The Netflix original Sex Education, first published in 2019 and created by Laurie Nunn, has diverse characters from all sexualities, gender identities, economic classes, and cultures. Specifically, season 3 does an incredible job of introducing these concepts and showing very realistic experiences and showing us directly how it affects the character and their development. One of the characters we are introduced to is Eric, a black man who is close with his Nigerian descent and a mostly openly gay character. We watch him develop a relationship with Adam. Eric struggles even more with his identity because he visits Nigeria for a family wedding and is forced to act straight. He isn’t allowed to talk about his boyfriend or be gay there. In Nigeria, LGBT+ relationships are illegal and Eric’s mother tells him he can’t act like ‘that’ while he is there. This is a struggle of injustice in power and identity. Since other sexualities aren’t accepted through the law, it’s the government taking advantage of their power and telling people who they are. It’s unjust to tell someone they are wrong for who they love and who they are and homophobia causes a lot of internal battles with self-worth and identity issues. Many people have even committed suicide or harmed themselves because of not being accepted by family, friends, or society because they feel like there will never be a place they are accepted.
Another example we see of economic and social power and disadvantage is with Maeve, one of the main characters. She has spent her life growing up without a mother or father figure because of her mom’s addiction and her dad was never in the picture. She sees her mom still struggling with drugs as she is raising her little sister. Because of these circumstances, Maeve has to navigate raising herself in a trailer park without any positive influences in her life and no emotional or financial support. We see an example of injustice and disadvantage to Maeve because she is extremely smart but was never given the resources or support to grow or obtain goals. Maeve was recognized by her teacher and even the headmaster for her talents. She was invited to join the ‘Gifted and Talented Program’ which would allow her to study in America and is a huge opportunity for Maeve and her future, but she can’t afford to go. Maeve is struggling to make money to pay for her rent in the trailer park since her brother left her to fend for herself, let alone travel to another country.
In both characters, we see acts of othering because Eric and Maeve just want to fit into society as themselves and feel accepted for who they are. However, they are dealt unfair circumstances that they can’t control that affect them and how society perceives them. I think the main takeaway from this is to not judge someone for who they are, especially not knowing what they have been through and their struggles.
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I also watched the show Sex Education and noticed the examples of inequality based on sexuality and race. It shows how unfair circumstances can impact a person’s ability to accomplish all their goals, such as Maeve who does not get to receive any opportunities because she cannot financially support herself. This show is based on people’s real life struggles of systemic injustice, which many viewers can relate to.