Interracial Romantic Relationships

Running head: INTERRACIAL ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Interracial Romantic Relationships: A Study of Racial Bias in the United States Media

Bryan Steagall
Senior Capstone
Young Harris College

Interracial Romantic Relationships: A Study of Racial Bias in the United States Media
Abstract
This study was conducted in order to discover why interracial marriage has been such a controversial topic in the United States. There has been a racial prejudice towards Blacks from Whites that increased significantly after the end of the civil war (Fuller, 2011). This animosity towards interracial couples is evident in American Cinema (Diawarda, 1993). Racism is a rather delicate subject, and many are prone to deny
their true feelings on the issue; however, cinema’s habitual portrayal of subjects allows one to decipher how a population truly feels about controversial subjects. This critical analysis dissects each director’s intent in five different race related films. This investigation also determines that racism stems from ignorance. In addition, this research determines that interracial couples in films have become more accepted over time which indicates our nation has also become more accepting. This researcher determined this level of acceptance by studying the directorial intent, as well as through expectancy violation theory, cognitive dissonance theory, the perspective of Teresa de Lauretis, and Karl Marx’s notion of power.

Inter-Cultural Romantic Relationships: A Study of Racial Bias in the United States
Background of Racism the United States
The United States has a dark past with racism and slavery. The main group, which was discriminated against and abused, were the Black people. Shortly before the end of the Civil war, many in the South considered Blacks to be of a sub-species (Towers, Schoen, & Barnes, 2011). Therefore, the combined lack of respect for Blacks coupled with the bitter loss to the north made life for Blacks rather dangerous in the south (Boles, 1988; Fuller 2011; Byrne & Wong, 1962). The animosity given from the White slave owners only intensified after the civil war came to an end (Towers, Schoen, & Barnes, 2011). The combination of ignorance and hatred only increased the communication gap and assumed dissimilarity between both races (Byrne & Wong, 1962; Towers, Schoen, & Barnes, 2011). After the civil war, the anger felt by the Whites, especially in the South, was extreme (Boles, 1988; Engerman & Fogel, 1974;Fuller 2011). The White American’s in the South felt as if they were being forced to treat a sub-human species like equals (Boles, 1988; Engerman & Fogel, 1974;Fuller 2011). The White Southern sense of domination and pride had been taken when the Union decimated the Confederacy.
The newly freed slaves certainly felt a sense of distaste for their former masters however; they were not given the same amount of freedom to express their misgivings (Boles, 1988; Engerman & Fogel, 1974;Fuller 2011). Many freed slaves in the South were more concerned with survival than with justice (Boles, 1988; Engerman & Fogel, 1974;Fuller 2011). This view of the Black race was nothing more than a toxic combination of fear of the unknown, generational biases, and misinterpreted interpretations of religious texts.

Religious Misinterpretation of Interracial Marriage Many White Americans prior to the late twentieth century believed that interracial marriage was not permitted by God (Boles, 1988; Day, 2012). Even for the many people who considered Blacks to be homo-sapiens, there were still a prevalent amount who believed it wrong to intermarry (Boles, 1988; Day, 2012; Yancey & Lewis, 2009). Many who felt this way were Christian. There are several branches of Christianity, but the group most adamant against the interracial unions were Protestant (Day, 2012). The concept of intercultural unions is mentioned in the Bible; however, there is nothing in scripture which actually forbids people of different races from becoming one flesh. There are several versus in the old testament that denounce Christians from being, “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NKJ). Versus like Nehemiah Chapter 13 versus 23-27, “And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews ' language, but according to the language of each people… Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?” In these versus, God was angered by the mixing of religion, not race.
