Bachelorette 13 - Rachel Lindsay - General Discussion - *Sleuthing Spoilers*

gurlbrit wrote:I'm really disappointed in myself right now, I've been a huge fan of this franchise since the beginning.  But .... I just can't work up any enthusiasm for this one, and I'm honestly not sure why.  There have been instances where I really wasn't bothered (Jake, the Prince and Ali) but I still sleuthed and read spoilers.  I don't know if it's because of what has happened with the "squad" since the end of last season because I liked Rachel during that season, or if I'm just not that interested, especially after watching the emphasis on multi-cultural marriage that was placed on the HTD.  I'm concerned that this season will be all about the differences between races, I will probably watch the beginning but if I see too much of that kind of drama going on, then I'm going to be done.

Well I haven't been as huge a fan of the franchise, as I've missed many seasons. And I will say I haven't been that into the spoilers/sleuthing for Rachel's season like I was for Nick's season. In fact I barely know half of the guys' names and anything about them. But I actually think that's just because I have been a fan of Nick's since Andi's season and was really excited for him. Looking back on it, I wonder if that actually ruined a bit of my enjoyment of the season because there were so many opinions - negative and positive - formed, months before the show even started that it almost became a bit too much.

This time, I'm going to back to my usual way of watching the show, where I give it the first two episodes to decide how I feel about the contestants and if I'll stick around for the whole season. Interestingly, I have typically always enjoyed the Bachelorette seasons more than the Bachelor seasons because I find I often like most of the guys, whereas with The Bachelor, I usually can't stand most of the women.

So I will definitely watch for the first few episodes and I truly hope it works out for Rachel. Statistically The Bachelorettes do better with their choice than The Bachelors, so that's already a good sign for her. As for whatever "squad" stuff has happened or is happening, honestly I am not going to judge Rachel for what other people say or do. They're all adults. Until I see or hear something from her that bugs me, then I'm fine with her.

Regarding the race issue, well sadly, I don't see the media ignoring that and viewers escaping it. And I'm saying it right now that if speculation turns out to be right and her F4 are all white guys then yeah, there will be a lot of talk about that. There is no way there will be no reaction to the first African American lead in the show's history not having one African American guy in her Final 4. Yes, ideally we can all say it doesn't matter but realistically, that's not the case.

Rachel's sister said something similar during her HTD when Nick said he just saw him and Rachel as him and Rachel and not her skin color. And her sister said that sure that's lovely sentiment and view to have but realistically with society what it is right now, not realistic. So I for one am totally bracing myself for what will come if she doesn't pick any black guys for her F4.

There's not a doubt in my mind that SM is gonna light her azz up if there really isn't any black guys in her F4. I personally don't care (though I'm surprised the show didn't have her take one to F4, if there really isn't any). I'm just gonna support her and respect her choice. I think she'll be more active on SM when her season starts airing but hopefully she has the same mentality she's always had towards it and not let it affect her. All JMO.

I think TPTB will deal with the situation as a dating experiment as always and the media can deal with it as they choose.
The forum will deal with Rachel as a dating issue/experiment and not a racial issue/experiment. I hope we can all work within these guidelines.

The way I look at it is the lead chooses who they want, that's the main thing. Regardless if it works out or not, at the time that's who they felt the strongest feelings for.

It shouldn't matter to anyone but the lead. Whether there is a black guy or not, IMO whoever was let go, she didn't feel it with them, and that to me is the important issue. I'd rather that, than her IMO have a black guy simply for political reasons.

Maybe I'm alone and totally in the minority here - but I hope the show does talk about race, interatial dating in our society. So often this show is just so surface level. I like on the rare, rare occasion it digs a little deeper. The most interesting aspect of Rachel's HTD to me was Rachel's mom/sister alluding to actual real world events in America - that it is an increasingly tense time for people of color in America and Nick can't be "blind eye" and "not seeing color" with Rachel. That's not how the world works. 

I really enjoyed Emily Maynard's season because it had a slightly more serious tone. With Ricki, much of the season was her men pondering over what it would really mean to be with Emily and to immediately step into that dad role - and not just a step dad, but like a surrogate actual dad given Emily and Ricki's circumstances. It was heavier, and I liked that. I'm not saying I want Rachel's season to be all about race, but I'll be disappointed in the show if they completely ignore it. I don't think they will though, and I look forward to seeing how they handle it. I think it's an interesting conversation for America to have right now, personally.

