Yeah it's sad when people are killed because of their race, denied jobs because of their race, are not given prompt medical treatment because of their race, are assumed to be less educated, or criminals because of their race. Lots of times the story comes close but it eventually gets dropped into obscurity. If we’re dissatisfied with the representation, then what kind of representation did we truly get? It can shape and reinforce cultural beliefs and attitudes about race and ethnicity. I do suspect this will come in future seasons but I’m not too sure. Now either way I think she is an amazing character and I love watching her, but I think she should get some soft moments as well like Eloise does. One thing Bridgerton does do wonderfully are with their poc characters the queen, Simon, and Lady Danbury. I think it’s okay to be appreciative the inclusion yet still want more from the representation. I am alienating the story from the underlying context of the characters in an attempt to explore the racial implications of progressive pieces such as this. They are tokenist because although their statuses are different, they are still “strong black women who don’t need no man”. Renewed for Season 2! The story didn’t even bother explaining to us where she’s going. The queen gets glimpses of character development throughout the season but she doesn’t go through much transformation in the end (hopefully we see it in season 2). But the reality is the series is not an exact replica of the books. And wouldn’t the amount of screentime be more important than a happy ending for the actress of Marina anyway? Being aware of the importance of representation and not falling into any typical tropes. Prior to … It’s about what you do with them as characters beyond just being black. All that you’ve mentioned about them is in the past, but what are they doing now? They could have definitely had many girls of different races in important roles instead of making them background characters or “the example of what you don’t want to happen to you”. Marina is desirable up until her character creates social suicide and her “complexity“ as you’ve described still leads the character no where. Basically best person cast. They are minor characters. I just binged the show after a failed first attempt at watching, bc a podcast I respect mentioned a significant plot twist at the end. Like I said, who or what is she now? I COMPLETELY understand why people wanted more for her. England is 3% Black. I hope so. And also the diversity in this show so far has been just black women and men (important characters), no other ethnicities. There are only 2 lead roles left to be cast after Kate- Sophie and Lucy if we get there. But good representation really matters, where people of colour are not just the side script to the larger story. But having the two major characters in the show be played by black actors would have changed the whole dynamic. But my post again is about exploring how these characters would have been handled if they were white. is different from seeing from, for instance, UK's p.o.v. It is just one regency show. So you're saying wanting diversity and representation is totally fine except when it's not in line with your ships and the book stories you like? Premiered Dec 25, 2020. As for the Queen and Lady Danbury, this is why I said the story gives us glimpses but ultimately shies away from going any deeper. Diversity in Bridgerton (here for it!) As for the diversity, I think I remember seeing were very few Asian characters throughout the show but I’m sure people have already commented on that topic ad nauseam. Many feel so very progressive that they even watched the show, and that they accepted the racial diversity without judgment (big pat on our backs!). The two most powerful women in the show are both black. Bridgerton review: Netflix’s romantic period drama is an utter joy. Interesting how that perspective never occurred to me. I’m Chinese-American, and there’s always mixed emotions when you see representation in media because yes, you’re glad to see people of your background represented, but it’s also disappointing when it reinforces existing stereotypes. I don't feel like black women have just been token characters. Would they be more gentle? The black male (Duke) has a higher rank than all the white males. compare to indians born in India - they're the same race/colour but different cultures and experiences. We don’t see them overcome struggles or come to great enlightenments. I don't find the queen just cold and unlikeable, she has her goals, she's bored, she's commanding since she's the queen, and we get to see her softer side, a bit of her personality when we find out about her husband, the king and him probably having dementia, her true feelings for him with them being friends who become husband and wife - they truly loved each other and then had a great loss - their daughter. does not mean the show doesn't merit discussion around diversity and how it can be improved, but most of the points in OPs post don't really seem rational. None of the black women really experience this. These are all women with moral dilemmas who are struggling to make change their circumstances and for the most part they do. This show is based on the Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn. I think Regé is a very beautiful man and did a great portrayal of Simon, but I also recognize that part of his success in this role is because he has a lighter complexion. Thank you for such a great response. Yes this is a period piece, but a fictional one. What has been interesting