Ep 8. Fear

The New Negroes season 1 episode 8, titled "Fear," is a comedic exploration of various fears experienced by people in society. Hosts Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle delve into the topic of fear through a series of discussions, performances, and interviews with guests.

The episode begins with a stand-up routine by comedian Janelle James, who pokes fun at various fears she has, including the fear of white women and the fear of failure. Her hilarious anecdotes set the tone for the rest of the episode, which is filled with jokes and laughter despite the serious subject matter.

Next up is a conversation with writer and activist Darnell L. Moore, who discusses his fear of violence as a black man in America. He shares his personal experiences with racism and police brutality, and discusses the importance of acknowledging these fears in order to combat them.

The hosts then sit down with musician and activist Tunde Adebimpe, best known as the lead singer of the band TV on the Radio. He talks about his fear of the unknown and the anxiety he feels when faced with uncertainty. Adebimpe also performs a hauntingly beautiful song about fear and the power of facing it head-on.

The show then takes a comedic turn with a series of sketches that playfully satirize various fears. One sketch features a support group for people afraid of birds, while another pokes fun at the fear of clowns. These segments provide some much-needed levity to the episode while still addressing the serious topic of fear.

The final interview of the episode is with comedian and writer Travon Free, who discusses his fear of failure. He talks about how this fear has motivated him to work harder and achieve his goals, but also acknowledges the negative impact it can have on mental health. He also shares some hilarious anecdotes about his early days in comedy, which serve as a reminder that failure is often a necessary part of success.

The episode ends with a powerful spoken-word performance by poet and activist Aja Monet, who recites a piece about fear and the need to overcome it. Her words serve as a fitting conclusion to an episode that tackles a complex and often uncomfortable subject with humor, wit, and grace.

Overall, "Fear" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode of The New Negroes that tackles an important topic in a way that is both funny and poignant. The guests are all engaging and insightful, and the sketches provide a welcome break from the heavier discussions. Whether you're afraid of spiders or social situations, this episode is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced fear.