How can one start a conversation about subtle racism, rape, and human exploitation? These are just a few among the sea of issues that are in dire need to be discussed and resolved but are swept under the rug. ABC’s American Crime offered to help. Having lasted only three seasons despite its Emmy awards and nominations, it nevertheless left its influence on network TV and its audience. The short-lived series is currently available on Netflix.
When we debate about social issues – global warming, abortion, sexuality, etc. – we talk about them as if they exist in a vacuum. But we must discuss them with an awareness of intersectionality:
It is impossible to talk about the fashion industry without talking about human rights and its environmental cost.
When talking about human rights, race can be discussed as well as labor exploitation.
In talking about race, we can talk about privilege, education, and wealth distribution.
Poverty leads to discussions about health care, social class, and diet.
American Crime does just that – it presents social issues as they are, preserving their complex nature. Season one deals with the murder of a white male, a veteran who married his high school sweetheart. In the process of the police investigation, his parents must confront the untold - and quite ugly - truths about their son. The investigation turns ugly, as the prosecutors attempt to find a suspect. It delves into the issue's of stereotypes and prejudices: race, previous criminal records, gender, and religion.
Season two deals with rape. It explores the bounds of the term “rape” and to whom it can be applied. The show exposes the strenuous and often traumatizing legal proceedings of reporting a rape. The indifference that the victims encounter is incredibly chilling.
Season three particularly resonates to the controversies that emerged with Trump’s presidency. It brings into light exploitation of all kinds: prostitution, unfair wages, illegal labor, and even the labor distribution between spouses. It includes the conflicts that social workers and nonprofit organizations face in attempting to assist the victims of exploitation.
I have never thought about the impact that race and gender have on a number of other social issues. This series reminded me of how much prejudice and bigotry we still face in our society and how prejudiced I may actually be. I began to reflect on my own actions and question whether I am a bigot myself. The events of the series are raw, real, and scary; It humanizes the people involved in the issues that we only talk about in abstract forms.
As trivial as a passing comment or a crude joke told in private may seem, they shape our perception. If stereotypes of any kind command our choices, we may blind ourselves from the truth. Ignorance is bliss -- but ignorance, when chosen over the truth, cannot justify our misdeeds.
Season four was supposed to be about women in the workplace had it been renewed. I’m hopeful that Netflix may revive the acclaimed series.
