In light of recent events, with Barak Obama's successful bid for the presidency, issues of race have certainly been on the forefront of the American conscience. There is something to say for the fact that he is bi-racial, when yesterday's question was "What about the children of mixed marriages? How can they fit into society?" Today's answer is just fine, thank you.

I grew up in an interracial household. My father married a caucasian woman, and they raised me to be tolerant of others, no matter the color of their skin. I have always seen these types of relationships as normal and never knew until I was older that there were people who didn't see things the way I did. At first I was stunned by comments I heard, until I started studying history and realized how unsual my family make-up was compared to typical early 1970's families. Over the years I have educated myself in order to comprehend the negative reactions to this type of union between the sexes, and I used my knowledge to respond to ignorance in a positive way.

Was the marriage of my parents perfect? No. They had problems just like anyone else, but their issues were not based on race.

Over the years, there have been several films where mixed race relationships were a focal point of the plot. Here are some of my favorites, not just for the interracial aspect, but just because they were movies that I enjoyed for various reasons. I only have a few examples here, but I encourage anyone who wants to engage in some introspection or start a conversation about this topic to research more. The end result isn't always sunny, but that is life.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)- The daughter of upper class liberals falls in love with a black doctor and they plan to be married, though they have known each other for only a short time. This film was very controversial for the time, as it was still illegal in 17 states to marry outside your race. The movie won 2 Academy Awards.

A Bronx Tale (1993)- Robert DeNiro's directorial debut is a wonderful film about 1960's New York and the impact a changing society has on young Calogero. He's already facing complex personal problems stemming from his involvement with the local mob leader, and then complicates matters even further by falling in love with an African American girl. Highly recommended.

Flirting (1991)- Set in rural Australia in the 60's, this funny and intelligent tale of first love is absolutely charming. Prep school oddball falls in love with a South African girl attending the all girls school across the lake. Despite the attitudes of their peers, they pursue the relationship. Won 3 Australian Film Institute awards, and deservedly so. Marketed as your typical teen comedy, this movie is anything but.

Jungle Fever (1991)- A Spike Lee joint, so you know it's controversial. Whether or not you agree with the sentiments expressed in this film, you have to admit it is powerful and thought-provoking. Married black architect Flipper has an affair with his Italian secretary. Their "jungle fever" has serious effects on both of their lives. If you haven't seen it, you should.