The creators of HBO's Game of Thrones and The 25th hour, David Benioff and D.B Weiss, have pitched a new idea that has left a great deal of people outraged. The new drama series, Confederate, dares to be different and is imperceptibly pushing the envelope, much to everyone's concern. With heightened tension in the US after the violent "United the Right" white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, VA on August 12th, many are wondering if this show is even remotely appropriate for both this day and age and even in the near future. The tag #NoConfederate has taken Twitter by storm, trending both nationwide and worldwide in order to get the attention of the producers and potential viewers who might fall into the trap of blindly supporting this drama merely because it's picked up by HBO.

They have officially green-lit a show that displays an alternate world where the South won the Civil War, which gives "rise to a nation in which slavery remains legal and evolved into a modern institution." The premise of the show has become a touchy subject as the executive producers haven't portrayed themselves as those who have much consideration for people of color, and bringing in two black co-writers to seemingly ease the tension didn't sit well either. It's no secret that their show, Game of Thrones, has been talked about in the past for their lack of diversity, and the only characters they have, are depicted as either slaves or servants. I don't appreciate the tactic of profiting off of the Conderferate, alt-right fantasy which may enable many, and upset much more.

April Reign, the creator of the #NoConfederate campaign speaks intelligently about why the vast majority refuses to accept this show. She states in this interview, "Benioff and Weiss... have constantly been criticized because of the lack of significant characters and the lack of diversity behind the camera... If they can't handle the topic of race and the subjugation of women in over six years [in reference to G.O.T], what confidence should we have in either of them to be able to handle those issues with increased nuance and sensitivity on the show that will have the enslavement of black people..." To fantasize about slavery, and white supremacist groups raising their Confederate flag in spite and bravado in this alt-history drama strongly resonates with feelings that would rather be forgotten, and frankly, I think it's in poor taste.

There have been many arguments about the suppression of the producers' creativity, the issue with not watching it if we aren't interested and that we, as viewers, are supposed to have faith that they will approach this topic with as much care and respect as necessary. I personally still find it extremely offensive, and rather insensitive to continue with an idea that has felt like a reality to many. Montae Taylor, Student Activist, spoke out about his feelings, stating, "I have a great grandfather who literally has told me the same stories of what I have experienced today and the fact that I look at what's going on and see what my grandfather was talking about... It's not scary, it's appalling."

In recent news, the creators of the show re-addressed the situation, notifying others that they were STILL going to go through with the show much to everyone's dismay. With the domestic terrorism that has been taking place during the rally of alt-right wing members and neo-nazis, versus the counter-protesters, the United States is divided more than ever. We don't need anything that continues to remind us of the harsh past, or even the somber present. Not to mention, this show will play on the dividing sides and will fuel the fire that we have been trying to extinguish for so long.

Instead, we must remain hopeful, and refute all negativity in order to ensure a positive future, and with the up-and-coming series, Confederate, it feels like just another money making tactic that we will just have to wait and see how it affects everyone in the long run.