Despite the differences, the show does suggest there is sometimes room for negotiation surrounding how practices are carried out and there is always the opportunity to learn about different cultures or religious practices (Klassen, 207). The show proves that Muslim practices are not always accepted nor do they always fit in well with the areas practices. Canas references the television show Little Mosque on the Prairie which features many Muslims, from all over the globe, living in a small Canadian town, trying to fit in while still maintaining their culture and religion (Canas, 196 - 197). For instance, Canas discusses the double identity many Muslims living in Western societies take on. Not Just African-Americanĭouble consciousness does not only apply to African-Americans but to many cultures, religions and people. This is most often called, “hybrid culture” because the two different identities cultures are mixing together rather than one being assimilated (Klassen, 177). For instance, in black-ish, father Andre gives his son a Bro Mitzvah which is a combination of African and American cultures. This could result in parts of the culture being left behind completely while others are water-down, “Americanized” versions of the original (Klassen,177). Though Du Bois does not suggest himself, an implication of his theory of “double consciousness” is that African-Americans have to negotiate their traditions and culture to fit somewhat with those in American society. The “white gaze” along with the labels can effect the actions of African Americans who want to fit in with the society they live in, much like son Andre, in black-ish. A white label with an arrow is even added over the family’s still image to show the absurdity this image is for the tour bus filled with white people. The “white gaze” was perfectly demonstrated in the clip, when the tour bus looking for celebrity houses passes by with a large group of white tourists who stare at the African American family on the lawn of this large, mansion. He suggests the two different identities are in constant struggle because African American individuals often see themselves in a “white gaze” (Harris). Du Bois, who has the first African American to graduate from Harvard, argued that African Americans in America have a double identity because they are both Black and American (Harris). Du Bois’ “Double Consciousness” (Harris). The tension between the two cultures is clear and the show is a perfect example of W.E. Andre, the father, fights back against his son’s actions by trying to bring some of the family’s cultural traditions into the household including a traditional African coming of age ceremony. For instance, son Andre would rather play field hockey not football, allows other kids to call him “Andy” instead of Andre and desires to have a Bar Mitzvah despite not being Jewish on his thirteenth birthday. When he calls her out on not being fully black, Rainbow is quick to snap back, “If I’m not really black, can someone tell my hair and my ass?” She is confident at work and at home, saving lives and raising great (but weird) kids.In the clip to above, Andre, the father, grapples with the idea of his son, also Andre, trying to distance himself from the family’s cultural background. Dealing with patients under the knife is stressful coming home to Andre’s problems is usually just annoying. Their relationship wouldn’t have made it two decades without compromise. They’re good at meeting in the middle, though. The two disagree on things like spanking and how best to protect their family after a robbery in their neighborhood. Raising her kids alongside a stubborn, hotheaded husband adds an extra layer of difficulty. If anything, she finds his outrageousness charming.Ĭhallenge. Andre has a temper and makes rash decisions, but after so many years she’s realized he’s harmless and will come to his senses eventually. They started dating when neither was successful but they’ve grown and changed together. married to Andre, a marketing executive at a mostly white firm. She worked hard at Brown and medical school and has no trouble balancing a tough schedule at the hospital with her duties as a mom back home. She finds parenting difficult enough without inserting race into the equation, telling Andre, “You’re the Marco Polo of racism. Bow likes their neighborhood but Dre is concerned their children aren’t getting a true black experience. in suburban upper middle class comfort with Andre and their four kids. It’s given her a unique perspective on life – a very different perspective than her Compton-raised husband Andre’s. Her father is a white man who loves black women so much he even got a license plate that reads "BLKWYF.” Her mother is a spiritual healer. Grew up… in an interracial hippie family.
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