The Progressiveness Of "Orange Is The New Black"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Progressiveness Of "Orange Is The New Black"

What is it about this series that gets viewers so engaged?

28
The Progressiveness Of "Orange Is The New Black"
Good Housekeeping

Political correctness is an important concept that has taken over society as of late. Some view this as “oversensitivity”, but many others see it as the long-overdue acceptance of even the most oppressed individuals. In an attempt to get up-to-speed with the growing tolerance of individuality in our country, the media has begun to produce content that is more diverse and inclusive. A great example of a progressive television show that has gained massive popularity recently is Netflix’s original series, "Orange is the New Black". Note: there will be spoilers.

The show presents a variety of issues, including (but not limited to) homophobia and transphobia, racial prejudice, corruptness of incarceration facilities, mental illnesses and their stigmas, drug addiction, and police brutality.

The newest season of the show focuses specifically on corruption within the United States government and the prevalence of police brutality, mainly associated with racial prejudice. With the introduction of a new set of prison guards under the ruling of Desi Piscatella, the audience sees just how the combination of power and fear contribute to less-than-ethical tactics in police forces. Examples include unnecessary frisking, intimidation, and severe punishment (such as forcing inmate Blanca Flores to stand on a table for days until she agrees to comply with the staff’s rules). The tension builds up throughout the season until, during one of the final episodes, a young and inexperienced guard tackles an inmate and causes her to suffocate.

There are various interpretations of this last season’s climax, but a common theory is that Poussey Washington’s death is supposed to be commentary on the recent movement of Black Lives Matter. The young woman was a lesbian, black, and most importantly, not at all threatening. This fact is what made her death that much more unnecessary; a common argument for those supporting police is that police only kill in an effort to defend themselves. It is clear in this case that Officer Bayley used much more force than necessary, and the question is whether this was due to racial prejudice, acting upon robotic, violent movements ingrained in him during police training, or a combination of the two. Regardless, the death is shocking and heartbreaking, especially since Washington is a favorite character of much of the show’s audience. Reactions varied from sadness to outrage, and it is easy to understand why.

This show is one of the few shows that has the intellectual guts to make such a move—it is not easy to make references to such poignant and debated matters such as Black Lives Matter in the media without expecting a lot of criticism. Although some argue that Poussey’s death didn’t need to happen, others say that it was necessary because it is accurate—it reflects a real problem that occurs today, much more often than we would like to admit.

Additionally, the final scene of the season finale is worth considering—will Daya shoot the gun? The fact that the gun was there in the first place is a sign that ethics have been abandoned a long time ago. Seeing the inmate in a position of power instead of the guards is an incredible image that will be remembered for a long time, and the writers probably wanted to end the show on this concept because they knew that it would cause viewers to really think about what was happening in the real world. Why is it so outlandish of a concept that inmates should have some say in their lives? Perhaps this is a statement not just about criminals, but about real people in the real world, stuck in a trapped position just like the inmates, simply because of their race, religion, sexuality, or economic status. Daya symbolizes the movement as we see it today—fighting back for rights that should have been present a long time ago.

"Orange Is The New Black" is a show that is realistic from beginning to end, and it is worth taking a look at why things unfold the way they do—not only in the series, but in real life. Anyone willing to give this show a shot is bound to be inspired to make a difference.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40450
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25046
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950727
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

131995
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments