Sneaking off to the O.C.?

Being the year 2011, you’ve witnessed interracial relationships firsthand either in the media or in your real life experiences whether you agree with it or not. But, have you ever considered yourself dating someone of a different race? What about marrying and vowing to spend the rest of your life with them? The movie “Something New” (2006) features a beautiful, successful black woman, Kenya McQueen, who unwillingly catches interest in her landscaper, Brian Kelly—a white man who, despite societal expectations, falls in love with her. This romantic comedy film addresses the uneasiness of being or wanting to be in an interracial relationship for both characters. While Kenya experienced disapproval from her parents, jokes from her friends, and doubts about her relationship, Brian experienced humiliation from black people and what it was somewhat like to be a minority in their presence. Though it proves various reluctances of getting involved in an interracial relationship given the views of society, family, friends, and even those of your own race, it also suggests why these views shouldn’t matter when it comes to personal love.

“Let Go and Let Flow”

Kenya McQueen is introduced as a beautiful, intelligent, executive and newly homeowner. The only thing that she thinks she needs in her life is her IBM, or ideal black man. Kenya closed mindedly knows exactly who she’s looking for—someone who is tall, handsome, has good teeth, successful, and obviously black. She continuously and desperately looks for the “one” but doesn’t even consider white men because they automatically do not meet her criterion. She justifies this by saying, “It’s not a prejudice, it’s a preference.” In fact, Kenya represents many black women who feel as if being with a white man would be inadequate or ludicrous. As her friends suggested, Kenya had to learn to let go and let flow, meaning to loosen her limitations, open up, and let nature take its course.  Though it took some time for her to realize it, the one for her wasn’t the black man of her dreams, but was the white man right outside her backyard who was able to weaken her tough barriers. 

“Are you sneaking off to the O.C?

Things with Kenya’s new beau Brian seemingly go well, until family comes into the picture.  After receiving news of Kenya’ s situation, her curious brother questioned her decisions. He asked, “Are you sneaking off to the O.C.? Are you skiing the slopes? Are you sleeping with the enemy?” In other words, is Kenya betraying her black culture by dating a white man? This is an example of black solidarity, which is one of the arguments to why blacks and whites intermarry less than any other race. Randall Kennedy, who advocates for interracial marriages, says that black solidarity is when “blacks who marry whites are viewed with skepticism for internalizing a value system that favors whiteness.” Though it is not fair, Kenya is viewed as being disloyal by dating someone who is white. Furthermore, Kenya’s friends and family do not accept her white boyfriend right away.

“You don’t have to marry him”

After feeling the pressure of actually falling in love with someone of a different race, Kenya receives assurance from her friends who tell her, “You don’t have to marry him.” Does this mean that Brian is acceptable for Kenya to date and have a good time with but not for marriage? What would marriage further imply? Many people may find it easy to date interracially, but will draw the line at marriage because it involves more than just having fun. It involves being accepted into each other’s families, having mixed race children, creating their own family, and forever finding confidence with their relationship when the rest of society struggles to understand or respect it.  

After many ups and downs, doubts and confusion, Kenya was certain that Brian was the man for her. Though he didn’t have her same skin color, her same career, or even all of her family’s approval, they made a special connection that they couldn’t have with someone of the same race. With Brian, Kenya found someone who appreciated her natural beauty, who challenged her creativity, and who loved her for the person she was. Race was not an issue of their relationship as they found themselves comfortable with each other. 

Could you ever imagine yourself in Kenya’s shoes? If you have any apprehension towards dating someone of a different race, perhaps this movie could open your eyes to something new.

-Brianna Allen