Politics Won’t Tear Love Is Blind Apart

As a seasoned viewer of reality TV, I must say that the seventh season of Love Is Blind has taken an unexpected yet refreshing turn. The political discourse between Marissa and Ramses, while not traditionally present on this show, feels authentic and relatable to the real-world conversations happening among us. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a show tackle such complex and divisive topics, especially in today’s politically charged climate.

In contrast to expectations, although season seven of “Love Is Blind” is based in Washington D.C., a city that seems ripe for political debates, it’s surprisingly low on intense partisan discussions, with only brief mentions about one contestant’s voting preference for Trump and a more extended reflection on the Ukraine war.

In episode seven’s closing scene, the conversation between Marissa and Ramses, one of the couples moving towards marriage following their romantic retreat, takes an unexpected turn. As they dine together, Marissa is weary due to her daily two-hour commute to Baltimore. Cooking for them, Ramses initiates a discussion about wedding preparations and the inclusion of a religious ceremony. However, Marissa, raised as a Mormon, expresses discomfort with any patriarchal connotations. The dialogue shifts, touching upon beliefs in God, past lives, and even favorite shows like ‘Barbie’. This seemingly lighthearted conversation quickly escalates into a deep and serious discussion. Ramses, originally from Venezuela, voices his opposition to American imperialism. Marissa, with her military background, appreciates her service but also questions certain aspects of the military culture. They uncover a significant difference in their perspectives, not based on political affiliations or voting records, but rather, on their profound views towards America. (The story unfolds in autumn of 2023.) Marissa’s thoughts about ‘Barbie’ lead to her frustrations with patriarchal structures in the military, her military service experiences, and then they find themselves engaged in a thoughtful debate.

To sum up, the reality show “Love Is Blind” has traditionally focused on personal issues like money, relationships, and cultural differences. However, for the first time, it’s delving into more overtly political topics such as America’s global role. This shift signifies a new direction for the show, reflecting the divisive national debates that exist in the United States. Yet, it also serves to highlight how these broader discussions can manifest in individual conversations and the stark contrast between theoretical views on global affairs and the practical values people uphold in their daily lives.

In contrast to previous seasons, “Love Is Blind” has become more overtly political this time around. During production, creator Chris Coelen hinted that the producers have always been interested in addressing politics but chose to avoid it due to the show’s design. The series is structured to prevent couples from discovering profound political disagreements later in their relationship, which could lead to shock or significant conflict. Contestants are encouraged to discuss values that matter deeply to them, such as family, children, religion, and lifestyle, right from the start of their pod interactions. Politics are included in these conversations, and people who strongly identify with certain ideologies tend to bring up political views early on, thereby preventing relationships with strong disagreements from progressing to the wedding stage. For example, during my observations of the pods, I witnessed an initial encounter between a woman discussing her ethnic background and its impact on her politics, and a man who identified himself as an “American patriot.” After this conversation, they did not pursue another date together.

In episode seven and eight, Marissa and Ramses’s dialogue stands out from the usual pattern for this series. It’s unparalleled and seldom seen on reality TV. It’s deeper than a typical disagreement between opposing sides, and it seems to be significantly impacted by their filming on October 7, 2023, within the pods. The participants of season seven emerged from their information-less bubbles into a changed world, as shown by Ramses’s mention of events in Palestine in episode eight. This unique situation allows political discourse to become part of their relationship within the context of Love Is Blind, reflecting the urge to address current issues in an ever-evolving world.

This conversation between Ramses and Marissa delves into uncharted territories, yet it reveals some profound truths about the dynamics of relationships, not just on this show, but in general. They engage in a complex, emotionally charged discussion about their views on patriotism and American life, a topic as vast as an ocean. Despite moments of tension, such as when Marissa admits her discomfort, it’s evident that this discussion won’t lead to a rift between them.

In the edited episode nine, their personal matters seem to hold significant weight rather than the global political conflict they’re embroiled in. Marissa prefers not to resume birth control and Ramses abstains from using a condom, both expressing a desire to avoid pregnancy at the moment. This dilemma, though overshadowed by their larger political discord, appears to be the source of tension in their relationship. Despite the political differences that have arisen since they first met, their shared history in the pods ensures that their views on American military strategy can be set aside for now. However, finding a resolution to their disagreement about family planning proves challenging. This pattern of conflicts arising from everyday, intimate matters is reminiscent of relationships portrayed in Love Is Blind and resonates outside this peculiar, producer-driven reality setting. In most relationships, the everyday life issues tend to exert more influence than grand political ideologies unless they directly impact one’s personal life.

2024-10-10 20:54

Politics Won’t Tear Love Is Blind Apart

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