The text that I decided to review is the Netflix series “All American”. This TV show is based on a true story about the NFL player Spencer Paysinger who must juggle two worlds. The main idea of the show is to not only show the high school drama but also the Black youth experience in America. The main character Spencer James represents this idea of being successful and proud of your background while also being discriminated against and judged. Both the main character Spencer James and his half-brother Jordan are seen as “Others” in certain situations due to their racial background.
One example from the show that sticks out to me the most is in the third episode of season one, both Spencer and Jordan are pulled over by a police officer In South Crenshaw for speeding. Spencer being from South Crenshaw, a more African American and underprivileged town, knew how to act towards the police officer since he knows the way that he is going to be treated because of his race. However, Jordan being from Beverly Hills began talking back to the police officer and did not realize how his race would affect the outcome of the situation.
The sad reality of this scene was that Jordan’s father Billy had never had a conversation with his son Jordan about facing the discrimination seen by some Police Officers as a black man. Although, he should not have to have this conversation with his son in the first place, African American men are discriminated against by Police officers because of their stereotype of being violent and dangerous. When the boys were pulled over Spencer informed Jordan to “keep his mouth shut and his hands visible at all times.” Another idea that was suggested in this scene was that Jordan and his dad never had to have “The Talk” since he had always lived in his Beverly Hills bubble. Since Spencer lives in South Crenshaw, his town is discriminated against even more since it is highly populated by African Americans. In the eyes of the police officers, both boys are seen the same since racism is the main equalizer in the African American community. We have seen in the United States the past couple years police brutality against African Americans has been highlighted on the news as well as in many forms of media.