Thanks to Meltingpot reader, Sandra, I discovered Alicia Keys' new video for her song Unthinkable (I'm ready). Go watch it here on YouTube or check it on here on the official Alicia Keys website, where you'll also get some background on the making of the video.
Did you watch it? I'll wait. Go watch it and then come back here and tell me what you think? I'm seeing a retrospective of interracial dating through the ages in the United States. And then the ending feels a little ambiguous. Does the Black woman choose her Black family (who it seems has a problem with her dating a White guy) or does she follow her heart? I kind of sensed that in the end she pulls back and stays with her family. What do you think?
And more importantly is this accurate? Is this what the interracial dating experience is all about? Obviously not, because it only explores Black/White romance and Black woman with a White guy, and I also sense a bit of working class drama in there as well. Which, if we're honest, plays a role in how interracial romance will play out. Still, it is an ambitious issue to tackle in a music video and obviously one near and dear to Ms. Keys' heart as her mom is White and her dad is Black. In a press release, Keys said she made this video to “capture…the torment and turmoil of a forbidden love that crosses racial and family ties” and “question…whether or not true love really conquers all.”
In 2010, a lot of online commenters are asking, do we even need to ask that question? Can love conquer all? Do you think this video is just a great history lesson, or is this a conversation we should still be having to help those dealing with "forbidden love?" I'm of course biased. I live this life of "forbidden love" every day and I live in a neighborhood full of forbidden lovers. As we approach Loving Day 2010, where are we on this topic? What do you think the state of Interracial romance is in the United States in 2010? Oh and do you like the video?
Happy Monday.
Peace.
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LATINO BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNER
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6 comments:
I think the overall message of the video (liked the song, BTW) was "the more things change, the more they stay the same." My first thought when I saw the present-day couple was, "... and he's still waiting for her in the truck," instead of having the nerve and respect to go to the damn door. Then again, I'm living that "forbidden love" too, so I'm biased too.
In my experience, class has a lot to do with the state of interracial relationships. The interracial b/w relationships my mother saw growing up were between blacks and "poor white trash" (her words). And the only white guy my dad ever told me never to bring back to the house again was a guy my dad assumed was working-class.
However, religion also plays a part... after getting to know my MIL a little better, she *said* the fact that I'm not Jewish was a bigger concern for her than my race. (It wasn't the only concern, just the bigger one, since her grandchildren wouldn't be "born" Jewish.)
I came across an online community for individual seeking interracial love. It is --Mixed connect . c O m--- All singles there are seeking interracial dating or relationships. Interracial is not a problem here, but a great merit to cherish!
i like it, i think the interracial relationships issue shouldnt be an issue anymore...
BQ,
Love your perspective! Thanks for sharing.
Anon,
You could def. look at it like that. Glass half full!
Mimi,
I agree 100%.
i'm not against interracial relationships since i am biracial and i find guys of all races to be good looking, but i do think its foolish of people to believe that love is so powerful that one may not encounter problems due to their love.
to me, its kind of unrealistic and i think that is why some relationships fail, because they didn't prepare for the opposition they would encounter.
not just problems with some backwards people in society but problems such as hair (something I am still trying to figure out myself). And the fact that in my case, my family (the white side, don't know the black side) will often disregard the racism I encounter and will even at times reveal their own racism.
as for the song, i didn't like it. not so much for the message but just the tune. i do like some of her songs and recently found a song on that same album (i think) that i do like though.
this probably sounds weird but on my ipod i actually have section of songs by black/white biracials (or as a I prefer: mulattoes).
LED,
Welcome to the meltingpot. thanks for all of your wonderful comments. I think that's kind of quirky cool that you have a section of mulatto music on your ipod.
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