Orange is the New Black has become a hit Netflix show and I've joined the bandwagon. I'm sure to some people this show is just about a bunch of incarcerated women and their struggles, but I see something more. To me this show represents what's going on in our world today: corruption in the justice systems, misogyny, rape, racism, micro aggressions, etc... I enjoy shows that not only entertain your for multiple hours but send their audiences important messages because it makes me feel more connected to the characters and the variety of story lines.
In the recent season, the show started emphasizing the concept of racial tension not just between people of color and white people but also between different people of color. To me that's important because I feel that people assume that all people of color are the same and experience the same things but that's not the case. By pointing that out, the show reveals the negative impacts of constantly labeling each other, we should interact with each based on who we are... not what we look like.
Lastly, I love this show because it's relatable. They portray the women as REAL women so that doesn't mean nice body, perfect, white teeth, and clear skin, it showcases a diverse population of women with different experiences and bodies which makes the show credible in my eyes.
Overall, I think OITNB is a powerful show and although it can be a bit graphic at times, it just adds to the credibility.
