- Question
- Is Black-ish a good show?
- Position‹2 of 2
- Black-ish is not a good show
- Argument‹2 of 2
The show's title is provocative and generalizes the African American community
The title "Black-ish" reflects the double standards that exist in relation to the black community. While it does strike an ironic tone, "Black-ish" treads the border between being racist, and a true reflection of society.
The argument
The title of a show reveals a lot about the intent, premise and tone of what is to be aired, and "Black-ish" is no different. The "ish" screams inadequacy. It suggests the idea that behaving in accordance with the stereotype of a certain race is inherent, and those who do not adhere to the said norms are somehow inferior to the rest. Those who do not fit into the age-old stereotype are criticized by those who do, encouraging reverse racism. It also pushes those who, while belonging to a particular race, do not conform to such stereotypes into an abyss of identity crisis. Creating an entire show on race is groundbreaking; but with it also comes certain problems. In their effort to try to point out just how unconsciously racist the society is, they also revealed themselves to be part of that clan too. Had the show been titled "White-ish", the uproar that would have followed, expressed by the African American community, would have definitely been hard to miss. This reveals in some way the hypocrisy on the part of the black community.
Premises
Counter-arguments
The use of the title "Black-ish", much like the entire show itself, is ironic. It is deliberately used in order to show the double standards that exist in society when it concerns the black community. They criticize the whites for their discriminatory behavior against people of color, but do not bat an eyelid when indulging in the same behavior with the whites or those who are darker skinned than themselves.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P1] A title signals intent only loosely: it is chosen to attract attention and is frequently ironic, so a series' treatment of its subject cannot be read off it. [Rejecting P2] The suffix's force is the opposite of the one attributed to it — the show uses it to name and satirise the very expectation that there is one authentic way to be Black, which makes the discomfort the premise registers the point rather than the failing. [Rejecting P3] The claim about effects is asserted without evidence, and the series' reception — its critical standing and awards over several seasons — runs against the assertion that it encourages division.