Any regular viewers of The Bachelor/Bachelorette are familiar with the mix of contestants that the lucky guy or girl gets to choose from. They are Caucasian, good looking, in shape, a mix of different professions or career paths- and there are always a few with outsized or outrageous personalities and one African American, Asian, Indian or other “person of color.” This formula has been in place over many seasons, so a couple of weeks ago when the latest season started many viewers were surprised to note that there were four African American women in the line-up. Interesting- and the question is why now?
Last week, one of these women directly addressed the race issue, which was also a first. She said that she had (obviously) noted that there were three other black women in the initial group and was surprised by this. When she and Sean talked she felt he was really open to her, which she was pleasantly surprised by- because she came into it not knowing what to think. When she asked Sean about this he candidly explained that he was asked upfront by producers what his type is and if he had preferences regarding the women he would like to have on the show- including race. He said no, he had dated women of different races in the past and was open to whoever they selected.
Certainly we have seen other mixed race couples on TV, in the movies, and among politicians, celebrities, sports and entertainment figures and other high profile groups. It is becoming more common and society has become more open and tolerant regarding race in general. So why is this Bachelor season significant? In my mind because this is a show that is all about finding one’s life partner and true love, therefore contestants must be chosen carefully in order to ensure at least a few strong matches. Without some success stories, the show would not be taken seriously by anyone and would lose viewers and eventually be taken off the air. Therefore, there must not only be an openness to racial differences but a real belief that the right match could happen across racial lines.
Maybe the intimate relationship arena is where the U.S. will make its greatest progress towards a post racial society. After all, if cross racial marriage and bi-racial children become the new normal, we will all be a little more color blind.
Tomorrow our first biracial President will be officially sworn in for his second term. The past four years have brought about some positive changes in the perceptions and interactions of different racial and ethnic groups- but it has been seen as disappointing for many. Is it possible that a reality dating show could help to foster a greater understanding and connection between people from different backgrounds and races? It will be interesting to watch and see.
