Via Shakespeare's Sister I came across this rather stunning fact, which I think I've been exposed to before but I tend to block it out - it wasn't until 1991 that a regular Gallup showed that a plurality of Americans approved of interracial marriage (48%). 4% approved in 1958. 36% approved in 1978. In 1991 20% thought it should be illegal - that number was 40% in 1972.
...and, thinking back, let me just add that in the 80s I seem to remember that a lot of people who disapproved of interracial imagined that it wasn't out of any personal disapproval, but, you know, what about the children who have to grow up in a racist society? As in, *I'm* perfectly fine with it, but other people aren't, so perhaps it's better if it doesn't happen. Ridiculous, but nonetheless a fairly mainstream position at the time.
