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Is Black-ish a good show?
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The show "Black-ish" is a misrepresentation of black identity

Through the portrayal of certain characters, "Black-ish" encourages stereotyping the black identity. Moreover, it turns a blind eye to reverse racism, thus invalidating it.

The Argument

"Black-ish" began with Dre Johnson feeling that his family wasn’t black enough. How black is a black person supposed to be? This is where the show flounders, primarily because it pushes forward the notion that unless you fit into the prescribed stereotype of an idea, you are undeserving of the label that is associated with it. This also furthers the idea that the difference between the races cannot be overcome. So in his quest to bring up his children more in tune with their black heritage, Dre essentially forces his will and ideas on his family. Furthermore, in their attempt to showcase a "normal" black family whom people can relate to, they also showcase certain issues that are not universally true. Zoey’s "white guilt" college essay is not only encouraged by her parents, but accepted by the college board depicting that it was guilt and not merit that secured her admission. Rainbow’s apprehension on Junior having a white girlfriend is even more absurd considering that her own father was white. "Black-ish" pushes the idea of talking about racism. It does so in every episode, and almost every dialogue. But by screaming about race until its voice is hoarse, it masks the accompanying reverse racism using comedy.

Counter arguments

"Black-ish" remains true to its title where it talks about all aspects of race. It does so using different comedic tones that add to the beauty and subtlety of the show. Reverse racism is dealt with an ironic tone that is often ignored or missed by its viewers. But it is as apparent as it is perceived to be masked. What causes viewers to gloss over it is their own inability to accept its existence in society.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] - It forces a cultural heritage onto its characters and viewers irrespective of their own views or ideas. [P2] - It generalizes an entire community by believing that all act in a similar manner.

Rejecting the premises

References

This page was last edited on Tuesday, 7 Jul 2020 at 22:11 UTC

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