Mississippi Masala

Film Essay

The film Mississippi Masala by Mira Nair portrays the complications that can often come along with an interracial relationship. This relationship is between an African American man, Demetrius, who grew up in the south and a South Asian woman, Mina, who grew up in Uganda and later in the south as well. There are many similarities and differences that the couple shares in their cultural background as well as in modern times in the United States. Even though they have many similarities, they are often gone unnoticed by their families, and still have to struggle with being accepted. I also think their relationship brings out several stereotypes of unequal positions that a minority, or any specific race, is supposed to “hold” or “act like”.
The similarities can start far before Demetrius and Mina were even born. Both of their races and families were the victims of the British migrating them to foreign countries to work. Indians were sent to Uganda t...