Ep 7. Representation

The New Negroes is a comedy and musical show presented by Open Mike Eagle and Baron Vaughn. In season 1, episode 7, titled "Representation," the hosts welcome various black comedians and musicians to discuss the importance of representation in society. The episode explores how representation can shape individuals' perception towards themselves, and the impact it has on society as a whole.

The episode begins with host Baron Vaughn discussing the importance of representation in media, specifically in film and television. He highlights that accurate representation is necessary to eliminate harmful stereotypes and encourages creators to include nuanced characters from diverse backgrounds. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode as the hosts delve deeper into the topic.

The first guest, comedian Ayo Edebiri, discusses her experience with representation growing up and how it impacted her sense of self-worth. She highlights how inadequate representation leads to feelings of invisibility, and how it can make individuals feel like they don't belong. Ayo's insight lays the groundwork for subsequent discussions, providing context for the importance of representation in shaping a positive self-image.

Following Ayo's interview, the musical guest Serpentwithfeet performs a soulful rendition of his song "Bless Ur Heart." The song's lyrics address love and affection, with a focus on the experience of queer black love. The performance is brief but impactful, showcasing the power of representation in music.

Next, comedian Dulcé Sloan joins the hosts to discuss representation in comedy. She points out the need for unique voices in comedy, especially those that come from underrepresented backgrounds. Dulcé emphasizes that representation opens up opportunities for different types of humor, which is necessary for building a diverse and inclusive comedy landscape. The hosts agree, and the conversation shifts to discuss how representation is an overarching issue impacting the entertainment industry.

The musical guest for the second segment is the indie rock band The Black Tones, who perform their song "Ghetto Spaceship." Their performance is a clever nod to Afrofuturism, a cultural aesthetic that explores the intersection of blackness and science fiction. The song's lyrics describe the journey of a spaceship headed to a better life, a metaphor for the journey of black people fighting to find a space in a world that isn't designed for them.

The episode concludes with a performance by the rap duo EarthGang, who perform their song "Up." The song's message is one of empowerment, urging audiences to stay inspired and focus on their goals despite the odds stacked against them. The performance, like the rest of the episode, addresses the importance of representation in carving out space for underrepresented voices.

Overall, The New Negroes episode 7, "Representation," is powerful and uplifting. Through interviews and musical performances, the show expertly highlights the impact of representation on people's sense of self-worth and belonging. The episode sheds light on the importance of diverse representation in entertainment, comedy, and music, and how accurate and diverse representation can uplift underrepresented communities. Through its unique blend of comedy and music, The New Negroes season 1 episode 7 is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the power of representation in contemporary society.