Race On The Small Screen
Race is a hot topic right now. With the tensions from our neighbours to the south and its unfortunate, yet inevitable, leak into our country, it feels like we can’t get away from small minded hate. I wrote a post awhile ago about being mixed race and how it has affected my life…or hasn’t one may argue. The recent riots in Charlottesville have really upset me and I don’t know why. No one I know was involved, it wasn’t in my country, I’ve never even been to Charlottesville…but for some reason, I find it all very emotional. I’m not the only one who was touched by this display of white nationalism. Not long after the events, someone spray painted, ‘We hate N*******!’ on my Dad’s church in Guelph- Ontario…in Canada! What?! Race On The Small Screen
And I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what my next move is. I don’t know what OUR next move is as a whole. Regardless of the love that so many people are trying to perpetuate, there seems to be a constant barrage of hate thrown back. But I suppose this is inevitable in a world of good/evil and these people will always exist. Authority figures must continue to draw attention to the topic of race, creating awareness, acceptance and love so that in a few generations, this issue is almost obsolete.
I recently watched ‘Dear White People’ (the series) on Netflix and I LOVED it. At no point did they steer away from any issues surrounding black expectations, stereotypes and white privilege. They even tackled being mixed race (Tracy Ellis Ross mixed vs Rashida Jones mixed – Ha!) and the responsibilities (or expected responsibilities) of both. It also highlights the hyper awareness of race currently in American society within schools, politics and family. Bang bang bang- it hit hot topic after hot topic with no holds barred and took no prisoners.
I love how Netflix produced documentaries and shows continue to address the topic of race. It is as if Netflix has been possessed with the spirit of HBO in the 90’s when they put out Oz and Sex & The City. They want to push boundaries, ask hard questions and show controversial answers. The fact that September will bring documentaries ‘Strong Island‘ (a racially charged murder, the killer’s acquittal and the family’s response) and ‘Time: The Kalief Bowder Story‘ (a young black man unwarranted arrest and horrific three year confinement in jail) shows that despite the social climate, they are not backing down from relevant, somewhat controversial material.
Well played, Netflix, and I can’t wait to see what else you’ve got up your sleeve.