To The Real-Life 'Jays' + 'Catherines'

I used to be back in my undergrad days. I don't draw comics but I do have a comic book store. That scene on the bus between the two girls was like the story of my life.

I'm definately a real life Jay. I wish this movie received a theatrical release.

Don't tell me what I can't do!

I'm a Catherine from Chicago, Illinois. I'm not biracial, but very fair skinned African American who loved classic rock, 80s British New wave, Green Day, Nirvana, Portishead, and the Dave Matthews Band as much as I love old school hip hop and old school R&B. I've never really "fit in" and my family has said I talk "white" - whatever that means. I do not fit the stereotype that most people associate with the West Side of Chicago, where I am from. I, also like Catherine, tend to sell myself short and sometimes lack confidence, but I pretty much say what I'm thinking with no filter but also no malice - a lot like Catherine.

My husband is totally a Jay - he likes Manga, anime, foreign films (especially East Asian horror) and graphic novels. He like Metallic, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead as much as he likes 50Cent and Jay-Z. The only differences are that he doesn't smoke and that while I've dated outside my race, my husband never has. I only think that's because he's from the deep south where in some small towns, that's very taboo. I'm not talking big cities like Atlanta or anything, I'm talking segregated towns in Alabama. Everyone in his family thinks he's "weird" even though everyone who meets him likes him instantly even though he's a little shy. He also doesn't fit the stereotype of a country "Bama" (I really hate that term), and he actually doesn't have a southern accent (just a slight drawl with one or two words).

This movie was really enjoyable for me. For a small indie film, it had good characterization without relying on stereotypes. It was a really good movie about race and relationships without being preachy or sanctimonious.

The fact that the movie ended using the song "Safety Dance" was the coolest thing ever IMO!

Guilty as charged...I'm a "Jay", been one all my life, its just so damn hard. Even harder to find the ones you might click with...one day I'll meet my "Catherine" hopefully before I'm too old.

"A commitment to cinema means to lead a technically deviant lifestyle."

I'm Jay. I'm nearly 30, black, living in LA, I read manga, avoid church, and listen to rock and rap. I've dated both white and black girls (and half-black girls). I even got glasses and used to wear a leather wrist band and wallet chain.

The main reason I watched this movie is I saw 5 minutes of it and immediately identified with the main character.