Love Is Blind Just Aired the Kind of Political Debate You Never See on Reality TV

Love Is Blind Just Aired the Kind of Political Debate You Never See on Reality TV

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time observing human dynamics and relationships, I find myself deeply moved by the conversation between Marissa and Ramses in the latest episode of Love is Blind. Their discussion on the complexities of their political beliefs, shaped by their unique life experiences, resonates with me on a personal level.


This article discusses events from Love Is Blind Season 7, Episodes 7-9.

Essentially, the reality show Love Is Blind revolves around communication. Set up as a social experiment, it tests the idea that people can fall in love if they spend extensive hours conversing about their identities, values, and expectations for a lifelong partner. Throughout its seven seasons, we’ve observed couples discussing topics ranging from finances to family planning. However, significant political issues like Bartise and Nancy’s disagreement over abortion in Season 3 are usually kept out of the spotlight during the edited episodes.

Perhaps due to its setting in Washington D.C., which houses many policy workers and military veterans, Season 7 has been exceptionally focused on related topics. Couples within the pods have even discussed dating across political lines. Stephen admitted to Monica that he voted for Donald Trump in 2016 but for Joe Biden in 2020; she still agreed to marry him (however, she later regrets her decision in the second set of episodes this week, after discovering explicit texts from another woman on his phone). Remarkably, in Episode 7, the show delves deeply into Marissa and Ramses’ disagreement over military service, offering one of the most substantial conversations Love Is Blind has ever presented.

Love Is Blind Just Aired the Kind of Political Debate You Never See on Reality TV

During a 12-minute long dinner conversation, Marissa George, a lawyer who used to serve in the Navy, and Ramses Prashad, an employee at a nonprofit focused on justice reform, initially engage in lighthearted banter about Marissa’s description of his noodles as “perfectly cooked”. Their discussion takes a more serious turn when they discuss the religious aspects of their upcoming wedding. Marissa prefers an officiant who is not heterosexual and cisgender (which Ramses accepts), and she suggests that God can play a lesser role in their ceremony. Ramses mentions that his mother may have some reservations but would probably be content praying with him before the ceremony. Differences in religious beliefs, which can sometimes be problematic on “Love Is Blind”, seem to be manageable for these two individuals as they appear to be working towards a mutually agreeable solution.

After delving deeper into the subject, both Marissa and Ramses express their personal views on religion, revealing that despite initial assumptions, they aren’t as dissimilar as one might think. Marissa shares her struggle with being a woman of color in the predominantly white and male-centric Mormon church, but acknowledges that many kind individuals within it have made a positive impact on her life. She explains that the portrayal of God as white and the teaching of white religious beliefs can lead to internalizing certain ideas. Ramses, who was once part of the ministry and continues to believe in the existence of a Christian God, discusses his upbringing steeped in traditional, often fear-based teachings. He admits that he has always felt something amiss about this approach, questioning whether a loving deity would condemn him for asking questions. In response to Marissa’s suggestion, Ramses agrees that God could be of any gender identity, reflecting a heartwarming moment where they not only understand each other’s perspectives but also find shared ground to respect one another’s beliefs.

Love Is Blind Just Aired the Kind of Political Debate You Never See on Reality TV

After discussing topics like past lives and Barbie dolls, Ramses and Marissa tackle a more complex issue: her experiences in the U.S. military. This subject holds deep emotions for her as she grapples with internal contradictions stemming from her upbringing in a military family and feeling pressured to serve. Initially, she felt deeply patriotic and believed wholeheartedly in the military. However, now she criticizes the indoctrination within the military. She no longer supports many of the military’s actions abroad, yet acknowledges that it transformed her life and opened up opportunities for her. Marissa is careful not to entirely condemn the military, as it significantly impacted her life. Furthermore, she understands that many soldiers enlisted at a young age without fully comprehending the repercussions of their foreign actions. Despite her criticism of American imperialism, which led to her leaving the service, she believes it has been crucial for maintaining domestic security.

Hailing from Venezuela, a nation with a complex and often contentious relationship with American intervention, Ramses carries a more critical stance towards the military. Expressing his viewpoint, he says, “From an outsider’s perspective, I observe and analyze.” Born elsewhere but residing here now, he acknowledges the privilege of living in this country, yet maintains a firm position to consistently scrutinize the ways the U.S. has destabilized various countries.

Love Is Blind Just Aired the Kind of Political Debate You Never See on Reality TV

The discussion doesn’t resolve their ongoing argument, and it doesn’t provide detailed, fact-based information to educate viewers about the issue. However, the show Love Is Blind effectively illustrates how personal background influences political views, which can be critical in determining the success of a romantic relationship. It’s important to note that disagreements often occur not due to one person being inherently evil or unintelligent, but because two thoughtful individuals may have differing viewpoints based on unique experiences. Moreover, political disputes don’t always break down into Democrat versus Republican perspectives. In this specific couple, while they would likely lean left politically, there are significant differences in their beliefs and reasons for those beliefs. During a heated presidential election season when the spectrum of political opinions in America is often narrowed by the platforms of the two major parties, it’s refreshing to witness more nuanced disagreements being depicted and delved into.

Reflecting on the finesse of this unique spectacle, it’s essential to ponder how this event aligns with the narrative that Love Is Blind has been shaping over its seven-season journey. Initially positioned as a platform for serious singles searching for their life partners without visual contact, the show has since been entangled in a series of controversies. From concerns about on-set conditions to troubling lawsuits, many viewers, including myself, have persisted in tuning in, often grappling with unease over potential off-camera happenings.

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2024-10-09 11:06

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