FX’s breakout comedy hit of 2016, Atlanta, came as a surprise to many, but it shouldn’t have. Especially with the talented Donald Glover having his name all over this project, from writing, producing, directing and acting in the lead role for the series. While Glover’s talent is immense, it is not what carried the show that features a primarily black cast. The show is the fueled by the underlying tones of racism that toe the line of comfortability.
While many would see this as racism, I see it as a wakeup call to the white demographic. As a society, we tend to be pulled towards things that are similar to ourselves. We watch television shows, listen to music, and even see movies that are filled with, or created by, people that are like us. In Atlanta, Glover tells the story of his “culture” in a raw and eye opening way. He tells stories of violence, rap music, and even having a child with a women whom he is not involved. All of these storylines include aspects of the stereotypes many people associate with the black community.
Atlanta is highly addictive and has its viewers eagerly waiting for its second season. Personally, the show was written in such a way that I found it to be one of the greatest for our generation. Glover uses the stereotypes and negatives associated with the black community to not only address them, but to show viewers what it is really like to be a black man trying to support himself in Atlanta.
In many of Glover’s episodes, controversial events take place that are not only shocking, but are also incredibly eye opening to viewers. Examples of such events include: a trans-racial young man who identifies as a “35 year old white man,” a young schoolboy who comes to class with “white face” on, and even a wealthy white man who celebrates slavery and African culture.
Atlanta brings a new perspective to the way people view the black community but is also a statement to other ethnicities about how racial profiling may be interpreted. Since binge-watching the first season, I have asked many individuals about their opinion about the show. In my experience I have found that only a small percentage of individuals have even heard of it. In today’s society it is more important than ever to be well rounded and knowledgeable about the cultures outside of our own.
Glover’s work has been overlooked because it isn’t the run of the mill comedy. His humor isn’t surface level, and the messages behind his episodes aren’t easily understood. It is because he took a different approach that Atlanta hasn’t received the praise most of its viewers believe it deserves.
Atlanta isn’t a typical series that we see being produced on a regular basis. It has fresh ideas, unique themes and an out of this world soundtrack. I urge anyone who hasn’t already watched it to take the time to do so.
Click the link below to view the trailer for the first season.
