As a rule, straight men are attracted to women, period, because they're women, and each guy has his own tastes. It's not that complicated, really: if you're his type, he's going to be attracted to you regardless of skin color. The racial politics, on the other hand, can be a drag for anybody.
Interracial relationships are complicated, both because as a society we're still dealing with racism, but really more for the fact that depending on who you're friends with, people are going to be weird about it. I've been in an interracial relationship or two, and honestly, no matter what race you are, you have no idea how your friends will react until you reveal your relationship. Some people won't care, and some will care far, far more than they should. I've lost a few friends (and not all of them white people, either) who said some staggeringly racist things to my face.
So, that's a strong factor, for both parties. That said, if you think he's interested, it can't hurt to ask him out. Worst thing that happens is he says no. Worry about what he thinks, not what others think.
I have a question regarding race. I am honestly not attracted to black guys. I have worked with black guys in the past and they've asked me out. I say no, and they always ask "Is it because I'm black?!" I could give them any answer like not wanting a work relationship or whatever (which is true- I think it would only lead to trouble) but they always say I am racist because I won't date them. So I guess my question is, while I have no problem with others inter-racially dating, am I racist to not be attracted to someone of another race?
No, Katie, you're not being racist. The proper response is just to tell them the truth: whether they accept it or not is their problem.
erm....I would say a resounding NO. If you're not attracted, you're not attracted.
Me personally, I am not attracted whatsoever to Hispanic guys. On the other hand, that is my sister's type ALL.DAY.LONG. If a Colombian told me I was racist because I won't date him, I'd laugh in his face.
Attraction can be influenced by the culture, but at the end of the day, you decide who you're attracted to, not anybody else.
As long as you treat everyone with decency and believe in their inherent equality regardless of race, you're not racist for not generally being attracted to people of a certain race. However if you find yourself thinking that people of the race you tend not to be attracted to are "ugly" or "gross" or such, you need to do some soul searching and find out why you feel that way.
Katie - in my experience, you are not a racist. It is based upon your comfort level & I don't see it as being any different than being attracted to a certain "type" of guy or not. I am currently in an inter-racial relationship of nearly a year with a guy whom I met & worked with 10 years ago. When we knew each other in our previous lives, I was attracted to him and we would flirt with each other but if he had asked me out then, I can't say that I would have dated him b/c I was uncomfortable with inter-racial dating being FOR ME as 10 years ago, I wasn't at the same place in my life where I am now. When we re-connected and he asked me out a year ago, he wanted to know if I had been in an inter-racial relationship before and what my thoughts were about it? It's not a problem for him as from what I can tell, he has almostly always only dated white women even though he states that ALL women are beautiful in their own way. When I replied that I hadn't been in one but I wasn't opposed to it, he responded that it would be OK if I was and that it didn't make me a bad person but honesty about your comfort is definitely the best policy and if he still considers you a racist, that's his hang-up & not yours.