Cup O' Fiz 09/25/15

***Spoiler Alert***

If you watch either Blackish or Empire and have not watched last night's episode, read no further.

Last night two shows that have become part of my rotation debuted for their second seasons. These days I rarely watch shows on the day they air due to my trusty DVR. However, after one trip to Facebook around 9:05, it became quite apparent that I would not be able to go on social media without first having seen Empire. Some shows are just like that, you better watch ASAP or it will undoubtedly be ruined...So I watched.

Within 5 minutes of the beginning of Empire we are taken to an elaborate benefit concert touting a "Free Lucious Lyon" campaign. A man who we know is guilty of more crimes than we can count and certainly does not belong on the streets. One of the rappers gets up on the stage and throws out lines that reference Michael Brown and Eric Garner; blatantly exploiting a very serious current issue in an extremely superficial way.

Forty-five or so minutes later, Blackish. This show begins with the youngest son dancing his ass off in a talent show rapping Kanye West's Gold Digger. And yes, he uses the N-word. He is subsequently expelled from school. (Sidebar: this kid can dance, check out this video he was in a few years ago: Aloe Blacc - Loving You Is Killing Me) The show proceeds to deal with the issue of the N-word in a way that only Blackish can; in a thought provoking, self reflective manner, simultaneously being downright hilarious.

Now, I will be the first to admit, I don't watch Empire for it's social justice stances, I watch for pure entertainment. However, many in the media have anointed Empire as some sort of torch bearer because it is a show with a majority black cast in a profession that historically has a glass ceiling. rare. While that fact is laudable, Empire shamelessly perpetuates negative stereotypes over and over without any decipherable message. Conversely, Blackish, also a majority black cast, flies under the radar yet doesn't get it's due for dealing with social issues. These issues often deal with race, but with an inclusive style. When you watch Blackish, you feel as if you are part of the conversation. You may change your opinion 2 or 3 times in the span of the half hour, all while laughing heartily. Now THAT is special.

Look, I'm not saying there isn't a place for both of these shows, because there certainly is as they are both entertaining in their own right. But maybe we should stop viewing Empire as the standard for being being socially progressive when it doesn't really deserve to be the model we look towards. Maybe we should shift that adulation to a show like Blackish. Then again, maybe a man of my complexion has no right to say any of this so I'll leave you with Lauryn Hill's words: "Come on baby light my fire, everything you drop is so tired. Music is supposed to inspire. How come we ain't getting no higher?"