The film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, written by Stanely Kramer reflects
society's prejudices of the 1960's time period. This comedy explores the subject of
interracial marriage, and the impact it has upon the parents of the bride and groom.
This film definitely confirms the concepts of the 1960's, yet provides a new
perspective on mixed marriages for years to come. The movie interprets the time
period well, especially enlightening the ignorance and tension between African
Americans and Caucasians.
This movie tells of a dinner party given by a bride's parents to meet her fianc
and his parents. The comfortable middle class, white parents of the bride are
shocked when they find out that the groom is black. The groom's parents, are also in
alarmed to find out that the parents of the bride are white. Surprisingly, the mothers
seem to be more accepting of the proposed marriage than the fathers, who are very
skeptical, and hold onto old traditions.
The 1960's were a period of increased government intervention and reforms, as
seen by the shocking message of the story. After the film, the number of interracial
marriages in the U.S. increased dramatically since the 1960's both in numbers
and in the percentage of total marriages. To 51,718 interracial marriages in 1990
compared to 40,491 in 1960. The results clearly show the changing mindset of the nation
from prejudice, to open-mindedness. Although the 1960's was a time of great
change, the hearts of many Americans were still unaccustomed to new ideals. The
idea of interracial marriage was very new for the time. The progression of the nation
becomes evident with the creation of: NAACP in 1909, struggling for civil rights for
blacks; the construction of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in
1960, for eliminating segregation by nonviolent means; the Civil Rights Acts of 1960
and 1964, to end discrimination; and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The 60's was a
time of constant reform to better the country from ignorant ideals. Besides legislation
to end discrimination and ensure equal rights, blacks received support for equal
rights from the courts. Evidently, the country still faced much bitterness toward the
minority groups as seen by the prejudice, limited rights, and limited segregation; which is
also clear in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, which highlights the ongoing intolerance.
This film is a combination of history and Hollywood. The fact that discrimination
was evident during the 1960's is clearly shown by the parents willful opposition
toward the marriage; and it can be somewhat exaggerated that the couple fell in love
quickly, and that the fathers of the couple approved rather quickly of the proposed
marriage. The tension of the time was very major, and such marriage would be
shunned upon. Also it is obvious the filmmaker is not manipulating its audience; only
fantasizing to a minor level on the sequence of events. Although i do believe Stanely
Kramer's goal was to open the minds of the people, and aid them in realizing the
possibility of interracial marriages.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner is a classic film of the 1960's highlighting the
flaws of society, and the possibilities of change in the ideals and morals of people.
The many reforms brought upon opportunities for African Americans, and guided the
progression of the nation onto being much more liberal.
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