Byrd & Wong Racial Experiment
It is not uncommon for people to develop assumed dissimilarities of those who are ethnically and or culturally different (Byrne & Wong, 1962). Usually people who are prejudice against people from a different culture or race have high degrees of assumed attitude dissimilarity (Byrne & Wong, 1962). This strongly indicates that people are easily influenced by racial stereotypes (Amadu, 2011). In addition, this is also an indication that this kind of behavior is developed over time (Amadu, 2011; Blau, 1984; Fu, 2001; Byrne & Wong, 1962). In an experiment conducted by Byrne and Wong, White men and women were asked to give their opinions of a stranger who was Black and one who was White. As expected, the White subject displayed a more favorable attitude towards the stranger who was the same race (Byrne & Wong, 1962). The findings suggest that racial prejudice greatly affects interpersonal communication between people who are ethnically and or culturally different (Byrne & Wong, 1962; Docan, 2003 ;). This makes it difficult for intercultural couples to find serenity with prejudiced strangers, family members, and friends. Lack of support from strangers and friends increases the amount of stress in a romantic interracial relationship which in turn makes probability of the relationship lasting bleak (Bratter & King, 2008; Byrne & Wong, 1962; Gullickson, 2006; Zhang & Hook, 2009). Ignorance and prejudice must be significantly reduced in the U.S. in order for interracial couples to have a better chance of lasting.
Racism in Media
White discrimination is still very much evident in today’s society. The racist views that are evident in modern media stem from a background of even greater racism in the United States media. In the 1950’s and through the 1970’s, racial segregation was evident in the United States. One would have been able to decipher this simply by interpreting the messages in the media during the mid-twentieth century (Stanley, 2012). After the Second World War, American families had a certain level of consistency that was displayed regularly in American media. This family pattern is referred to as the “Nuclear Family” (Stanley, 2012). These representations were still giving credence to the fact that racial equality was not being portrayed in the media (Bratter & King, 2008; Byrne & Wong 1962). The Nuclear family, though not pertaining to race, was projected through television and advertising as: White heterosexual parents, with two children, a pet, and a decent sized home in a middle to upper middle class neighborhood (Bloomquist & O’Kelly, 2006). This type of family structure was portrayed in Television programs like “Leave it to Beaver” (Stanley, 2012). However, in the mid-seventies, a new show appeared which not only challenged the shows that predominately featured White characters, it actually incorporated a Black and White married couple: The Jefferson’s. The Jefferson’s was one of the first television shows that had an interracial couple (Galician, 2004) The television show was considered a success, however the negative treatment of the interracial couple implies that interracial marriages are wrong. Since the Jefferson’s there have been many other sitcoms which started to introduce more ethnically diverse characters (What’s Happening, Different Strokes, 227 etc.) (Dominick & Greenburg, 1970). There was one show that made a greater impact than the rest regarding relinquishing racial stereotypes: The Cosby Show.
Bill Cosby’s show promoted racial equality.
This was evident when his children in the show would associate with children who were White (Stanley, 2012). The Cosby Show presents a healthy model for how people of different races should interact. However, despite these positive attributes given to Blacks by the Cosby show, there was still no mention of interracial marriage. All of the Black character’s mates were of the same race. This is most likely due to the time that this television show was aired, (1984-1992). During this time interracial marriage on television was not prominent (Stanley, 2012; Galician, 2004). Over the decades, there has been definite progress in incorporation of ethnically diverse characters (House of Payne, The Cleveland Show, Black Dynamite etc.) However, there is still very little media that promotes interracial marriage. Recently, Cheerios sponsored an advertisement that featured a White woman who is married to a Black man and they have a mixed race daughter (Goyett, 2013). The reactions from both White and Black individuals was negative. This provides evidence that the United States is still perturbed by the sight of interracial marriage. Television as well as advertisement is somewhat limited to what they can display. Film however, generally is given more leeway to portray controversial subject
matter.
