In 2015 one-in-six U.S. newlyweds (17%) were married to someone of a different race or ethnicity.
This is up from just 3% in 1967. The reason 1967 is the comparison date is that's the year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that interracial marriages were legal.
These stats comes from Pew Research's In U.S. metro areas, huge variation in intermarriage rates.
Not surprising given the sharp increase in intermarriage, the U.S. Census is projecting that the "two or more races" population will grow the fastest of any demographic cohort over the next 40 years.
And while we are on the topic of the changing racial and ethnic make-up of the U.S., here are several more interesting stats from the U.S. Census:
- Babies of color already outnumber non-Hispanic white babies (1 year or younger)
- By 2020, more than half of the nation's children are expected to be part of a minority race or ethnic group
- Sometime around 2040 America will be a minority majority nation
- By 2060 the minority population is projected to rise to 56 percent of the total, compared with 38 percent in 2014.
- By 2060, the nation's foreign-born population will reach nearly 19 percent of the total population, up from 13 percent in 2014.
The shifting racial and ethnic make-up of the U.S. is driving the trend towards cultural fusion. This is the blending and mixing of different cultures and their practices.
A simple example of cultural fusion is the nationwide popularity of Korean Tacos, which were introduced in 2008 by LA's Kogi BBQ food truck.
The numbers presented above make it clear the racial,ethnic and cultural blending of America will continue - as will cultural fusion.
Yes, there will be friction and push-back from those who feel threatened by these shifts. But the reality is the blurring of cultural, ethnic, social and racial lines is too far along and powerful to stop.
Small businesses who embrace cultural fusion will find a variety of market opportunities.
Most American consumers are embracing innovative products and services that are inspired by the mesh of cultures. Small businesses who can create these products and services will - like the Kogi Barbecue truck - benefit.
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