Guess who's Coming To Dinner?

I was watching this movie tonight and I have to say that it's one of those movies that is always relevant. Sidney Poitier is a genius as well as Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. However, that's not what this post is about, This movie did get me thinking. I'm a big proponent of Interracial/Intercultural relationships. In fact, all of the stories that I write feature IR romances. Now the good news is that these books and storylines are becoming increasingly popular, especially with e-pubs. And because e-pubs are now venturing into print, these stories are now creeping into bookstores, at a slow pace, but a steady pace.

Here's the bad news. 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' was almost 40 years ago. 40! That's longer than I've been alive. Yet, as groundbreaking as that movie was, it really did little for this type of storyline in the Hollywood media. And I can imagine how controversial that was. An older Black man with a young white girl. WHAT!?! That's crazy. And it was a movie that dealt with the subject matter in a frank, sensitive manner. It's a classic example of great filmmaking.

But when was the last time you even heard about a movie with an IR storyline? I know when I did, but the truth is that Hollywood rarely make movies with IR couples. Why is that? After 40 years are Americans still so offended by the thought of two people of the same race being together? It can't be more 'taboo' in America's eyes than a gay couple, yet I see more of those in movies and on television than I do IR couples. What up with that?

Later

P.S. And I don't mean that funny but irrelevant Bernie Mac/Ashton Kutcher schlock, 'Guess Who?' I admit that I enjoyed it but watching the original, I see that they did that movie a grave disservice. What's even sadder to me is that I can't even find IR couples on soap operas. There used to be a time when all of them had at least one IR couple. Not so anymore. However, if you want to see a quality romantic comedy featuring an IR couple, I'd suggest 'Something New
starring Sanaa Lathan and that Hottie McHotterson Simon Baker.

Sans Sex

So, as the two people that read this blog know, I am an aspiring romance author. Unfortunately, lately I'm not feeling very aspiring or inspired and have therefore resorted to the old standby...research. Which basically means that I'm reading a whole lot of books. Fortunately, I'm a fast reader. And now, biting the idea from a friend of mine, I'm making book recommendations. I'm currently reading a series of mysteries by David Handler, the Berger and Mitry mysteries. It's about a New York film critic living in Connecticut (slight thought break, has anyone ever met anyone from Connecticut? I was thinking about that last night, and I can't say that I've ever had the pleasure. Do people ever immigrate from Connecticut? I know that tons of people visit there or settle there, but I don't think they leave. Could Connecticut be the most inbred state in the country and we just don't hear about it? Think.) who meets a Black State Trooper and they fall in love. And solve mysteries. Hence the subtitle "A Berger and Mitry Mystery."

Now, I have to tell you that I'm digging these books. Which is surprising considering it is rare that I read a book that has no sex. I'm strictly a romance, romantic suspense, romantic thriller, or romantic mystery type gal. Do you get that I love romance? But I've got to say that I am definitely expanding my repetoire. They really are enjoyable, a little slow, gentle, and not too much violence, and nothing graphic. So if that sounds appealing, y'all should definitely check them out.

I really should get a ratings system. Hmmm...what would I do. I read a lot of romance and increasingly a lot of erotica. Maybe instead of stars, I should use batteries. Get it...batteries. I know you do. And when I'm evaluating mysteries, I should use little magnifying glasses. It's definitely something to think about.

Later

BTW...the first two books in the Berger and Mitry series are called "The Cold Blue Blood" and "The Hot Pink Farmhouse." Both of which rate 3 out of 4 little magnifying glasses.