In 2018, CW productions released their first season of the hit TV show, All American. Season One illuminates Spencer James’s decision to transfer from his hometown, Crenshaw, located on the south side of town, to Beverly Hills High School that opens the gate for stronger football opportunities. Living with his single mom and little brother, Spencer struggles to face and balance his priorities, future, and needs once he moves in with Beverly’s coach. Although All American fulfills the craving for a teen drama, it realistically demonstrates the problems found within society today in terms of injustice, identity, and power.
Once attending Beverly Hill High School, Spencer faces many means of racism as he has to fight for his identity. His new teammates hold a predetermined perspective of Crenshaw and refer to him, his friends, and past teammates in a negative, brutally racist manner. Beverly’s students reflect the message of a single story, as put by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as they assume Spencer is incorporated in gangs due to him living on the south side. Adichie’s words enlighten and relate her idea to power as she claims “Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person” (Adichie 10:09) This conflict reiterates the stereotypical issues found within the black community. Viewers are able to watch the struggle Spencer experiences balancing the relationships from both sides of his life.
Privilege is another aspect viewers watch Spenser having to balance. He struggles with not getting caught up in his success and opportunities at Beverly, while still prioritizing his loved ones back in Crenshaw. This leads to demonstrating his difficulty with identity as he balances these dual lives. The standard of living provided to him in Beverly is uncanny to the scenario at home. As a high student, he finds difficulty in knowing what and when to prioritize him versus his family, all while trying to tend for two completely different communities. Many hold Spencer’s success against him as they feel betrayed that he left Crenshaw.
All American has brought a reluctant reality onto the TV screen, giving just a glimpse into the conversation of identity and injustice.
Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. “Transcript of ‘The Danger of a Single Story.’” TED.