@sosleepy ITA. I don't want the entire season to be about the fact the she's black but it would be extremely disingenuous IMO if the topic doesn't come up. I know some people felt that they harped on it during her HTD but it was a very real interaction, & those conversations are ones that would happen IRL. All JMO.

ReneeM wrote:@sosleepy ITA. I don't want the entire season to be about the fact the she's black but it would be extremely disingenuous IMO if the topic doesn't come up. I know some people felt that they harped on it during her HTD but it was a very real interaction, & those conversations are ones that would happen IRL. All JMO.

I think it just think it makes people uncomfortable. Still. Conversations about race, I mean. Totally agree with you though, it will be completely disingenuous for the show, Rachel and her guys to ignore it. The fact is whichever white dude (apparently) that Rachel picks, for better or worse, they will have to deal with being an interracial (public) couple. In 2017. Where there is still a lot of stigma surrounding that, unfortunately. I'm actually very interested to see how all involved handle this - a show that is usually so white bread... and again, surface level. I'm more intrigued about the story we are about to see because of it. Again, maybe I'm in the minority.

I happen to agree in regards to real life. However, this show is not real life. IMO

TBH, I think they dealt with it enough during Nick's HTD and it was different because Rachel was in the position of pursuing a white man. These guys showed up for Rachel. We don't need several new conversation's about interracial relationships. The fact that these guys are here for Rachel is relevant to the fact that interracial couples isn't all that taboo in 2017. JMO.

ReneeM wrote:@sosleepy ITA. I don't want the entire season to be about the fact the she's black but it would be extremely disingenuous IMO if the topic doesn't come up. I know some people felt that they harped on it during her HTD but it was a very real interaction, & those conversations are ones that would happen IRL. All JMO.

i agree with both general points:  1) it should definitely be talked about; but also 2) Rachel should be able to pick the man she wants.  I'm sure it will be commented on, I'm sure she'll get some "hate" for it, but I also have a feeling that she'll handle it pretty well.  It's also possible that the cuts and her choices will be completely understandable based on the editing.  I dunno, but I'm looking forward to this season.  I really like Rachel, and the guys seem interesting enough so far.

ETA: I also completely agree with the above in that these guys DID show up for her and that it's 2017 and it shouldn't be taboo at all.

BlackHalo wrote:TBH, I think they dealt with it enough during Nick's HTD and it was different because Rachel was in the position of pursuing a white man. These guys showed up for Rachel. We don't need several new conversation's about interracial relationships. The fact that these guys are here for Rachel is relevant to the fact that interracial couples isn't all that taboo in 2017. JMO.

Bingo, you just said what I wanted to say.  This is 2017 not 1966.  Maybe it's because I'm European and have seen more of a melting pot during my earlier years.  My best friend in HS her father was from Barbados (black) and her mother was English (white); she was the most gorgeous looking person I'd ever seen.  So to me it's not a big deal, but I just know that TPTB are going to go there.  I'm hoping that I may be pleasantly surprised and they don't but I won't hold my breath.

gurlbrit wrote:

BlackHalo wrote:TBH, I think they dealt with it enough during Nick's HTD and it was different because Rachel was in the position of pursuing a white man. These guys showed up for Rachel. We don't need several new conversation's about interracial relationships. The fact that these guys are here for Rachel is relevant to the fact that interracial couples isn't all that taboo in 2017. JMO.

Bingo, you just said what I wanted to say.  This is 2017 not 1966.  Maybe it's because I'm European and have seen more of a melting pot during my earlier years.  My best friend in HS her father was from Barbados (black) and her mother was English (white); she was the most gorgeous looking person I'd ever seen.  So to me it's not a big deal, but I just know that TPTB are going to go there.  I'm hoping that I may be pleasantly surprised and they don't but I won't hold my breath.

All of this is so true, however you're the one talking about it. We have all experience it. My WOC daughter married a white man and I'm an ecstatic mom despite their experiences. I will fight to make this a better world for my grand baby. Hang in there.