Project 3 – Culture Representation Content Analysis
Team 7 Calli Breil Steve Gallo Hannah Brown Elisabet Liminyana Vico Jessica Marsh
Example of Coding Guide:
When did you watch this? How many times did you watch this? Where did you watch it? What is your name? What episode did you watch?
For every free-response question, right down an answer. If you feel a clip would be a good representation of a character or theme, then please write down the time (format mm:ss; minute: second) or time frame.
Racial Identity How are whites portrayed? How are blacks portrayed? How do whites consider blacks? How do blacks consider whites? How do blacks consider blacks? How do white consider whites?
Character Representations: How is the character represented? Include clothing, actions, language, violence, how another character regards the character or cultural parallels. What culture is the character apart of? If the representation is particularly powerful or visually strong, please include a timeframe.
Huey Freeman: Robert (Grandpa) Freeman: Riley Freeman: Ed Wuncler: Uncle Ruckus: Please list anymore characters that are mentioned more than once or are a main character in the episode.
Universal expressions: For universal expressions please put a time stamp for the individual expressions. Joy: Sadness: Anger: Fear: Surprise: Disgust:
Questions from the rubric:
1. What cultural references are apparent? What is the main storyline for this episode? 2. Is there something missing? 3. What problems were presented, and how were they solved? 4. Was there a Master Symbol? 5. How were male/female roles portrayed?
Project 3 – Culture Representation Content Analysis
Team 7 Calli Breil Steve Gallo Hannah Brown Elisabet Liminyana Vico Jessica Marsh
Compilation of data from each coding sheet (with editing out of some data determined not relevant to focus of analysis):
Themes
Self-Loathing There are two forms of self-loathing. Some, such as the kind Granddad consistently portrays, present the desire to be like the “higher-class” race, which is White in these episodes. Although he does not explicitly state hating his own race, he tends to be critical of his culture and makes many attempts to be accepted by the whites.
The other kind of self-loathing is the more explicit kind, which Uncle Ruckus represents perfectly. He openly condemns blacks, and while interracial children are a bit better (he is kinder to Jazmine DuBois because her mother is white), the only race he seems to help is white. According to Rucus, a black person must hate oneself if he wants to get into “white” heaven (Episode 15, Season 1). He rationalizes this by saying, God doesn’t like blacks they are “cursed” – “that is why we in the ghetto, in jail, on UPN, because God doesn’t like us.” He makes frequent statements how blacks must serve whites because they are superior. It is also revealed that the only thing he wants in this world is to be white. In the same episode (1x15) Ruckus encourages both races to think about the black people they hate. He then tells everyone at the “revival” to “lay hands on” the black person beside them but first make a fist so that they can “beat the black out of his soul. Beat the darkie … Beat a nigger’s ass and go to heaven” (19:07) Ruckus also says “I used to hate God for making me black but now I hate myself.” At Ruckus’s “revival” blacks admit to hating other blacks.
Ruckus also shows the stereotype that whites are better than blacks in skill sets as well as just being a “superior” race, such as saying to MLK in Episode 9, Season 1, “Why’d you have to go mess with the natural order of things? I’da shot you myself. But I realize the white man got better aim.” (7:06)
Hypocrisy Perhaps the best example of hypocrisy in The Boondocks is from Martin Luther King, Jr., who comes back from the dead and gives a speech to Blacks in a church. He describes what he witnesses after four decades of fighting for rights:
"Will you ignorant niggers pleeeease shut the hell up? Is this it? Is this what I got all those ass-whoopin's for? I had a dream once. It was a dream that all the little black boys and little black girls would drink from the river of prosperity, freed from the thirst of oppression. But low and behold, some four decades later, what have I found but a bunch of trifling, shiftless, good-for-nothing niggas. And I know some of you don't want to hear me say that word. It's the ugliest word in the English language. But that is what I see now: Niggas. And you don't want to be a nigga because niggas are living contradictions. Niggas are full of unfulfilled ambitions; Niggas wax and wane, niggas love to complain; Niggas love to hear themselves talk, but hate to explain. Niggas love being another man's judge and jury, niggas procrastinate till it's time to worry. Niggas love to be late, niggas hate to hurry. .Black Entertainment Television is the worst thing iIve seen in my life!...Usher, Michael Jackson is not a genre of music!...And Now I’d like to talk about Soul Plane...I've seen what's around the corner, I've seen what's over the horizon, and I promise you, you niggas have nothing to celebrate. And no, I won’t get there with you. I am going to Canada."
