Race on The West Wing

Hugo's blog on racial issues inspired me to blog about something I've been wondering about.  Why does Jimmy Smits/Matt Santos, one of the Democratic candidates for President on The West Wing, have a white wife?

Now, here are two things we could say:

1.  What's wrong with an interracial relationship?  Absolutely nothing.  Why shouldn't a Hispanic man have a white wife?  Do you think he should "stay with his own?"   The West Wing has tackled interracial relationships before, with Charlie and Zoe, the President's daughter.  In that storyline, race was an issue (the President was shot by white supremacists who were actually targeting Charlie).  Now, it hasn't been an issue.  And why should it?  In fact, we should have more interracial relationships on TV.  They reflect our diversity as Americans.  And a Hispanic man will probably be the next President!  Why aren't you satisfied with that?

2.  But wouldn't it have been wonderful to hire a Hispanic actress and give her this opportunity?  How many Hispanic actresses are there on Prime Time TV?  Wouldn't it be good to have more?  And, The West Wing is pretty damn white.  For God's sake, Bush's White House is more diverse!!  They killed off Admiral Fitzwallace (African-American), Nancy McNally (African-American) seems to be gone and replaced by Kate (white), and the new guy hired to replace Josh is also white.  Another minority character would have been great.