Nayte Olukoya has been the recipient of outsized scrutiny and hate since the moment he stepped out the limo on night one.
His recent stories are not the first time that he’s had to address this hatred directly. His appearance, alleged “lack of readiness” and overall suitability for Michelle have been a subject of discussion for the entire part of his journey with Bachelor Nation. And it’s all rooted in respectability narratives.
Respectability narratives are “ representations of marginalized individuals meant to depict them as sharing similar traits, values, and morals that align with the dominant group’s definition of “respectability’”. Nayte with his tattoos, piercings, and confidence did not fit the expectations that viewers had for him; therefore, the hate he received is significantly colored by their stereotypes and prejudices.
The conversation about Michelle’s final two suitors in fact is also rooted in who fans thought was a more suitable fit for Michelle. Brandon’s appeal aligns with more traditional societal norms, and instead of trusting Michelle to make the best decision for herself, vehement fans publicly mentioned throughout their relationship comments about Nayte’s readiness that were rooted in outdated stereotypes and prejudices.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if fans aren’t criticizing Nayte and other BIPOC contestants, they are often fetishizing them in ways that feel unsettling. Like stereotyping, fetishization is just one more way of othering and dehumanizing contestants.
As we look forward to the new cast of men, it is important to keep this in mind as we begin to have discussions and conversations about The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise.
What story is being told to us through editing? What is perhaps being left out? What stereotypes are coloring the portrayals on our screen?
The best way we can counteract this is to follow and support and get to know the contestants through other lenses like their relationships with other cast mates and their own social media posts.
The Nayte Olukoya I see on Instagram loves to have a good time. He loves to laugh, and he loves his adorable pup, Percy. He’s not the womanizer or the villain some of Bachelor Nation accuses him of being.
I was a big fan of Nayte and Michelle’s relationship, and I will be a big fan of them each separately. I look forward to supporting them through the ups and downs of navigating social media attention and their humanity, because after all, isn’t that what we’re all doing?
Until next time,
Ashley ✌🏾
Good write