Greed In The Boondocks there are several ways that characters are greedy. The most typical are greed to gain power or greed to gain material items such as money. The best examples of greed are presented by Granddad and Ed Wuncler - who both declare they are “old school.” Material greed: Material greed is best represented by Ed Wuncler, who uses any means necessary to get what he wants. For example, in Season 1 Episode 10, Wuncler manipulates Granddad to take over a restaurant, believing that his “soulful” and addictive (literally addictive) food will invite the wrong crowd to an area Wuncler wants to purchase. Wuncler states that the State is trying to butt[…]s him. He affirms: “we’ll see who butt[…]s who.” (4:26). Like having a drug dealer move into town, the area slowly falls to disarray. Wuncler then offers to “help” by buying the nearby park and building a shopping center on the previously beautiful ground. Wuncler also is willing to do whatever it takes to stay profitable, for example, in Episode 10 Season 1, he does not fire the Mexicans, because of the profit he has from them. One worker said: “I am half Mexican!” and Wuncler answers her back: “Not the legal Mexicans!” (5:56) Power greed: This greed is present by characters who use whatever methods they think are available to them in order to gain or maintain power. Grandad, for example, uses violence frequently throughout the episode to assert his authority over Riley and Huey. For example, Granddad slaps Huey in Season 1 Episode 1 when he is dreaming of causing the “white people to riot” to wake him up and threatens physical violence to boys if they don’t behave.
Ignorance Ignorance is typically presented by either racists, or by people who do not care, or know the “truth” or “reality” as presented by the Freeman family. For example, in Episode 1 Season 1, Huey learns that these “new” white people aren’t quite what he expected. Instead of getting hysterical at being told the “truth” about Ronald Regan, 9/11, and Jesus they find Huey to be “adorable,” “charming,” and “articulate.” This surprises and disappoints Huey and he says to Granddad “these people aren’t worried about us. They’re not worried about anything. They’re rich. No matter what happens these people will just keep applauding” (15:16 – 15:22).
Character
Huey Freeman: Appearance: Huey wears full PJ suit. He representative of “black power movement,” natural “afro” hair. Dresses in casual clothes during first portion of show, a bouncer even tells Huey (Episode 9, Season 1), “I tell you right now, you aint gettin in with them shoes.” Wears grey militaristic outfit resembling uniform to garden party and black military looking boots. In Episode 15, season 1, Huey is described as looking like Morpheus from The Matrix by Riley, because he wears a trench coat and carries two tranquilizer guns underneath in his efforts to save his friend, Shabazz, from execution. Interest: Huey has a strong desire to stop the “white supremacy.” For example, in Episode 1, Season 1, Huey believes “the Feds” are coming to the house. He trains the target hairs of a scope mounted onto a pellet gun on Ed Wuncler (the white, rich bank owner) when he comes to the house. Huey calls himself a “black radical freedom fighter” in Episode 15, Season 1 and struggles to free Shabazz, a friend. Huey is shown to have many books about activism, slavery, the “white man,” and life on death row - all written by Shabazz. He has a Che Guevara poster and “Free Shabazz” banner. Huey also related strongly to Martin Luther King Jr., as seen in Episode 9, Season 1. He and MLK both lament the direction of black culture. Huey frequently conducts experiments to understand the world around him, such as in Episode 12, Season 1, Huey studies the effects of Black television programs, saying, “We all know the images we see can elicit strong emotional reactions...but is it possible to see something so bad that hurts you physically...can too much black television kill you?” (around 4:30) , later suggesting its high impact on even strong people, and implying it could kill someone (4:30 - 5:25) Mannerisms: Huey is presented as highly educated, literate, articulate and well- mannered despite being purposively inflammatory at times in order to get his way or to make others aware of some