The Other Side of the Story

Hi,

Can you name a movie or television show that positively showcases the Black experience? If you did, then you probably couldn’t name many. That’s because most movies and television shows that do showcase the Black experience emphasize our struggles. Slavery, segregation, colonialism, the Civil Rights Movement, and Apartheid. I think it’s so important to share these stories but there needs to be a balance. We, Black people, do so much more than struggle. We thrive.

I think White Liberals really like to see stories where we overcome hardship. To them it’s like “Wow, Black people have been through so much.” Yes we have but we don’t need you feeling sorry for us. We are so much more than what’s depicted in the media. Movies like The Help and The Blind Side are great stories but perpetuate the idea that we can only succeed when a White person helps us or that our lives are constantly a struggle.

Obviously, that is false. That is why Black Panther was such a powerful movie because for once, it wasn’t about our struggle nor were we aided by a lighter skinned counterpart. It was all about us thriving and doing incredible things.

We need fewer stories about absent fathers, generational drug use, and gangs. We need more stories about our successes and accomplishments. Though, I understand for a film producer the latter may not be too interesting of a story to tell. Our stories shouldn’t only be told when they fit a “struggle” narrative. Our struggles should be talked about. Our stories should be well known and our triumphs need to be told an equal amount.

Thanks for reading.