It is relevant today due to the fact that the world is still full of racism (prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior) and intolerance (unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or behaviour that differ from one's own).
In this story, Armand believes his wife is of no value, when he believes he discovers she has black ancestry. During those days of slavery and segregation, being black or any one having any heritage or trait of being black,was not good for the white society. They thought (and even nowadays) that purity in bloodline was a must for a perfect race, and interracial relations were absolutely wrong.
Any one seen as non white would not be considered as a respectful person. If Desire had been black, she would had never had the privilege to be raised with this wealthy white family.
Armand falls in love with Desiree because she is beautiful, and white, which was an important trait a woman should have during those days, intelligence was not really important (as it is also not important to many men today). Beauty did not help Desiree to retain her husband after he suspected she has African American blood. He decides she is not good enough for him and his reputation as a white land owner and for his cruelty to his slaves. Armand finds the best excuse to get rid of her for he was not going to be in an interracial relationship.
This story shows us that the color of the skin mattered at that time as it also matters nowadays. Not all ethnic groups will have the same chances and opportunities as would others depending on their ethnical background and color of skin.
