Written by Petra Chiabs
As I write this, the crushing sense of finality sinks in as schedules arrive and the back-to-school sales start to roll in. As the summer of 2015 comes to an end, I would like to use the last of my relatively free time to binge-watch as much as humanly possible. Television hasn’t been a fun excursion lately. By becoming socially aware, many of us are quick to realize the problems in today’s media including, but not limited to: cultural appropriation, a lack of realistic POC, and an overwhelming underrepresentation of the full spectrum of the LGBTA community. To those that wish to laze about, but don’t have many options when it comes to what to watch, this is my gift to you: a list of 5 of the most diverse shows and movies to watch from the past year.
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Sense8
Description: This series brings out the full extent of Netflix’s disregard of social stigmas by breaking down cultural barriers to portray a wide array of characters. With an exceedingly diverse cast, fast-paced plotline and fierce tackle on issues such as racism, homosexuality in media, transphobia and poverty to name a few, ‘Sense 8’ runs a refreshing coup-d-etat on the white, rich, cisgendered oligarchy that is Hollywood. When 8 people from entirely different parts of the world with entirely different backgrounds are mentally adjoined through a strange power, they must learn to work together to get through their daily issues and combat an enemy that wishes to destroy them all. Terribly bold, but equally complex, this show takes dedication and an open mind to fully understand every aspect of it. You can finish it in one sitting, but you’re bound to end up watching it again.
Rating: 9 /10
Available On: Netflix
2) Dear White People
Description: With a comical approach, this witty film unabashedly covers the concepts of racism, white privilege, interracial relationships and cultural appropriation in a pretentious Ivy-League University. African-American characters lead the plotline, highlighting the experience of four in particular as the story continues. With careful, articulate dialogue and a balance between seriousness and humor, the movie manages not only to educate but to entertain. Questions are posed, and questions are left unanswered, making the viewer leave the film with as many issues resolved as those needed to be pondered over.
Rating: 9.5/10
Available On: DVD, Google Play, Youtube, Amazon
3) Orange Is The New Black Season 3
Description: Season 3 was a wild trip down memory lane for some extremely underappreciated characters in the show. As we learn more about Boo, the local Butch, and Tiffany Doggett, resident Bible-Thumper, the show isn’t afraid to touch upon one of the more taboo issues in society: rape culture. This is certainly one of the highlights of the Season, and is sure to hit any viewer with a rough emotional impact, regardless of whether they have been personally affected.
Rating: 9/10
Available On: DVD, Netflix
4) Empire
Description: It’s all for the power in FOX’s new series focusing on a black family’s growth in the music industry. With an incredibly gifted cast and innovative dramatic plotlines, ‘Empire’ delves deep into revealing the secrets and stigmas of the African American community. By uncovering and calling out rampant homophobia as well as ripping the veil off of mental illness, the show displays an affectionately critical look on Black culture, designed to raise awareness rather than scorn. As three brothers and their mother fight to inherit control of Empire Entertainment from their dying father, tensions run high and the drama is rampant. ‘Empire’ is simply one of those shows you can’t miss.
Rating: 9/10
Available On: Google Play, Amazon
5) Steven Universe Season 2
Description: If you’re looking for something lighthearted, and wouldn’t mind hanging out with you little siblings for a change, this is the show to watch. With as daringly blatant LGBT insinuations as Cartoon Network dares to throw forth, Steven Universe is the start to a new generation of children’s television. Focusing on a boy named Steven, the series showcases his development into one of the crystal gems, alien superbeings who seek to protect humanity. Within the latest season, we learn more about Stephen’s place in the group, and the full extent of his powers. Deliciously feminist with a healthy amount of POC representation, the show holds its own in terms of wide social acceptance. There are enough twists and drama to keep the plot fresh, yet the peaceful undertone always keeps the pacing casual. A perfect fit for those who don’t want to delve into anything intense.
Rating: 7/10.
Available On: Cartoon Network, Google Play, Amazon
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