If you haven’t heard about either of these shows — or maybe you have, but haven’t had time to watch them – I highly suggest it. Both of these shows, “Atlanta” airing on FX, “Insecure” on HBO, are exactly what communities of color, more specifically the black community, need from a television show. Too often, there is a taboo about what type of language, social interactions and relationship dynamics should be on television. “Atlanta” and “Insecure” break free from these molds, giving a glimpse into the life as a young black twenty-something individual navigates the dating world (“Insecure”), and another tackling the issue of gaining recognition in the music industry (“Atlanta”). The content provided by both is unfiltered, comical and most importantly, real.
As a black individual who will be approaching 20 soon, it’s very comforting to watch these shows and be able to identify with the lingo (both shows use AAVE, or African American Vernacular English). It’s just a comforting feeling for me, along with many other viewers of the same demographic. I’ve heard the word “relatable” used to describe both shows, and I could not have described it better. Both shows give us a raw glimpse into the lives of Issa Rae (“Insecure”) and Earnest “Earn” Marks (“Atlanta”).
“Atlanta,” created by and starring Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, takes place in Southern metropolis, and chronicles his daily life as a working class man who is trying to help his cousin Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles breakthrough into the music industry.
Earn Marks (Glover) far right, cousin “Paper Boi” far left, friend Alfred, middle
“Insecure,” created by and starring Issa Rae as herself, follows the life of a black woman in her late 20s, taking place in the greater Los Angeles area. The comedy-drama deals with love, loss sex, dating and everything in between.
Issa Rae as herself (right) with best friend/main character Molly (left)
Both shows are taking monumental steps in the right direction. Donald Glover won an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for “Atlanta.” The show’s debut was also incredibly successful, resulting in FX having it’s biggest comedy debut in three years. “Insecure” is the first HBO show to star a black female lead. These barriers that are currently being broken are outstanding.
These two comedy-dramas sum up the perfect way to tell our community: “You can do this. You CAN and WILL be visible.” This alone should be proof that we need more television shows like these. This revolutionary coverage of navigating through life as a black individual sends a message to our community, and even generations to come that it is ok to be black. It’s OK to express yourself a certain way, and not to be ashamed for the way we talk, act or dress. Both shows do an excellent of painting the portrait of black life in a celebratory manner and an aesthetically pleasing way.
I sincerely hope that many young black artists and filmmakers become inspired by these monumental records and are not afraid to continue to reach higher. Our voices and stories deserve to be heard, too.
Photo credits: Cover image, 1, 2, 3