Do you ever get the sense that people from other races are attracted to you solely because of, rather than in spite of, your racial differences? Racialicious examined this troublesome exotification of blacks, Asians, and Latin Americans in personal ads on Craigslist. If a guy or a girl is looking to date you because of a vast generalization that he or she has made about your race, then it’s probably not a great idea to respond to their ad (if you’re into responding to personal ads, that is). Check out some examples of what to avoid after the jump.

White Men Looking for Asian Women:

Model minority: “Asians are the ‘other white meat’. . . most white professional white guys would never really consider marrying a black or Latin woman as there are just too many cultural differences and other irreconcilable differences. But with Asian girls it’s not quite like that. Asian cultures are for the most part civilized, they have a high degree of intelligence, and even their skin is close to us white folk.” [Wow . . . side note, notice how he refers to Asian women as “girls” and to blacks/Latinas as “women.” This is a recurring theme in a lot of the ads.]

Men Looking For Black Women:

Eh, you all look alike: “I work with this sexy black girl and she about 23 or 24. I think about her alot. Problem is that since we work together I can not be with her. Plus, she doesn’t know that I have this fantasy. So I am looking for a girl to take her place!!” [Read: You are all pretty much the same anyway, so even if you are NOT the girl from my office, your simply being black will suffice]

They have big butts (and need financial assistance): “Are you very attractive young black or latina woman, very cutie with nice round shaply phat bottom very clean aids dd free, 18 to 25 you need $200.00 in cash willing to give daddy sweet good loving.” [One word: ew. This one made me cringe.]

Black Men Looking For White Women:

The One: “Looking for a slender white woman: I HAVE FINALLY FOUND MY CALLING. AFTER MANY YEARS OF DATING BLACK WOMAN, I MET A WHITE WOMAN WHO BLEW MY MIND WITH PASSONATE LOVE THAT I HAVE NEVER FELT BEFORE.”

At Racialicious, there are many more examples where those came from, plus clever analysis. I feel like I need to take a shower. Of course, there is nothing wrong with dating outside of your race or having a preference for a certain type of man or woman. But there are right reasons and wrong reasons. Racism, complete ignorance, and perverted fetishes are three of them.

[Racialicious]