Racism in Cinema
Ever since film became a large portion of American entertainment, writers and directors have made movies which have reflected the nation’s general view of social issues (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007). One of the more controversial topics that has been addressed in the history of cinema has been racism. In the very early twentieth century, there was a common stance regarding which race was superior: White (Fuller, 2011; Slide, 2004; and Stokes, 2007). Films such as Birth of a Nation, and Gone with the Wind provide ample evidence regarding this particular view point. Birth of a Nation is essentially racist propaganda which demonizes the Black race. Griffith (director/writer) attempts to strike fear into the heart of Dixie by displaying a South Carolina which is completely run by Blacks (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007). The Black legislators are portrayed as completely incompetent (Aitken, & Griffith, 1915). They are idle and make abominable actions legal. Gone with the Wind was released in 1939. As was stated previously, in the early twentieth century, the prospect of interracial marriage was not comprehensible (Zabel, 2000; Root, 2001). However, towards the late forties and early fifties, legal cases regarding the legalization of interracial marriage was beginning to be brought before numerous courts nation-wide (Zabel, 200). Finally in 1967, the United Sates deemed interracial marriage legal (Zabel, 2000; Root, 2001). It was this very year that the controversial film, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was released. The subject of interracial marriage during this time period obviously was still very sensitive. In the film Jungle Fever, Spike Lee provides his audience with cultural reactions to witnessing interracial relationships. Lee decides to take the most controversial racial pairing, a Black man with a White woman (Day, 2003; Docan, 2012; Fu, 2001). There has been a historical link to this controversial pairing. Many have considered the discrepancy of a Black man with a White woman due to films like Birth of a Nation. Films like that portrayed Black men as sexually crazed beasts who were always on the prowl for White women (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007). However, the White male and Black female pairing is far less controversial (Day, 2003; Fu, 2001). In Jungle Fever, the main male character is Black (Flipper) and he has decided to go against societal norm and date a beautiful young White woman (Angie) (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). Their relationship is instantly controversial. Both characters initially only tell their best friends that they are seeing a person who is of a different race (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). The reaction from Flipper’s friend is one of amazement and slight enthusiasm. However, Angie’s friends are horrified (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). In addition, there are multiple scenes where several White males check out an attractive Black woman who comes into the candy shop that they frequent (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). They make sexual remarks openly, but they do not wish to be with her emotionally. This is due to the historical injustices directed towards Black woman from their White masters (Day 2012, White, 1999). It was not uncommon before the civil war for White men to rape their Black subordinates (Day 2012, White, 1999). This horrific practice influenced the notion that having sex with a Black woman was acceptable, so long as she was not intended to be more than an object (Day 2012, White, 1999). The movie Guess Who is interesting because it is the opposite situation that occurs in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. The female character (Theresa) is Black and the male character is White (Simon) (Caracciolo, Greener, Thomas & Sullivan, 2005). The reaction from her Black parents, particularly her father is negative. He is not afraid to admit that he does not support this marriage (Caeacciolo et al., 2005). The reaction from her family is not condescension. They almost appear to be threatened. The Black families discomfort is completely the opposite of the White family’s reaction in the film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. In Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, the White female’s parents and even their Black house cleaner feel as though she is socially superior to her Black romantic partner (Glass & Krammer, 1967).
Expectancy Violations Theory & Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Ethics are essential in any type of relationship. There are certain expectancies that are anticipated to be met by both parties in a relationship. When these expectancies are violated, the relationship is then in danger of coming to an untimely end (Cohen, 2010). There are several ways that a relationship can be violated by one or both of the participants. The most destructive method is violating the trust of the relationship (Cohen, 2010). When trust is violated in a relationship, it proves difficult to repair. Intercultural relationships have violated the expectancies of others for an impressive amount of time. In addition, those who are involved with a person from a different race are met with hostility, which in turn violates their expectations. This theory is useful because social violations are incredibly common for people who are involved in a romantic intercultural relationship.
In addition to utilizing expectancy violation theory in this research, this investigator will also use cognitive dissonance theory. When a person’s expectancies are violated, he or she will inevitably make efforts to mentally deal with their unpleasant emotions (Festinger, 1957; Gawronski, 2012).People who are involved in romantic interracial relationships will at some point have their expectancies violated. Being able to cope with scrutiny is crucial for people who are romantically involved with a person of a different race.
H1: Racism in the media has decreased over time which implies that it has also decreased in American culture. People have become more accepting of different races because knowledge has shown them that the color of a person’s skin does not make them better or worse.
H2: The more films which incorporate interracial race will increase its acceptance in American culture.
H3: Any race which has significantly more social power will abuse it. The only way to end racism is to follow Karl Marx’s theory of social equality.
