I think here in the United States it has always been going on, It is now just more out in the open and people don't have to hide it . Don't forget that once upon a time, not too long ago, there were actually laws on the books in the that outlawed interracial marriages, and relationships. Also it certain parts of the country it would be very very dangerous for a black man to be seem with a white woman, or to even approach a white woman. (look up Emmit Till) Now day abots laws and most attitudes have changed, so white women can have all the black men they want openly and there is not a dam thing anyone can do to stop it, legally or otherwise, So its seen out there more often. Also the media shows much more interracial couples than they used to. Years ago they would not dare show a black man and a white woman on TV.