The Troubling Issues In 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way!

Love knows no boundaries, they say. But what happens when love collides with cultural clashes and unrealistic expectations? The return of the hit reality TV series, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way season 5 is set to release its premiere episode, titled “Far Trek: The Next Generation,” on July 10, 2023, on TLC. Another rollercoaster ride of drama, revelations, and the exploration of deeply rooted issues within relationships.

A world where Americans venture abroad for love, only to find themselves grappling with the complexities of cultural adaptation and the thin line between acceptance and entitlement. Delve into the captivating and controversial dynamics that make 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way a compelling yet thought-provoking series.

The Problems with ’90 Day Fiance: The Other Way’

Reality TV viewership has been captivated by the popular 90 Day Fiance franchise, which has spawned numerous spinoffs including 90 Day Fiance: Love in Paradise, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. Among them, 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way stands out, showcasing Americans who make the bold decision to move abroad for love.

While the show offers an intriguing glimpse into the challenges faced by couples adjusting to new cultural surroundings, it also raises questions about entitlement and the true nature of love. This article delves into the primary issues depicted in the show. Explore the deeper problems with 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way.

The Phenomenon of 90 Day Fiance

Since its debut in 2014, 90 Day Fiance has evolved from a series focused on the K-1 visa process into a show that captivates viewers with love stories, the funniest moments, and the real struggles of couples adapting to new environments. The franchise’s popularity has led to multiple spinoffs, with 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way being the most prominent. This article explores instances where the show’s participants failed to acclimate to their new surroundings, leading to relationship issues.

Cultural Clashes and Unrealistic Expectations

A recurring theme in 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way is the clash between American participants and their partners’ cultural norms. The American viewpoint often portrays the Islamic lifestyle as strict and restrictive, contrasting with the ideals of freedom and bodily autonomy ingrained in American society. However, it is crucial to recognize that millions of individuals happily embrace their religious practices and cultural norms, finding fulfillment in their choices.

By disregarding these aspects, the show inadvertently perpetuates an American-centric perspective that fails to appreciate the nuances of diverse cultures. Instances of couples like Avery Mills and Omar Albakour, as well as Shaeeda Sween and Bilal Hazziez, demonstrate that embracing one’s partner’s culture can lead to a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

The Entitlement Dilemma

One of the significant issues depicted in 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way revolves around the entitlement displayed by certain participants. For instance, Nicole Sherbiny, who converted to Islam to marry Mahmoud Sherbiny, faces difficulties when it comes to adhering to cultural dress codes in Egypt. While Nicole’s desire for personal expression is valid, it raises questions about her hasty decision to marry without fully considering this important aspect.

Instead of making genuine efforts to compromise and find creative solutions, Nicole’s half-hearted attempts at appeasement only further strain the relationship. This highlights a sense of American narcissism, wherein personal desires often supersede the importance of cultural integration and understanding. Had the couple taken more time to date and understand each other’s perspectives, the outcome might have been different.

The Fetishization of Partners Abroad

A recurring pattern in 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way is fetishizing partners from different cultures. This is evident in relationships like that of Laura Jallali and Aladin Jallali, where the stark age difference and constant sexualization of Aladin raise questions about the true nature of their connection. Laura’s focus on Aladin’s physical appearance and the sexual aspects of their relationship diminishes the importance of deeper emotional compatibility.

Moreover, this fetishization stands in direct contrast to Aladin’s own religious beliefs, creating a disrespectful dynamic. It is essential to view individuals from different cultures as complete human beings, rather than reducing them to mere objects of desire or exotic fantasies.

Addressing the Islamophobia Problem

One cannot overlook the prevailing Islamophobia in post-9/11 American media. While 90 Day Fiance does not explicitly promote this narrative, it also fails to actively counter it. The show predominantly focuses on relationships where women are portrayed as being “forced” to conform to certain cultural expectations.

The show perpetuates a one-sided and limited portrayal of Muslim men by presenting only these narratives. This undermines the vast diversity within the Islamic faith and fails to recognize that religious beliefs do not inherently make someone a bad person. By highlighting positive examples like Avery and Shaeeda, the show has the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and showcase the variety of cultures and beliefs within the Muslim community.

Wrap Up

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way seasons offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by couples navigating cultural differences in pursuit of love. However, it is important to critically examine the underlying issues portrayed in the show. Cultural clashes, unrealistic expectations, the fetishization of partners, and the perpetuation of Islamophobia are themes that deserve closer scrutiny.

By addressing these concerns, 90 Day Fiance has the potential to foster a more inclusive and understanding narrative. While highlighting the beauty and complexity of relationships that transcend borders. Ultimately, the show can promote cultural appreciation, empathy, and a broader understanding of love in an interconnected world.