relationship?
AG: My family saw it coming because my sister and I talked about him all the time. They did ask questions about his real name and his origin, but they weren’t surprised or against it.
AZ: Do you have a racial preference when it comes to dating?
AG: Love sees no color. It doesn’t matter what race my partner might be.
AZ: How do you think interracial couples are looked upon here in the south and do you see very many of them?
AG: In the South, it’s very looked down upon to be in an interracial relationship. My parents always make comments when they see couples like that, and I always try to argue with them, saying that love is love and that anyone can be with anyone.
AZ: Lastly, do you have your eye on anyone right now?
AG: I always have my eye on someone! I’m just a curious girl and I love making friends, even though I’m bad at it. If I can form a relationship naturally and it becomes something more in the end, it’s worth it.
Comment below if you’re in an interracial relationship, or know someone who is, and have noticed adversion towards you or your partner.