Let's get this out into the open... I watch a lot of television...like a lot, daily. Television is like that one good friend we all have, reliable, doesn't judge and allows you to be your true self, the self you are when no one's around. But, as much as I love TV, it seemed like it didn't love me back, until recently. As a black male, self representation on TV seems sparse and often one-sided. Through my experiences, I've learned that being a black male on television often meant either you were a tough/cool guy or a nerd. Of course there are shows that defy this model, but they pale in comparison to the ones that do. It seemed like there was no in-between, but thanks to FX's Atlanta that's changed. Finally, I can watch characters that are somewhat like me, not necessarily the cool guy, but also not a nerd; the in-between.
In Atlanta, there are themes and situations represented that I can relate to. It may not always be from first-hand experience, but I get it and that makes all the difference in the world.
When asked about the hit series, creator and star Donald Glover said that it was his intention to show what it means to be black.
During the Television Critics Association press tour, he said, “The thesis with this show was to show people what it’s like to be black, and you can’t write that down. You have to feel it. The tonal aspect was really important to me."
What makes Atlanta great is it's versatility. The series follows Glover's quirky-cool character, Earn, as he juggles working a crap job and supporting a small family, all while trying to "adult", something all twenty-somethings experience. Yes, there are episodes that deal with race and social injustice, but there are also episodes that tackle more abstract issues.
Glover said, “There really isn’t a limit to how abstract you can get, as long as you believe it. There has to be a grounded nature to something — if you have something that is grounded on some level, you can go anywhere. You just have to have it so that they’re abiding by their own rules every step of the way.”
All of the series' nuances work together cohesively, making Atlanta an outstanding piece of work. Watching Glover's' portrayal of a quirky twenty-something trying to make it in the world is relatable to almost anyone and that he just so happens to be black is the icing on the cake. It shows that there is an in-between of being black and male while not perpetuating the tough guy or nerdy narrative, and that's just fine with me.