truth. Sometimes, due to Huey’s desire to eat healthy food or other mannerisms, he is accused of being “white,” as done by Granddad in Episode 10, Season 1. Huey is a bit of a rebel who fights against granddad’s impositions. He argues about stupid things that any group does, no matter the age, race or class. For example, when Granddad cries over the message of a Christmas special, Episode 7, Season 1, Huey retorts, “Christmas is a pagan holiday, and Jesus probably hates you for celebrating it.” Despite being rather hardened, Huey cries and he prays to God to stop Shabazz from being executed (Episode 15, Season 1). “I’ve never prayed before. I don’t even know who I’m praying to. Maybe I’m too young to know what the world is supposed to be. But it’s not supposed to be this, it can’t be this, so please,” says Huey (19:37) on his knees, in rain, tears running down his face. Huey has the unique ability to be highly protective and loyal, but also very stern (and sometimes condescending). In Episode 9, Season 1, he even yells at MLK (and treats him like a child, despite idolizing him) who he has been protecting for the entire episode, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you get out of that room and continue to fight for freedom and justice this instant!” Perhaps because of his high standards, he is frequently disappointmented by other people.
Robert “Granddad” Freeman: Appearance: Desires to be “classy” and be included and accepted amongst his neighbors. Grey hair, dresses in “grandfather fashion” sweater and pants during the day, suit at the party. Sort of the eccentric – goes home to get rain coat during flashback scene of march for civil rights. He also wears only a bathrobe during some episodes (Episode 12, Season 1). Mannerisms: Granddad also expresses his eccentric nature by exercising in the nude, or demanding his daily glass of orange juice. He is also slightly suggestive towards women, such as calling any attractive woman “cutie pie.” Granddad frequently seems to try to assimilate to “white” culture. Granddad does show loyalty to other characters, such as his attempts to save Ruckus in Episode 15, Season 1, despite Ruckus’s extreme hatred of Blacks. Granddad is perhaps the most contradictory character, because while many respect some aspects of him, he is often portrayed as being petty, such as resenting Rosa Parks for getting so much attention, when he wanted to be recognized as a civil rights activist (Episode 9, Season 1).
Riley Freeman Appearance: Representative of the “gangster” hair in dreadlocks, wears a “wife beater” tank top to sleep in. When at the party (Episode 1 of Season 1) he wears a light colored suit with a fedora – harking back to the “gangster” image.
Interests: Violence and guns. For example, he was fascinated by Ed Wuncler III guns, at and when Wucler III insisted he shoots him with a shotgun, Riley does, sending Wuncler out the window. Later he does show interest in being an artist, despite Ruckus and Grandad (Riley: “Why can’t I be an intelligent artist?”; Granddad: “Boy, you ain’t even a talented vandal.”) discouraging him.
Mannerisms: Riley could be described as sassy and sarcastic when speaking to others. Uses the word “nigga” – for example, Season 1, Episode 1: “I shot a nigga (chuckles).” Riley avoids emotionally sensitive subjects, such as pushing Huey away and saying, “nigga, you gay,” to him when Huey hugs him and says I love you in Episode 15, Season 1. Riley claims “I’m going to live forever but if I do see God I’m going to smack him upside the head and tell him to get me a grilled cheese and tacos … I dare him to say something” (08:40). He then punches the air saying “if God says something I’ll be like” implying that he would punch God if he talked back to Riley. Riley is not just vindicitive when it comes to God or others who talk back to him, but takes it as far as deciding to go after Santa Claus in Episode 7, Season 1, because Santa never gave him gifts (not understanding that he didn’t get presents probably because his family didn’t have the money; although at points he says there is no Santa Claus, he still makes efforts to hunt Santa down.) Riley beats up Santa Claus at the mall for not giving him presents, and calls him a “bitch ass nigga” who he will hunt “until you pay what you owe.”