Method
This critical analysis is using various films regarding interracial married couples. The research has been designed in a way, which will leave out ambiguity regarding the media’s portrayal of interracial couples. The films which were chosen for this project were purposefully selected nearly over a century of film history. This study is going to take note of the changes (if any) regarding how people in America feel about interracial married couples. This research gives credence to Teresa de Lauretis’s theory on how people should view films. She brilliantly infiltrates the mind process of a person who is premeditating their perspective about a film that may have aspects which do not necessarily appeal to them (de Lauretis, 1987). This method is applicable to this research and the films which have been chosen to analyze. In addition, certain scenes have been selected and studied by using expectancy violation theory as well as cognitive dissonance theory. Also this researcher used Karl Marx ideal of power and class segregation. The first three films chosen for this study were shot in the early and middle, and late twentieth century. Each of these films represents what the common view of race superiority, and interracial marriage. By carefully examining the first two films, (Birth of a Nation, Gone with the Wind) it is more than evident that the element of interracial marriage is not present. Both films are integral to this study because they give this researcher insight as to the views of White U.S. during the early twentieth century. Both films were not only examined for racial discrepancy, but also to gain knowledge of the both director’s motives for creating the films. The two films (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and Jungle Fever) address the potential social benefits and pitfalls of interracial marriage. Both movies were picked decades apart purposefully in order to see whether public opinion of interracial marriage had improved. These films were also examined to determine whether the social persecutions were significant enough to not peruse a relationship with a person of a different race. In addition, the director’s motives for creating these films were investigated. The final film (Guess Who) was chosen because it offers a different perspective than the other films used in this study. Unlike Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and Jungle Fever, the main characters racial roles are reversed. This provides some insight as to how a Black family would possibly react to their daughter marrying a White male. Watching the reaction of the persecuted race (Black) attempt to accept a White man into their family provided understanding as to why they would be apprehensive. In addition, this film was selected because of its airdate. Jungle Fever was released in 1992, and Guess Who in 2007. This fifteen-year gap provided this researcher with more insight regarding modern racism. Though this research is extensive, it does leave a good deal of room for future researchers. In order to conduct a more extensive project, one would need to examine several more films regarding interracial marriages. In addition, research could also be conducted with several more racial pairings. Other views could be explored as well. Instead of conducting a study of the director’s motive and the U.S. audience response, one could also incorporate the reaction of people from different countries and cultures. Finally, future researchers could anonymously interview several volunteers of different ethnicities. The opinions of different races regarding interracial marriage could then be compared to the media that is currently being shown. The results would help to better determine if these films are accurate regarding the majority of United States citizen’s opinion of interracial marriage.

Analysis
There is even an instance in the film where the female White character (Flora) is being chased by a Black male character (Gus); Gus is attempting to win her hand in marriage, however Flora is refusing (Aitken, & Griffith, 1915). She is so opposed to the notion of interracial marriage that she flings herself from the edge of a cliff (Aitken, & Griffith, 1915).Griffith is attempting to solidify in this scene that Whites and Blacks do not belong together. Flora is represented as a hero who has sacrificed her life in order to maintain the dignity of the White race. Griffith further desecrates the image of the Black race by using Gus as a representation of the oversexed Black male. This particular scene was met with animosity from the White crowds mainly because of the persistence of Gus.
The Black men represent chaos. Griffith is attempting to frighten his audience. He places his Black characters in power in order to show his audience what would ensue if the natural order of race was reversed. This places a greater amount of strain on the relationship between Blacks and Whites. The scene with Gus and Flora was the catalyst of to the expansion of the Ku Klux Klan (Aitken, & Griffith, 1915). The assumed similarity between races only increased (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007). According to de Lauretis,“…the represented space each individual spectator is addressed by the film, the ways in which his/ her identification is solicited and structured in the single film…” (de Lauretis,1987, p. 13). This quote implies that every person is going to experience different emotions when viewing controversial films regarding race. De Lauretis is also advocating the possibility of a person being able to look at a film or literary work from a different perspective, “…Cutler can read not only as a woman, but also as a lesbian, and that would ‘subsume lesbian difference’ not only ‘under a universal female’ but also under the universal male…”. (de Lauretis,1987, p. 12). This aspect is also applicable to race. Both Black and White audience members should realize that certain material in films may be offensive. However, in order to properly absorb the message, members from both races must place themselves in the position of the characters that may violate their expectancies. The expectancies of the White audience were drastically violated after watching Birth of a Nation; in order to cope with these feelings, many performed vicious acts of violence against Black U.S. citizens (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007; Byrne & Wong, 1962). Black people’s expectancies were also violated but in a very different way. Many Black citizens were afraid of the potentially harmful aftermath of the film (Slide, 2004; & Stokes, 2007). Ignorance is the reason for the violence which followed the film. The racial hierarchy is a made up social system which is built on fear and unawareness. This is a variable which may need to be incorporated into de Lauretis’s notion of how to view films and literature. Even if the White audience members had entered the theatre with the understanding that this movie was full of racist propaganda, they still would have the same negative reaction. Many who viewed the film very much believed that Whites were superior (Fuller, 2011). The irony of the situation is that the Black citizen’s response to the film was accurate. They knew exactly the amount of hostility that they were going to be confronted with from the majority of White U.S. citizens.
