Is there a need for Black Escapism in media?

[MischievousMonkey]

I stumbled upon this video which discusses Black Escapism in media:

and how some Black people want more media depicting Black people without it being about their suffering and without addressing racial issues.

People argue in the comments and the same sentiment transpires: less media about politics & social issues, more media with just Black people doing stuff.

Interestingly enough, the youtuber takes a contradicting stance and points out that there is much more so-called "apolitical" Black material than the other way around. He also says that everything is political anyway and people are wishy washy about their standards in that regard.

I can see both sides of the argument but I'm thinking: if you want a show about Black people doing stuff totally unrelated to them being Black, why does it matter if they're Black or not? Why do you need a Black-people-going-to-space-movie if you don't want them being Black having any significance in that same movie?

That's a question I'm asking to myself.

Thoughts?

 

[Turk]

I think there is too much black trauma in media. How many tv shows, movies, etc can you name that don't depict black trauma?

 

[PortCityProphet]

You can address it without it being the center of the storyline or the main factor.
Acknowledge that racism exists and life is harder for us but don't let that be all.
No more slave tales, no more civil rights stories, no more 1st black person to do whatever.
I stopped watching after like the 2nd season but Issa rae show did a good job of that.

 

[MischievousMonkey]

I think there is too much black trauma in media. How many tv shows, movies, etc can you name that don't depict black trauma?

Do you see movies like The Last Black Man in San Francisco as Black trauma film?

 

[Turk]

Do you see movies like The Last Black Man in San Francisco as Black trauma film?

i've never seen it so i cant speak on that

 

[Neuromancer]

What is the most popular black t.v. show right now? Movie? I think if we look at what those are that may answer the question. I'd love more black sci-fi or fantasy.

 

[Ya' Cousin Cleon]

this is one of them talking points that people love to trot out but isn't entirely accurate

same with the "all we make is slave movies" stuff people love to regurgitate

people just want things both ways

they want a show that depicts people being 'real" and in tune with "the streets/reality" but then cry about how that shouldn't always be the focus

then when somebody black does something fun or whimsical it either gets labeled corny or not "for black people"

which is a goofy talking point, but that's another thread for another day.
which is why I don't blame anybody in (black) entertainment from just and making what they want anyway and KIM

What is the most popular black t.v. show right now? Movie? I think if we look at what those are that may answer the question. I'd love more black sci-fi or fantasy.

Abbott elementary

South Side tho

 

[MajesticLion]

None shall escape the judgment.

 

[Json]

“Black media” is kind of a red herring.

My feeling that escapism is escapism cause it’s free of constraints. I mean the Witcher series is a made up world but few POC inhabit it.

There’s still a need in escapist media to frame it around white leads and history no matter how fantastical so black people are sort of forced to think of our media based on how true to life it is.

 

[humminbird]

yep
we need more media where the characters just happen to be black

 

[FlyRy]

What is the most popular black t.v. show right now? Movie? I think if we look at what those are that may answer the question. I'd love more black sci-fi or fantasy.

 

[Red Shield]

the usual suspects bytching about that

 

[Fresh]

I'd love more black sci-fi or fantasy.

I agree totally

 

[Sonic Boom of the South]

Black Escapism

What a stupid concept

How about the problem is Black tv/movies have no general variety

So all we get is ignorant stereotypes shoved down our throat


​

 

[NobodyReally]

I stumbled upon this video which discusses Black Escapism in media:

and how some Black people want more media depicting Black people without it being about their suffering and without addressing racial issues.

People argue in the comments and the same sentiment transpires: less media about politics & social issues, more media with just Black people doing stuff.

Interestingly enough, the youtuber takes a contradicting stance and points out that there is much more so-called "apolitical" Black material than the other way around. He also says that everything is political anyway and people are wishy washy about their standards in that regard.

I can see both sides of the argument but I'm thinking: if you want a show about Black people doing stuff totally unrelated to them being Black, why does it matter if they're Black or not? Why do you need a Black-people-going-to-space-movie if you don't want them being Black having any significance in that same movie?

That's a question I'm asking to myself.

Thoughts?

Love this post, OP. It needs to be discussed more. I think we need more variety but I don't think completely ignoring the ugly truth about racism and its impact is the way to go. Those stories still need to be told. White folks will make movies about the holocaust and WW2 forever so nobody forgets, trust. We should do the same, but it doesn't have to be the only stories we tel!. We just need more diverse options. I gravitate towards fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and rom-coms for escape and it would be nice see more black protagonists in those genres.

You can address it without it being the center of the storyline or the main factor.
Acknowledge that racism exists and life is harder for us but don't let that be all.
No more slave tales, no more civil rights stories, no more 1st black person to do whatever.
I stopped watching after like the 2nd season but Issa rae show did a good job of that.

Do you see movies like The Last Black Man in San Francisco as Black trauma film?

Great question. I don't think it is Its slice of life, where race plays a role but its about more than that. That movie honors and shows people trying to find their place.