First Dates contestant criticised for claiming to be 'trans-racial'
This week’s First Dates offered up some brand new controversy and an online talking point when one contestant claimed to be ‘trans-racial’.
In a time where gender fluidity is becoming an increasingly common thing and making its way into mainstream discussion, some people are attempting to use this idea to transcend race.
Fans are often left divided on some of the characters we see on-screen, but can also come together when something heartwarming happens.
That wasn’t the case, however, when Ruth appeared on last night’s episode.
‘I think I relate more to black culture than my own,’ the white woman said, when she sat down in front of the diary-style camera to explain her lifestyle.
The Scottish dater said she believes she has ‘I got born in the wrong race syndrome’.
‘I am white but I feel more black inside probably.’
Her black date, 23-year-old Michael, didn’t mind talking about race over their meal but it prompted people on Twitter to hold her to task for her controversial comments.
Can’t look away but I Can’t. Stop. Cringing. #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/ilBBWtcAdT
— rebecca (@itsneverbecky) May 24, 2018
"I've got wrong race syndrome" I'm not even going to go there…….. #FirstDates pic.twitter.com/tUHlolr4jY
— Chanice Hird (@Chanice_H12) May 24, 2018
Without a trace of Irony the intellectual power house that is #Ruth tells us she is the BLACK sheep #firstdates
— Urlofcork (@urlofcork) May 24, 2018
Umm just catching up on Ruth from #FirstDates. Where to BEGIN?! "I RELATE MORE TO BLACK CULTURE THAN MY OWN CULTURE", "wrong race syndrome" WTF. "I'm white but I feel more black inside". Imagine the crap a black person would get if they said this. I mean, she's mad.
— Jaxx Nelson (@JaxxNelson) May 25, 2018
I'm sure Ruth is well intentioned, but I don't think wanting a big ass and lips and fancying black men means you have 'born in the wrong race syndrome' ♀️ #firstdates
— Louisa (@weezerj) May 25, 2018
For every Black Panther movie there is a Ruth from First Dates #firstdates
— Liam Curtis (@liamcurtisTV) May 25, 2018
When Ruth asked him what his real name was like his actual name couldnt be Michael because he was Black i found that quite rude. #FirstDates
— Kimiko♡ (@K_Sammy1) May 24, 2018
Some even compared Ruth to American personality Rachel Dolezal, who is a white woman that ‘identifies’ as a black person. Her story has attracted plenty of criticism and people on social media made the connection.
#FirstDates pic.twitter.com/BNHVwCnVh4
— Glenda✨ (@GlendaMutero) May 24, 2018
Catch First Dates each Thursday, at 10pm, on Channel 4.
Read more:
Amanda Holden speaks out about heartbreaking moment her stillborn son was born