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When did Interracial Dating become "Something New"?

Posted by Leticia, 15 Feb

Every now and then a new book, song or movie will be released addressing what some of us refer to as "the real world and everyday life". For others it's just a way to peek into or live vicariously through those more daring. Back in the day it was Sidney Poitier in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"? More recently was the remake with Ashton Kucher and Bernie Mack. Well, on February 3, 2006 a new romantic comedy titled "Something New," directed by Sanaa Harnri and written by Kriss Turner hit movie theatres.

The movie tells the story of a well-educated CPA played by Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball, Brown Sugar and Alien vs. Predator), who's looking for the perfect African-American companion. While on a blind date, and much to her surprise, she meets a white landscaper, played by Simon Baker (A Very Long Engagement and The Ring Two). Instead of dating him and getting a hook up on a little trimming of the hedges & planting of the seeds (flowers of course), Sanaa would rather pay him for his "landscaping" services. According to Newsweek's Allison Samuels, thirteen percent of African-American men marry outside their race, compared to just 5 percent of African-American women. In the movie they drop a more surprising statistic...that over 42 percent of African-American women are not married at all. (That explains that hungry look I see in my sisters eyes when I take my man out on the town.)

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"Something New" sounds like it may be a great ice-breaker and motivator to more people, not just sisters, to consider interracial dating as an option. It helps that the movie focuses on the similarities between the two main characters not just playing up the differences for a quick laugh. In the Newsweek article, Sanaa is quoted as saying "I've dated interracially in the past, and it's good to know you have the option. To be in a film where a black woman is desired by all men is something I feel grateful to be a part of." Leticia seconds that emotion!

Although there are a few funny "moments", you could wait for this to come to video (I'm sure that it will be there soon).

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  1.   leopard07 says:
    Posted: 08 Sep 07

    You know what? I think the black sisters are more sophisticated intelligent, resourceful and without a doubt more interesting to watch. Weve seen so many variations on Jungle Fever, fiction and non fiction that watching black men in action is so predictable and boring. The black sisters are sensible and sensual. Statistically in the UK, we are more educated than our black brothers and we are so TOGETHER. We are not intimidating only AWESOME as we know our own minds and see ourselves as the custodians of our cultural heritage and people. We have a lot on our minds and take our responsibilities I dare to say more seriously than most black men. So we dont tend to rush into things. We like to step back and analyse things because its not our nature to simply walk away from things when it dosnt suit us. Whoever wins our hearts finds a good thing!

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  2.   Jendayi824 says:
    Posted: 05 Sep 07

    I have watched the movie three times, once to see it; twice, to review it; third, from a sociological context. Though the movie was good, it did address a dating issue, that many of facing us "enlightened" A-A women; whose of us who are ready to explore the next realm of our intimate lifestyle...However, I found that the subtle lighting effects during each of the actors intimate scenes was sending a message (again) that Black female sexuality is something in society that should be clocked, darken or hidden. Remember Breastgate. We cannot experience true passion and love without it having a demeaning context to it. Such as, in music videos and Superbowl games. White Females can display their buxoms and sexual actions to the public, NO ONE calls: "FOUL!!" If you look closely,ou can observe the covert messages. But, I do commend the actors and actresses for participating in bring this issue into the mainstream. However, I hope in the next one, Hollywood demonstrates the strength that came from their union... Because, before the Civil War, white man and BLACK women were the ones who kept the plantation prosperous. It is good that now we Black women can experience the same changes that our Black women have been taking advantage of for years... ALso, I have trained my daughter NOT to limit her experiences of finding love in just one race, because she maybe looking for an extremely longtime if she waits for her "special BLack man." Love is where she finds it prospering for her in mind, spirit, ambitions, values, goals, monetary (they are both achieving), future, humor, sincerity, and longevity... Not just an one night stand...

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  3.   misotall says:
    Posted: 06 Jun 07

    I liked the movie too. Thought it was sexy!

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  4.   Fala says:
    Posted: 26 Feb 07

    I saw it last night on HBO. I thought it was very Hollywood. Some of it was fairly authentic, but a lot of it played to stereotype. And of course, it had the requisite happy ending. I don t know, I think there could be a more realistic portrayal of this experience but as the hollywood version goes, it was ok and entertaining.

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  5.   galf says:
    Posted: 06 Dec 06

    I have not seen this movie yet but know I want to.

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  6.   Queenblack18 says:
    Posted: 26 Nov 06

    I love this movie..I own it..it was a gift from one of my white guy friends...you think he was giving me a hint?

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  7.   EMBRACEME says:
    Posted: 26 Nov 06

    ABOUT TIME A MOVIE CAPTURES THE ENTWINE OF TWO DIFFERENT SOULS.. I WOULD TELL ANYONE TO SEE IT.. THE MOVIE JUNGLE FEVER IS NOT A GOOD MOVIE TO CAPTURE THE HEART OFLOVE WHEN IT COMES TO DIFFERENT RACES.. JUSTREMEMBER THAT LOL..

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  8.   Fala says:
    Posted: 23 Nov 06

    I think the something new refers to the fact that it's more socially acceptable and people are more open about doing it.

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  9.   Carla says:
    Posted: 08 Nov 06

    interracial realationships are not new just more heard of than 20 years ago...

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  10.   Ann says:
    Posted: 05 Nov 06

    Interracial relationships are far from new; however Interracial dating and marriage came later.

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  11.   fala says:
    Posted: 26 Oct 06

    I saw this movie and thought it was really enjoyable. It's one that will make people think.

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  12.   lynne says:
    Posted: 22 Oct 06

    I've seen this movie, thought it was great. I love how they made the characters independent and vulnerable at the same time. I just hope I can find me a good man soon no matter what race.

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  13.   misotall says:
    Posted: 19 Oct 06

    After reading this article I want to see the movie. I agree that love is color blind!

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  14.   haiku says:
    Posted: 16 Oct 06

    I love the way this movie showed the process of this women falling in love with a man who she would have never have considered to be a viable option. It just shows that with love thick walls can be broken down! Go rent the movie!

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  15.   JADE74 says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    Well written and a must see movie.. I have watched it 3 times. Makes a good topic to discuss. Love has not color.....

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  16.   createmelodieswithme says:
    Posted: 17 May 06

    This was a great movie. It was very well written. I went to the premiere and afterwards there was a very heated discussion about the movie's topic. But I really enjoyed the movie regardless of how people think. Love is what really matters.

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  17.   Laura says:
    Posted: 17 May 06

    I saw this movie and just purchased it today! Aside from the critics I think this was a wonderful movie. Alot of us as single, professional, AA women tend to bury ourselves in our work so we won't have to deal with the obvious, we're not married, but we want to be. This movie shows Simon chipping away at her bitter heart and them learning things from each other. I think it was great!

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