in this post is seeing how blindly people expose themselves in terms of their social awareness. It’s not until she’s forced to seduce Colin that she actually makes progression towards anything. Tokenism in relation to black women relate to things that you see white women experiencing that black women don’t such as desirability or loving families. Bridgerton wants to have Black characters while handwaving the reality of racism. It’s the same stereotype you would see in any modern tv show no matter how much you like the character. The single black mother character is such a bad stereotype. Married to King George III (who is portrayed by James Fleet on the series), Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was Queen of the United Kingdom from 1761 to 1818. Reddit LinkedIn WhatsApp Email ... as the society’s diversity is explained by a storyline within the show. The point is that these Black women are all merely plot devices for the story and act as either supporters or antagonists to the main characters. I guess that's why these discussions are happening. I don’t really know how I could further explain this because it really runs so much deeper than just having more than one black female character. Weaving them into the plot to make them necessary while slowing peeling away their layers. She’s seen as being just mean, selfish and shape. She remains in her trauma the entire show without deliverance or meaningful enlightenment after all she’s gone through. The other households are Featherington, Bridgerton and Cowper. In actuality It’s not about gratitude, it’s about exploring racial implications. While “Bridgerton” is a fictional spin on Regency London, the 25-year-old British actress pointed out that some of the show’s Black and multiracial characters mirror real historical figures. As a businessperson I’m sure you’ve come across papers/critical reviews of works before and this is what that is. I am not grading Bridgerton nor am I classifying it as being either good or bad, I am simply analyzing it. The Queen and Danbury Having power is essentially irrelevant because in the end power doesn’t make them multi dimensional. For the most part, the Black women in this show are either insignificant to the overall plot of the story or fall into the “undesirable/unlikeable/unattractive” bunch. This is my least favorite kind of racial condescension. Much like the minstrel characters of black women you see in the late 19th / early 20th centuries. We are on your side, now shut up! Premiered Dec 25, 2020. One can simply say: “Hmm, I didn’t look at it that way. Because the porn industry has infected media, that’s why. In Bridgerton, you have 4 of the major households black (Simon's, Queen, Danbury, Will's). Lady Danbury is also a lovable character but once again she’s giving very “I don’t need no man vibe”. How does she feel about being locked away for so long and losing her relationship to Colin? Diversity, Costumes, Set! They have made changes, and even if we end up in the same place as the books it doesn't mean we are all going to agree. Although the role for Marina was open casting and they went with the best actress. Marina on the other hand is a victim who ultimately just acts as a burden to the featheringtons. Would they be more sexy? heck we see absolutely no Asian or Latino characters AT ALL but there is hardly as much discussion about it. I’ve said it over and over again that I like the show and the characters. Just wanna express how incredibly excited I am to see an ASIAN as a MAIN character. Share. The show is always gonna be about a Bridgerton-sibling as the main character, and there are 8 of them, and asking for the supporting women characters to be black and all have big storylines is maybe a bit too much. We're not asking for these characters to be pure and perfect, we're asking them not to continue damaging stereotypes and using poc characters as tools. Please see our rules for further info. The diversity in Netflix hit ‘Bridgerton’ is the result of ‘color blind casting’ Source link The diversity in Netflix hit ‘Bridgerton’ is the result of ‘color blind casting’ colinmiller January 22, 2021. The Netflix hit departs from the homogeneous casting of most period drama, imagining a 19th-century Britain with Black royalty and aristocrats. Now while you may think “who cares about being likable or attractive” just think of how Daphne the heroine is portrayed. This sumptuous Regency-era series is here to cheer us all up. Bridgerton Season 2 Release Date ‘Bridgerton’ season 1 premiered in its entirety on December 25, 2020, on Netflix. Even when she is “undesirable“ it is only because of her brother’s interference, nothing of her own doing. Or say nothing at all. She is introduced very strongly but after a while we notice that she is never explored outside of being the “shamed pregnant” woman. No. A step forward, to be sure, but it’s quite dismissive for others in here to essentially say we should like what scraps we can get. If you see comments in violation of our rules, please report them. It's why Regé as the Duke had such an impact. It’s totally okay to like something and still see somethings wrong with it. Premiered Dec 25, 2020. I am a foreigner so while I am exposed to the dominant pop-culture since infancy and feel I can recognize the toxic perceptions that come with it, I may not always see through it as well as you do. Created by Chris Van Dusen. I’m sorry but I feel as tho I’ve belabored this point in my other responses so I implore you to read the other threads if you really want to see my perspective on this. First the