Racist or Preference

This is the second time today I have had to mention @imarebel116 and it will be the last. Check her blog out at http://mrsware92510.blogspot.com/.

About two weeks ago she asked me what are some qualities I look for in a significant other and what qualities I could do without if I met "the right person." Those are not the exact words but you get where I am going. One of the qualities that I mentioned was black. (Even though that isn't a quality of a person). I also said if I had to settle, black would still be one of the main "qualities." She responded by asking if the person was white, but possessed my main qualities or requirements, would I feel differently? I said no.

For some reason that question and my response stayed in my head. I kept wondering if my choice made me racist for saying no. After giving it thought, I told myself it is just preference. Is that something racist people say??

When looking at other people searching for love or those who have found love, I have never thought nothing of those who date outside of their race. You like what you like. You love who you love.

For myself, I just think it would be easier for me to relate to someone who has a common background or history that I have. I know there is a difference between race and religion, but I don't think my preference to date someone is black is different from a Jewish person wanting to marry a Jewish person. It's their mutual understanding of their history and culture that makes that relationship so important.

Those are the same sentiments that I have. I believe that mutual background is special. It makes everything about that love and relationship special.

What do you think? Racist or preference?