In a recent interview with Vlad TV, Houston rapper Paul Wall was asked, as an individual born and bred in the South, if he had encountered a lot of racism and negativity from people as a White man married to a Black woman. Interesting enough, Wall said that it’s in places people would deem more progressive that he’s been given the most side-eyes about his relationship. Places like New York, in fact.
According to Wall, there is obviously racism in Texas, but where he specifically grew up and lives now, “We were taught to love one another. We were forced to love one another, and we were shown the different cultures so we could coexist, respect and love each other.” And Wall said that his relationship with his wife, Crystal, is wholly embraced. The two have been married for 10 years (together for 12) and have two kids.
But when Wall travels with his wife to the East Coast, specifically to New York, he said that’s when people have so much to say and let him know that they don’t approve.
“I think in Texas, there’s definitely some racism there. But me, personally, I feel the greatest amount of racism when I travel with my wife to the East Coast or when I travel with my wife to certain other areas. It’s way worse than it is in Texas. Places where traditionally you wouldn’t look or think of them as racist…We’re always going to pick at our differences, but, New York, where traditionally, it’s a melting pot, that’s where I’ve always seen the greatest amount of dirty looks when I’m with my wife. People shaking their head or making little comments. Couples making little jokes and saying this and that. But it is what it is. Some things never change.”
As someone who lives in New York City, I know that interracial relationships are quite common. They’re everywhere. But I can also say that I’ve literally walked in Midtown and seen someone say something nasty to an interracial couple minding their business. Not everyone is accepting, but such is life. While there are many open-minded people who believe that love is love, there are still some looking to be party poopers. Times certainly have changed, but as Wall stated (and as the current state of the world we live in shows), some things never change.
