In light of the holiday season, State Farm Insurance Company released an engagement advertisement that featured a black man and a white women. The amount of reaction that was displayed by people across the world has been astonishing on many levels, from internet trolls who are blatantly racist to those who support diversity.

The advertisement received comparisons and accusations of promoting a caveman culture, one that would come years before the diverse culture of 2016. Responses even included upsetting memes depicting the black man giving the white woman AIDS or white women being beat up by black men. The stereotypical attitudes that caused an uproar over the advertisement only showed that 2016 has been one for the books in terms of pop culture.

However, some people chose to respond with positivity and commended State Farm with their different choice in advertisement compared to other companies who used same race couples. In addition to the complimentary attitude by some, others showed their appreciation by sharing pictures of their own diverse families. Personally, I find this inspiring as people were able to see above the surface image and were proud of their loved ones and diversity within their own lives.

As a person who supports interracial relationships, the advertisement was especially disturbing to me. Frankly, I was extremely upset by the judgmental attitudes that were displayed by so many people. The issue of interracial couples not only sparks my interest but hits close to home, as several loved ones have made the choice to have relationships with people of races different than their own. I have seen and experienced first-hand the various reactions that interracial couples receive by their own friends and family and strangers alike. Honestly, the reactions I have seen and heard have not been that different from the racist attitudes that were shown after the advertisement. Some people show their support and encouragement on the pursuit of happiness, others remain silent, while some explicitly condone the relationship.

Living in the twenty first century gives us a lot of freedom in comparison to past generations. In the United States, we are able to marry who ever we want, regardless of gender. Slavery and segregation based on race has been abolished and everyone remains equal under the law. However, it seems that in light of this ad, we have taken a step back in terms of acceptance. The color of one’s skin does not define who a person is. It may contribute to their identity or can even be one of the reasons they are found attractive. However, the color of a person’s skin should not be holding anyone back from pursuing the relationship that they want to have, regardless of opposition or judgement.

In conclusion, I commend State Farm for their advertisement choice. Many companies stray away from this controversial topic, while State Farm faced the issue head on. Marketing and advertising departments aren’t opposed to showing various couples of the same race to promote themselves. Oftentimes, two white, Asian, or black people are featured and receive applause for their “diverse” displays without any backlash. But the moment that two races are mixed, it’s disturbing.

Collectively, we need to respect other people’s choices and let others find happiness, regardless of race. Everyone wants to love and be loved so no matter the color of one’s skin or ethnic background, it’s time we show deference to everyone.