I love the ABC TV comedy series Black-ish, which is easiest to explain as a show about a wealthy African American family that tries to negotiate life as Blacks in America – they’re often conflicted between asserting and defending their race, and at the same time, engaging in the same conspicuous consumption as many wealthy Americans. Episodes frequently touch on very serious topics affecting Black Americans, but with a comic twist. The episodes on Martin Luther King Day ( the family went on a week-end ski trip) and Black Lives Matter ( a comi-serious debate about the issue that addressed all sides) are not to be missed. Last night’s episode shared some important facts and statistics about the American criminal justice system and the disproportionate effect on people of color.
Last night, in a conversation at the father’s (Anthony Anderson) workplace, a very white advertising agency, Dre’s white bread, racist boss was bemoaning the circumstances of a current employee who had a criminal record. The guy spent his time at a country club prison, which was just horrible. Steaks that were ordered “medium rare” were always well-done, there was only doubles tennis and, the only premium cable channel available – EPIX!
I laughed, but I wonder how many viewer “got it.”
As they say, any publicity is better than none.
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