Discussions concerning diversity are becoming more and more significant, affecting every aspect of life, including our beloved television programs from the past. This leads us to Friends, the popular sitcom from the 1990s that has recently drawn criticism for its lack of diversity.
Many people are familiar with Quinta Brunson from her role in Abbott Elementary, and she recently expressed her worries about Friends. Brunson used her opening monologue to address the problem during her Saturday Night Live hosting gig. She drew attention to how the renowned series lacked black companions.
Brunson also discussed her own program, Abbott Elementary, which centers on a group of educators in a Philadelphia elementary school that receives state funding and has a large black student body. There is a noticeable difference between the diversity on Abbott Elementary and Friends.
“I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead I just made my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host,” she said in a typically funny manner. Much simpler, much simpler.
As she went on, the audience agreed with her: “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends.” However, it is about a group of teachers rather than a group of pals. It is in Philadelphia rather than New York, and it has Black people instead of not.
Despite the lighthearted tone, Brunson brought up a serious concern that many people, including Friends creator Martha Kauffman, have shared. Kauffman pledged $4 million to a university to support African and African-American studies departments in an effort to make amends for the show’s lack of diversity.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman said, looking back on her experience. “Accepting and admitting guilt is not easy.” Looking at oneself in the mirror hurts. I feel ashamed that I was ignorant twenty-five years ago.
It took me a while to see how I had internalized systemic racism, she added. I’ve been putting a lot of effort into becoming an ally and an anti-racist. And I thought that this would allow me to contribute to the discussion from the viewpoint of a white lady.
Although there is still much to be said about diversity in entertainment, it appears that at least some effort is being made in acknowledging past failures and pursuing a more inclusive future.
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