show/book/this season centers around, Daphne, Bridgerton family and Simon - they are the main characters. I don’t expect the show to delve so deep into these questions but when you really pick these side characters apart, you realize there’s so much room that can be explored. They won’t change sir Philip as he’s already been in it and there was a photo of him and Eloise together. There are some things that people can readily believe and accept... and for BIPOCs, there are structural and societal limits to what those things are. I can understand your point about the demographic implications of having an all black cast but movies/productions like Black Panther and Hamilton prove that it can be done well and still be successful. Now there’s nothing essentially wrong with this attitude but in a show full of diversity, black representation shouldn’t just mean showing up on camera, it should also mean being able to participate in the plot in a meaningful way — which none of the black women really do. Of course I'm sorry if it came across as dictating what people should think or demand but I really think it does a disservice to the diversity issues which are far more important than which characters on a show end up with whom. I mean, none of them even get a happy ending! What you’re saying about Asian representation is also absolutely true. I am honestly confused as to why people don't look at the characters as they are beyond the color/race or ethnicity they have. Thank you, I am not American, and I find it unfair the discussions always end up around the race and not the storyline or journey of the character while the show is obviously trying to be more diverse and inclusive. What was the breaking point of her trying to induce an abortion? You have Marina, who is desirable, and not just strong but also shows heartbreak - first when she thinks that George doesn't want anything to do with her, then when she finds out that he died, she shows she wants love and the best for her child when she goes after Colin, moments of weakness when she tries to end her pregnancy, and later explains to Colin why she tried to trick him - she's not just a strong black woman, she's quite complex. For the most part, the Black women in this show are either insignificant to the overall plot of the story or fall into the “undesirable/unlikeable/unattractive” bunch. (Queen and Danbury). They then use her to be a reflection for Daphne to learn from. This doesn’t happen with the Black women. It was a quiet week on the TV Awards front, with the calendar largely going dark after the March 24 Producers Guild of America Awards, where many of … As for your point about it being diversity not uniformity, that just kind of proves my point. US is 13% black. When you boil it down, Marina is still basically the black single mom who got knocked up and left (before you realize he’s dead). No, I am saying it is not mutually exclusive to want and have diversity and still keep the storylines. Just as you were explaining it, it became clear that Marina’s story and her trauma just became a gateway for Daphne to both find resolution and still be the “white savior”. However when she feels like he doesn’t want her anymore she just kind of sulks. When you criticize Marina or her storyline people are ready to point their finger at you, ready to call you racist and such all the while you don't think or have the same stereotypes they assume you do. She’s just removed. There have been many criticisms over the historical inaccuracies of the costumes in “Bridgerton,” as well as questions over whether Britain in the 1800s was as diverse as the show’s casting. Not complaining. Even Granville has layers to him that get explored in increments that are important to the plot, however minor they are at first. and you feel they're just token characters? This show is based on the Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn. If you see this as a complaint than perhaps you should read my disclaimer in the beginning again. The first season consists of eight episodes with a runtime of 57-72 minutes each. Also, I want to point out that side character is not synonymous with token character. I have to say, I was underwhelmed. I wouldn’t have bothered with the Queen if they hadn’t mentioned George’s dementia. You’re definitely not the only one who feels this way. It’s not just about representation, it’s about what these characters symbolize and if they communicate a bad message or are essentially just the “help” to white protagonists, then it’s not really progressive. So you have the Queen, Lady Danbury, Marina, Genevieve Delacroix (and Will's wife) - all black women/characters, different backgrounds, ages, occupations, wealth etc. She may be admirable but her life started with no redeeming qualities and ended that way. I feel as tho they definitely dropped the ball with her character but hopefully she comes back next season for some kind of redemption. As I’ve said, I like the majority of these characters and believe they were both casted and acted well. I see what you mean about perspective but that’s not what I’m talking about. Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton in "Bridgerton" on Netflix. And worst of all, at the end of the series she just gets shipped away as if she never existed. I’m not backing OP bc I share their opinion, per se. Chris said it wasn't color blind casting but color conscious casting. Color blind casting would have been similar to Brandy's Cinderella where you had an Asian son with a black mother and a white father. Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.