We've all heard of "Orange is the New Black". At least I hope we all have. "Orange is the New Black is a show on Netflix", based off of a book by Piper Kerman. Uncoincidentally, it is kind of centered around the main character, Piper Chapman, however, it is not only focused on her but provides flashbacks and insights to most characters.
Piper comes from a white, privileged family. Most other characters do not. I've fallen in love for "Orange is the New Black" (aka OITNB) because of its ability to spark conversation about the controversy in the world all the while continuing with the plot. For people that struggle to bring up the hard topics with potential partners, this show is for you. Warning, major spoilers below.
1. Piper's Parents Don't Understand That She Is No Different
In season one, Piper's parents (mostly her mom), are visiting her and keeps going on about how everyone else there is an animal. Piper is really scared of herself in the first season.
She has no idea what's going on with herself, and she lashes out at her mom. She tries to make her realize that just because these people come from different backgrounds and have done different things, that they're no different. After all, they all ended up in Litchfield.
2. Who are the real criminals?
In season two, episode two, "Looks Blue, Tastes Red," there is a guest speaker.
They make a wonderful, glorious jab at big companies like Monsanto.
3. Female Orgasm
Healy is one of the counselors in Orange is the New Black. He is definitely biased in a lot of the stuff he does, says, and thinks. And he believes things. Like, for example, he doesn't think the female orgasm is a thing.
4. Psych.
Lolly, a character that is made a part of the show in season three, has a mental disability. She lacks a back story until season four. Healy is attached to her case.
She rarely has any idea what's actually going on and her illness is ignored by almost every CO, but Healy.
5. Black Lives Matter
*Super Spoiler*
In season four, a major character (Poussey!!!) is killed by a guard. With the corporate management of a prison (y'know, a housing unit for convicts. But they're still PEOPLE and it's being run like a business which is wrong in and of itself), there are new people who are not trained.
Police brutality and much of the sort is highlighted in this season. Because of an amateur correction officer who had no idea what he was doing, a beautiful human died.
Overall, "Orange is the New Black" highlights important conflicts. But what does that have to do with a potential relationship?
For those that find it hard to initiate conversation on the hard topics, this is a good starting point. Personally, I find that agreeing on these topics is necessary for a happy, long lasting relationship.
