Yesterday, I went to see The Photograph that features Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield. Let me begin by saying that this movie is a true romance…I mean TRUE ROMANCE. I feel like when we see black movies or black people in movies, it’s always a slavery movie; thriller; comedy; etc but this is a pure romance. It really shows how important black romance is and why we need to see it in movies more. I’m not talking about just sex…I’m talking about real romance. I’m talking about two black people just together and in love.

One question I have is…why don’t you see more pure black romance movies? You might see a love interest in some movies, but the movie itself isn’t a romance.

I think one answer is that in movies, black people are often seen as the ones who make jokes. We’re seen as the jokesters of the movies and if that’s strayed away from, then movie companies might feel like the movie might not make the best sales. Well, I think the millions that the movie made proves otherwise. Another answer I feel is that there’s a stigma around black people and relationships. You know what I’m talking about. The one parent homes, dad’s in jail, mom was abused or is doing strange things for cash trying to make it for her child, somebody’s cheating, the parents are together but they do nothing but argue all the time…the list goes on. You see a lot of that in these movies and I think it’s because it seems more interesting to have that drama and keep that view going, but it’s so important to see pure black love.

Here’s why:

It’s Important For Kids To See.

Children are always watching and it’s no surprise how important representation is for little black girls and boys in all aspects. This especially applies to black love. How does it look if the only images that are seen online or in movies are single parent homes or messed up families? If this is what’s seen mostly, then imagine how they might end up growing up feeling about relationships in the future. It’s also important because you see a lot of mixed-race relationships as well. There’s 100% nothing wrong with mixed-race relationships at all. Love is love, but it’s also important to show black children that you can find love within your own race. It’s important for black people to see this because all around you see so much hatred for black men or black women. You see so many black men who choose to date white women…which is fine…but what’s not fine is when they also choose to slander black women. It’s ok to be black, marry a black man or woman, and have beautiful black children.

It’s Important To End The Stigma. 

Like I said, there’s a stigma around black couples and families. It would be so amazing to see more black people in serious romance movies. It’s just great to show that we’re not about baby mama drama and men being in jail or even that we don’t love our own kind. More movies this one is like a stepping stone to showing how beautiful and real black love is and can be.

It’s Important To Show The Realness.

Continuing on with my last statement, black love is real and because it does involve two people with two different life stories, then there can be some conflict or struggle. The movie follows two different relationships….one from the past and one from the present. I won’t give anything away, but they both involved two people who kind of had their own path. The only difference is, one couple didn’t end up together, and the other was able to learn that they never want to be apart. The thing that didn’t change between the two couples is the love or feelings that never left. And that’s real. Sometimes things get in the way and it doesn’t happen. Sometimes things end up coming together in the end. It isn’t always toxic.

If you haven’t gotten the chance to see The Photograph please go see it! Indulge in the black love realness. Have you seen the movie? Let me know how you feel about it. Also, let me know how you feel about this topic!