The anarchy that Griffith creates insinuates that White people were still under the impression that Black people were incapable of performing the tasks which were thought to rightfully be the jobs for White people. This theory is obviously incorrect and unfounded. Knowledge in this instance would have revealed to Griffith and his audience that the color of an individual’s skin does not elevate or degrade that person.
The representation of Black incompetence is also evident in the film Gone with the Wind. The entire relationship between the Whites and the Blacks in this film is akin to that of a human and his pet. For instance, there is a scene between Scarlet and her house slaves that enforces the director’s intent of showing the incompetence of Blacks. Tara is in ruins after the Yankees invade. The slaves are represented as completely reliant on their White masters in order to survive. There is not much hostility shown between the Blacks and the Whites (provided the Blacks understand their place in the world). There is just an overabundance of condescension which is palpable in nearly every conversation between a Black and a White person. The social hierarchy which is evident in both these films is detrimental to society. Karl Marx believed that power resides in social class (Mezhuev, 2012). The power difference between these two races is evident in both of these films. Though not intended by either director, their ideals of society are not appealing. Today, people have a substantial amount of knowledge regarding race. We realize that Black people are not sub-human and therefore abuse and ownership of people from this race is unethical. If the U.S. citizens of from the early twentieth century had a modern understanding of race, films like Gone with the Wind and Birth of a Nation would have been condemned, not praised.
The notion of interracial marriage is not evident in these films (excluding Gus’s attempt to force Flora to be with him). However, they are crucial to this study because they provide a better understanding of the stark social inequalities between the White and Black races. During this time period, interracial marriage would not have even been a subject to consider (Fuller, 2011). This is due to the “separation of species” (Fuller, 2011). The reaction to Gone with the Wind from the White audience members contrasted to their reaction to Birth of a Nation. This positive reaction occurred because people’s expectancies were met. The audience entered the theatre with a White superiority perspective which was exactly the message that was intended from Selznick. The White audience was not challenged to view race from a different perspective in this film. In order for change to occur, cinema must push the boundaries of what culture deems to be taboo. The ignorance of keeping the races separated breeds violence and misunderstandings (Birth of a Nation reaction). Birth of a Nation and Gone with the Wind present the Black race in a very false light. These portrayals hindered the equality of Black and White American citizens. This hindrance also encumbered the legalization of interracial marriage greatly (Loewen, 1991). Later in the twentieth century however, new directors began to challenge the White created race hierarchy. As the twentieth century progressed, so did the American population’s ideals regarding racial inequality and interracial marriage. This shift in the U.S. culture is evident in the films that were being released as early as the 1960’s. Films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner were starting to acknowledge the possibility of interracial marriages being beneficial.
The directors of the three films (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Guess Who, and Jungle Fever) attempt to challenge racial hierarchy as well as the disapproval of interracial unions. The scenes where the tension is most palpable is when the interracial couple’s families first meet their child’s partner. In Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Joey’s romantic partner (Jon) is skeptical to meet her parents because he fears they will disapprove of their union (Glass & Kramer, 1967). Joey assures him that they will accept him. This is also the same information that the Black female in Guess Who (Theresa) informs her White boyfriend (Simon) about her parents. Both sets of parents are experience shock and desperately attempt to recover (expectancy violation and cognitive dissonance). Their reactions however are different. This is because of the contrasts of power between Black and White people (Blau, 1984; Coldwell, 2006; Fuller, 2011; Fu, 2011; Zhang, 2009).
