Black-ish is quickly building a reputation for offering poignant social commentary. They've tackled tough issues like police brutality, feminism, the N word and now the election of Donald Trump. The newest episode titled "Lemons" follows the Johnson family in the aftermath of Donald Trump's "upsetting" victory.
Each episode of Black-ish begins with Dre introducing the theme or topic of the next 30 minutes. He opens "Lemons" discussing American's love of underdogs, but poses a serious and thought provoking question. "What do we do when the losing and winning sides of an upset (Trump's victory) are supposed to be on the same team? Seriously...what happens?" Dre delivers this question genuinely and it couldn't be more relevant as America currently seeks the answer.
Each member of the family deals with the loss in their own way. Rainbow, furious about the results, goes out of her way to voice her political views. In the first scene she wears a black lives matters pin, habitat for humanity sweatpants and a democratic party shirt.
Junior, as class president, prepares to recite Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have Dream" speech to his school. A school with rising tension in the aftermath of the election. Zooey prepares lemonade for the healing rally, something that becomes relevant towards the end of the episode.
Dre, walks into his office, one that is up in arms over the election results. His team sits down to work on a pitch, one they've delayed working on since election night. However, they are once again distracted while trying to figure out what led to this political upset. The ensuing conversation delineates the voice and reasoning of real Americans. Viewers will relate to this scene because these arguments are ones that undoubtedly took place in real life.
The most powerful moment of the episode comes after Dre's coworker asks why he isn't participating in the debate, questioning his love for America. Dre begins a emotional monologue, describing the plight he and other blacks face while still loving this country. He reveals the fact that no matter who America elects, blacks will still be in the same situation. Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" playing in the background gives his monologue more emphasis and power.
What makes Black-ish great at social commentary is their ability to look at issues from both sides. "Lemons" taps into the fear and angst of many minorities and Clinton supporters, while still challenging Americans to understand Trump supporters. The rhetoric in Dre's monologue is eerily similar to Barack Obama's farewell address. Dre, like Obama, gives a call to action for his coworkers. He encourages them to come together and be empathetic and understanding of how other Americans feel because at the end of the day we're all Americans.
Zooey's lemonade, and the title of this episode, becomes relevant after the monologue. In this episode Rainbow represents the Americans who are pissed off and feel hatred because of the perceived hatred of Trump and his supporters. Zooey reveals to Rainbow that the lemonade she is making for the peace rally is her way of showing love to her fellow students. That's the contribution she wants to make. It's assuredly a message to all of the Americans who are angered about the election results. When life gives you lemons, give back love, and the world will be a better place for it.
In the final five minutes "Lemons" takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster. From highlighting America's racial problems, then to what makes it great and ending on a positive note of progress, empathy and love. Black-ish delivers a message that all Americans could benefit from hearing.
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