Season four of "Orange is the New Black" was recently released on Netflix to the pure delight of many fans. The series was released in July 2013 and has quickly gained a large following. It hilariously portrays what life is like in a women's prison and gives a perspective on many different issues. One thing I have learned is that mingled in with all the cussing, fighting, sex and life stories are a multitude of lessons that anyone and everyone can take with them. Whether it is Red fighting for her family or Caputo standing up for the quality of life of the prisoners, "Orange is the New Black" sneaks in some pretty legit feels. Here are some of the best lessons I have learned from "OITNB."
1. Feminism.
When you are living with a bunch of chicks and are under the care of a bunch of dudes, it is easy to show how much power women really can have and how sexist the world can be. The guards feel up the inmates on "random checks." The inmates stand up for what they believe, i.e. Crazy Eyes when she says, "No. This year I’m loving someone who deserves me: Me." Even the female guards show a little bit of feminist love when Officer Fischer tells Luschek off about being a real stand up date, saying, "Don’t call me babe. You can’t call me babe if you can’t return my texts." There are all sorts of wonderful messages about loving, standing up for and protecting yourself and other women all throughout the show. I mean, when your show is all about women, you kind of have to sneak that in there, right?
2. Food fixes almost everything.
We all pretty much knew this was true already, but it is nice to have something backing it up. Food is always a major theme in "OITNB," and it isn't just about eating. Those in the kitchen have power and they control things in the prison, a lot of plans are made around the cafeteria table, gossip is spread through the kitchen and some of the most important scenes happen in the cafeteria. Is it really that surprising that food has that kind of power? Plus, it's a great thing to have when you want to eat your feelings. Eating is something we all have to do and it is a great time to socialize, so getting around a table and eating some food can fix almost anything -- even in jail.
3. There is always something to be happy about.
Even with all the chaos going on the characters always find something to be happy about. Whether it's a new 'do, a phone call, or a new panty business venture, each inmate finds a way to make her stay a little happier. This gives us all something to live by considering the fact that I'm sure none of you reading this are currently incarcerated. There are plenty of good things in your life that you can look forward to without having to cut a chunk of your hair out!
4. You are in charge of your success and failure.
Not one woman in Litchfield (besides annoying Piper) denies that they have done something wrong. They may not talk about what they have done, but they sure don't say they never did anything at all. If there is anything these women have learned it is that they are in charge of their lives and the mistakes they made. Most of them are genuinely trying to make up for their mistakes and create a better life, and those that aren't have the most problems (Piper). They got themselves in jail and they are working to better themselves and get out.
5. Being a true friend is always important.
It's obvious within every clique in the jail that the inmates value their friendships. They look out for, stand up and protect each other like blood. Taystee and Poussey, Boo and Dogget, Red and Nicky, Ramos and Flaca and Sister and Burset -- they are all great examples of what friends are. Being in jail doesn't have to be lonely, so once you find that one person you connect with, hold on to them and be a true friend. We all need them, we all have them, we all can be them.
There are so many more lessons that we can all learn from "OITNB" once you get past the sex, cussing, brutality and so forth. The inmates at Litchfield Correctional Facility will leave you laughing, crying, thinking and putting yourself in their shoes. There is a reason fans wait entire years for a new season. Check it out on Netflix!
