Something New | Teen Ink

Something New

October 11, 2015
By BecksJ GOLD, Teaneck, New Jersey
BecksJ GOLD, Teaneck, New Jersey
11 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Ever since antebellum times, and maybe even further back, there has been a dichotomy between Black and White. Prejudices and feelings of inferiority projected at Black Americans perpetuated by fellow White Americans. Even after the Civil War, the 14th Amendment, and the Civil Rights movement, Blacks have found it difficult to live in harmony with Whites. Blacks and Whites have lived together, mostly in separate spheres; Whites raise their children to marry fellow whites, and Blacks do the same. It is not directly stated that interracial romantic relationships are not acceptable, it is unthinkable. However, Something New tells the tale of two people brought together by love and not restrained by the boundaries of race.

The 2006 romantic comedy tells the story of Kenya McQueen, a successful businesswoman who has very high standards when it comes to men. "As a successful black woman", Kenya tells her friends, "it's hard to find someone who isn't intimidated [by her]". Kenya friends, who all dominate the career industry as a pediatrician, judge, attorney, and CEO, tell her that they are all looking for their IBM, Ideal Black Man, but she needs to take down her list and have fun. To be concise, Kenya goes on a blind date with a white man, Brian, but curtails the date because she is afraid of what others will think.

As the story progresses the connection between Kenya and Brian grows. There are times in the movie where there is a clear division in culture; for instance, Brian asks Kenya is her hair is her "real hair", insinuating that all Black women wear weave. Another time is when Kenya wants to talk about the prejudice that she experiences at work, while Brian does not always want to deal with race; Kenya perfectly responds that he won't understand because he isn't negatively reminded about his race everyday.

Nonetheless, Kenya and Brian overcome those cultural differences with the most powerful weapon: love. The love that the two characters share is ubiquitous throughout the movie; there is also chemistry between the lead actors Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, and that chemistry spills over into the movie.

This movie is didactic of the purity of love. Kenya and Brian are different not only in race, but in lifestyle; Kenya is meticulous, dress suit type of woman, while Brian is a laid back, casual type of guy. It's beautiful to see two people find a something in common and love each other. In the words of one character in the movie, "At the end of the day it's not about skin color or race. It's about the love connection: the vibe between a man and a woman." This movie illustrates that is is possible for two races to live in harmony and love, and is truly one to see.


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