I am from India, living in Germany for a long time now. I have liberal views, and most of my ideas align with the political left, here, in Europe. My parents, though, are from a traditional Indian background. In their case, they were married through arrangement and there is definitely a sense of communal responsibility as opposed to individualism.
Recently, I informed them that I have a serious girlfriend of two years, from France, and I would be happy if they met her. Their reaction was quite bad. They straight up told me that I was being a terrible person and not taking into account their sentiments at all, and that this would have terrible repercussions for their social standing. They also argue that a person from another country is not suited for me, as there will be conflict of culture which will lead to me destroying my future (or their version of my future, I guess).I get that they are a product of their time and society, but I am at loss on how to proceed. They were good parents, except for trying to micromanage my life, though such a behaviour is common in India. I do not appreciate it, but I understand that certain compromises are understandable considering their origins. That said, I cannot budge with something as personal as a relationship. The fact that they are coming to conclusions about her just because she is not Indian, is plain racist. It would be one thing if they didn't like her after meeting her, and they told me so given something that she did. I would still think that it's none of their business, but I can see how they were just looking out for me (though I am more of a let-me-make-the-mistake-myself-and-learn kind of a person).
Now, I won't, and not for a second have I considered breaking up with my girlfriend for them. That makes no sense, not to mention how unfair that would be for her.
But the question is how do I proceed to make my parents see my side of the situation, and manage a healthy relationship with my parents? I do value having a healthy relationship with my parents in the long term, but this situation is having a huge toll on it.