Due to the racial caste that the White U.S. constructed, White U.S. citizens have been granted a superior social standing over Black U.S. citizens (Blau, 1984 et al). This racial hierarchy is shown through the parent’s reactions. In Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Matt and Christina have a rather condescending look about them when they are introduced to Jon. Though they claim to advocate equality, their true feelings about this pairing becomes evident when the situation involves their daughter (Glass & Kramer, 1967). Their reaction gives credibility to the notion that society influences perception. The legalization of interracial marriage occurred at the same time that Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner came out (Zabel, 2000). This indicates that the idea of equality was still not socially accepted despite what the law may allow (Zable, 2000). Joey’s parents were very accommodating when they met Jon prior to learning that he was romantically involved with their daughter. After learning of Joey’s intentions, they instantly believed him to be sub-par. These reactions were provided by Kramer in order to represent the common response to interracial marriage from the White community during this time period (1967). The parents of the Joey have serious doubts as to whether this relationship will last. This is due to assuming that both parties have too many differences in order to survive (Bratter & King, 2008; Byrne & Wong 1962). They also seem to fear for their future grandchildren. They are afraid that their grandchildren will be judged and not given a fair chance at life (Glass & Kramer, 1967). This fear provides evidence that during this time period, most U.S. citizens would be angered by the sight of an interracial couple or child. The American audience gave Kramer praise for his courage of confronting this controversial subject. However, he also received a great deal of hate for advocating the union of the Black and White races in matrimony (Anthony, &Toplin, 2007). The usual praise that was received from the film came from people in the Western United states as well as college students (cite). This indicates that people who were in a higher level of education were more accepting of interracial marriage. Education equals knowledge which eliminates ignorance. The negative reactions came from people who entered the film with a negative perspective as well as very little knowledge of the Black race. Kramer seemed to realize that knowledge is the key to eliminating racism. He initially screened the film exclusively on college campuses.
Blacks U.S. citizens, as was stated previously, were not thought to be equal to White U.S. citizens. That they suffered persecution as well as social exclusion (Towers, Shoen, & Barnes, 2011). This meant that Blacks were forced to solely interact with their own race. So, films that were beginning to incorporate interracial marriage could have one of two effects in the Black community. They would either feel as if they were finally being admitted into general society, or they would have a sense of animosity towards the Blacks who decided to “elevate” their status by being romantically involved with a White person (Towers, Shoen, & Barnes, 2011). This sense of betrayal is much more evident in the film Guess Who. In Guess Who, the reaction from Theresa’s parents (who are Black) is completely different than Joey’s parents. Theresa’s parents (Percy and Marilyn) feel as though they are being forced to accept a member of a race, which has persecuted their people for hundreds of years (Caeacciolo et al., 2005). There is even an instance where Percy attempts to figure out if Simon is racist. Theresa’s family and boyfriend are eating dinner. Her father persuades Simon to tell some Black jokes. The entire family laughs at the first few, but then he says, “What are three things a Black man can’t get? ...a black eye, a fat lip, and a job” (Caeacciolo et al., 2005). The family falls silent and two members leave the table. The final portion of the joke was offensive to them because it addressed a threatening subject (Blau, 1984; Fuller, 2011). The Black race has been stereotyped in many negative lights, one being indolent (Gaertner,& McLaughlin, 1983). Racial Stereotypes are far more damaging to Blacks because of social inequalities as well as historical injustices (Amadu, 2011; Byrne & Wong, 1968; Gaertner, & McLaughlin, 1983).
In contrast, there is no reaction from Simon when Percy and his father start making ethnic slurs about White people (Blau, 1984; Fuller, 2011; Caeacciolo et al., 2005). Simon does not necome offended because White people do not feel threatened by racial steriotypes (Blau, 1984; Fuller, 2011). White people have been, and in many ways still are in the power position. This means that there is little to no threat when a person of a different race calls a White person by an ethnic slur (Blau, 1984; Fuller, 2011; Gaertner,& McLaughlin, 1983). After coping with his daughter dating a White man, Percy seems to enjoy torturing Simon. For hundreds of years, Black people have been subservient to White people; and even after slavery was abolished, had an incredibly difficult time becoming accepted in White social circles (Byrne & Wong, 1962; Fuller, 2011; Gaertner, & McLaughlin, 1983). This present circumstance permits Percy to have power over a White man. Simon’s acceptance into his family is greatly dependent on Percy’s approval. Percy’s malicious behavior towards Simon is presented in the film as a representation of the Black community having misgivings about finally being accepted as true equals in White society. This film was well received by U.S. citizens (Farris, 2007). This indicates that even people who still oppose interracial marriages went into the film with the correct perspective. The films main purpose may not have applied to them, but they were able to put themselves in the Black characters place. This kind of thought process is what is needed in order to make progress with acceptance of interracial marriage. Also, the lack of social outcry in protests suggest that over time people have become more aware of the lack of dissimilarities between our races. Therefore ignorance is being alleviated which enables social acceptance of interracial marriages. Guess Who was releases in 2005. There is a stark difference in the introduction of the interracial couple in Jungle Fever which was released a mere fourteen years earlier.
