"Black excellence" shows like Bel-Air feel out of step with their audience

[TMC]

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/...-wealth/629597

"These three shows differ in plot, tone, and production value, yet they’re all fluent in the language of 'Black excellence,' or the long-held belief among African Americans that they must work twice as hard for half as much as white people receive," says Tanisha C. Ford, adding: "These shows are obsessed with cash and glamour, reminding viewers in nearly every scene that African Americans, too, have generational wealth and sophisticated taste. For some Black viewers—the presumed core audience for these series—the glitzy theatrics provide welcome escapism from a world rife with anti-Black violence. But these shows also feel out of step with the cultural zeitgeist and with an audience that has been showing signs of Black-excellence fatigue for some time. Since 2020, aversion has grown in particular toward the ideology that links exorbitant wealth and conspicuous consumption to social progress for African Americans. This thought pattern mandates that African Americans work twice as hard to get … things: mansions, designer clothes, private jets to private islands. Many Black capitalists have long argued that buying power and entrepreneurship are the path to racial and economic justice. But the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its concomitant economic effects for Black communities, as well as the nationwide protests after the police killing of George Floyd, led to public disavowals of 'excellence' and free enterprise reaching a fever pitch."

[GentlemanJim]

Sounds as though Newton Minow's "vast wasteland" observations transcend race?

[Babalu]

From what I see the black people in America that make the most money are either professional athletes or untalented thugs that call themselves 'rappers'.

[GentlemanJim]

"Getting Ahead" is seldom easy, regardless of race. Some get incredibly lucky while others bust their backs trying to grab the golden ring, and never make it.

All have their own version of "their story" which frequently differs from what an objective 3rd party might say of them.

"Working twice as hard for half as much" is an analogy which I am sure serves the interest of people of all races. Blaming it on skin color might be true, and it might also just be convenient scapegoating.

"I could be twice as rich if the world was not out to get me"...etc.

[Wawwie]

Originally Posted by Babalu

From what I see the black people in America that make the most money are either professional athletes or untalented thugs that call themselves 'rappers'.

You're a master of race relations.

[Babalu]

Originally Posted by Wawwie

You're a master of race relations.

Care to prove me wrong?

[Wawwie]

Originally Posted by Babalu

Care to prove me wrong?

I never said you were right or wrong. I said you're a master of race relations.

[DJM77]

Originally Posted by Babalu

From what I see the black people in America that make the most money are either professional athletes or untalented thugs that call themselves 'rappers'.

According to these guys real thugs don't rap.