The representation of African Americans and Blackness in media, specifically television, has a storied history. In the 20th century, Sam Lucas was the first Black actor to play the part of Tom in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The foreword of the film stated, "This is the story of an exotic race, whose ancestors, born beneath a tropic sun, were brought to the New World by heartless traders, and sold into slavery." In the following year, 1915, The Birth of A Nation was a film that supported The Klu Klux Klan (KKK) and used that foreword as its moral foundation. The film insinuates that Black individuals coming to America were the birth of all of the nation's problems. Recently, the 21st century has seen strides in regards to equality, but representation in media has not reflected these changes. The modern-day depictions of Black life, culture, and experiences have highlighted the ingrained racist beliefs that were indoctrinated into the early American psyche. Remnants of the racist caricatures seen in Uncle Tom’s Cabin and The Birth of A Nation have been revolutionized and normalized in television and media. Negative portrayals of African Americans and Blackness then perpetuate stereotypes and create a lasting impact on those who consume it. Positive portrayals of African Americans and Blackness are not without fault. The television series “Black-ish” has been championed for its progressive depictions of the modern Black family. However, the series also highlights the work that television and media must undertake to accurately reflect aspects of African American life.
“Blackish” is a television show that follows the story of a well to do Black family navigating life and what Blackness means to them in the modern day. The show is on its fifth season and now has a spin-off titled “Grownish” that follows their newly college-aged daughter.
The family is labeled as the “mythical and majestical black family in a suburban neighborhood” (Griffiths, 2014). The remark is intended to be comedic, but illustrates that this uncommon, especially on television. In the pilot episode of Black-ish titled “Pilot” Dre worries that his family is losing touch with their Blackness an roots. Andre Jr, Dre’s son, joins the field hockey team and is called Andy by his fellow classmates at school. Andre Jr. also announces his conversion to Judaism so that he can have a Bar Mitzvah. This only strengthens Dre’s desires to show his family, especially his son, what he believes is true African heritage. Andre Jr. confides in his father and tells him that he would enjoy playing basketball, but is not very good at it and that field hockey will help him meet girls. The entire ordeal and plot in the pilot episode poses topics surrounding the Black family dynamic and Blackness. The materials in the episode show the Black family as a well-to-do family distanced from their roots. Although this may be the case for some, it falls into a binary trap by attempting to show Black families as one thing. Dre is dismissive to Andre Jr. as he polices his masculinity and Blackness. Andre Jr. is is presented as strange for not enjoying traditional Black pastimes. Andre Jr.’s actions offend what Dre views as acceptable expressions of Black masculinity. This father-son dynamic can be seen with Dre and his father Pops. Although the episode has excellent quality and funny moments the multigenerational hyper masculine Black undertones have lasting effects. In the 22nd episode, “Please Don’t Ask, Please Don’t Tell” Dre’s sister Rhonda is introduced to the Black-ish show. Rhonda is a lesbian, but never formally told her family. The family realizes it, but never acknowledges it. Andre later admits that the lack of discussion is due to homophobia in the African American culture, and that is why he has never discussed it with Rhonda. These actions homosexuality is a topic that most African Americans prefer to avoid, due to homophobia, which is why he never discussed it with his sister. This leads to rifts within the family that can highlight a disconnect in regards to gender identity within the Black community and experience.