In this film, the interracial couple’s family are not told of their children’s decision to become romantically involved with a person from another race. Instead they are informed by friends (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). The evidence of power is also evident in this film. Jungle Fever is rich with racial stereotypes, and it provides the audience with the reactions from Black people and White people. Angie’s father’s reaction is highly violent. He copes with this violation by physically abusing his daughter. Spike Lee emphasizes this reaction in order to highlight the power that social hierarchy has as well as focus on the effect of the media, Angie’s father: “I didn’t raise ya to be with no niggers! He could be a mass murderer, or a child molester!...” (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). His language indicates that he is ignorant. His violent behavior is also an indicator of fear. He fears what he does not understand. Also, he believes that his race is superior to the Black race; he refuses to accept a man who he perceives to be subpar. His ignorance also explains why he immediately refers to unfounded racial stereotypes.
Flipper’s father is full of contempt, but he does not express violence. Instead he delivers a long bitter speech discussing racial politics. His words are full of hatred and hurt (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). He feels utterly betrayed by his son for interacting with a White woman. What is fascinating about this scene is the fact that he repeatedly speaks of the “White folk” as superior (Kilk, Ross & Lee, 1992). This indicates that he has been brainwashed by society and the media to the extent where he actually believes the White propaganda. He also attempts to insult Angie’s race by describing how White women lust over Black men because of their superior physical prowess. In reality he is degrading his race by supporting the false claim that Blacks are naturally stronger and more athletic than Whites (Stone, Sjomeling, Lynch, & Darley, 1999). While he assumes that this is a positive attribute to his race, he is actually perpetuating ignorance. The only characters who seem to see through the racial hierarchy non-sense are: Flipper, Angie, and Angie’s ex, Polly. They are persecuted because they live in a world that is blind. All of the characters in this film that do not accept interracial relationships are meant to represent the current population’s ideals regarding this still delicate subject. The interview recoded of Spike lee indicates that people are still shocked by interracial pairings. However, not to the extent of the 1960’s (CNN, 1991). The lessened negative reaction indicates that people are more willing to explore the notion of interracial pairings. Also, the violent reaction’s from Lee’s characters reveals that the public is more accepting of shocking material regarding race. Kramer had to be far more delicate with his film due to the level; of interracial opposition in the U.S. in the 1960’s. Kramer made certain that the main male Black character’s mannerisms where as White as possible whereas Flipper is more in touch with his ethnic routes. Though Jungle fever was met with controversy, and violated many expectation, it is still an indication that people were becoming more accepting of taboo films.
These five films are clear representation that through time people have grown to become more accepting of interracial marriage. Birth of a Nation and Gone with the Wind provide evidence that films which propagate racial stereotypes are detrimental to our society’s ability to accept those who we presume to be different. The three other films examined, though different, all shared a common theme: acceptance. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner revealed that the only reason interracial marriage has been considered taboo is simply ignorance and historical tradition of same race marriage. Guess Who shows the struggle for Blacks acceptance of Whites due to historical injustices. However, they both reveal that once fogginess has transpired, and each person of a different race in these films becomes acquainted, they all come to the realization that they are all simply human. Jungle Fever warns its audience of the dangers of ignorance. The only goods characters in the film were those who did not believe in social hierarchies or racial stereotypes.
More films like these need to be created. These kind of movies remove ignorance and encourage interracial marriage to become domesticated. These three movies show the potential social benefits to interracial relationships. It eliminates fear, violence, and social classes. The acceptance of interracial marriage and relationships continued to grow in each film. This concurs that interracial marriage will eventually be as accepted as same race marriages in time.

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