Ed Wuncler Appearance: Represents the rich, white, male who is in a position of power in the community. Age 50s/60s. We see him dressed in a suit throughout the show - causing Huey to believe he is a fed during the first episode of the show. Mannerisms: Ed Wuncler feels joy “telling mean-spirited jokes at other people’s expense” (Season 1, Episode 1, 14:30). He is also not interested in the business or actions of others unless it is relevant to him. For example, in Episode 10 Season 1, Wuncler called a woman a “bitch,” because she talked to him about something he was not interested in, which happened to be immigrant worker’s rights. (4:53). Interests: Ed Wuncler owns all the businesses in the area, and always wants more. He even wants the recreational areas (Meadowlark Memorial Park,) which he takes through highly manipulative and unethical measures. See Material Power above if you want to know more.
Uncle Ruckus Appearance: Represents black people that hate their own race and see the white race as superior. Ruckus is portrayed as physically grotesque – he is large, balding on top, missing teeth, and has a large bulging fake eye. Mannerisms: At the party in Episode 1, Season 1, he is seen drinking often from a flask and later takes the stage to drunkenly sing a song he just composed called “Don’t Trust Them New Niggers Over There.” Uncle Ruckus frequently represents a self-loathing person, who resents the race they appear as. Perhaps because of this he is very willing, and frequently serves the whites around him (Episode 1 and Episode 10, Season 1). Ruckus despises his race so much that he attempts to kill MLK multiple times with a brick (Episode 9, Season 1). He holds a sign in the same episode stating, “I was happy at the back at the bus.” As apart of his “helping” white people, he becomes the protection “detail” for Santa Claus at the mall. He fails to protect Santa Claus and later impersonates Santa, although he is immediately rejected by the parents who are horrified by Ruckus. Although, perhaps part of this could be because when he welcomes the kids to come over, he also says, “look at all of those precious vanilla- colored faces.”
Jazmine DuBois Appearance: Huey’s “sidekick,” (Episode 15, Season 1) and frequently acts like a secretary or assistant to Huey (Episode 7, Season 1). Blonde “wild” hair in pigtails, in elementary school, with a high pitched voice. Dressed in shades of pink and purple. Jazmine is frequently depicted as a highly faithful, innocent and naive girl, who wants items such as ponies. Mannerisms: Jazmine also has a deeper side, such as asking Huey’s belief in god “Do you believe in God Huey? I believe in God. You should pray for Shabazz. God will get him out of jail. They have to listen to him. He’s God. When I’m afraid I pray” (08:31). Try’s to be supportive of Huey but seems to think of Huey as overly serious. In Episode 7, Season 1, Jazmine is shown to be a preacher (in her dreams) of the Church of Santa Claus, hosting a worship of the Saint. She eagerly awaits meeting Santa Claus, but is consistently thwarted due to Riley’s constant attempts on Santa Claus’s life. Later, when Santa uses a child to block Riley’s air gun pellets, as well as Ruckus’s poor impersonation of Santa (to which she said, “Beware of the fake Santa”), she begins to believe that Santa doesn’t exist. She is then spared by Ruckus, who stated that he works for Santa Claus, and that Santa Claus didn’t come because it wasn’t safe.
Other characters:
Edward Wuncler III: He is a white, wealthy, privileged, male youth who has just returned from Iraq. He represents the white “thug.” He is dressed in a stereotypical “rapper fashion” with a large gold “W” pendant and baggy pants that expose his underwear. While acting “tough” he is seen as somewhat fearful. In Episode 1 Season 1 he tells how in the war he would frequently shit himself, earning the nickname “Stink Bomb.”
Chico: He is the Mexican waiter at Wuncler’s restaurant. He is a kind of slave to Wuncler, as an immigrant with no rights. At the same time he is the only one getting educated. Subversion of roles, he is the most empowered one due to his awareness and education, for example, he is the only character who knew CPR in Episode 10 Season 1.
Tom DuBois: Tom is a professional, frequently dressed in a suit because of his job as a prosecutor. Claims he is more “caramel” colored than black, but it “outraged just the same” at Uncle Ruckus belief that to be black is a sin in Episode 15, Season 1. Later when he attends Ruckus’s preaching event, caught up in the fever of the moment he becomes convinced that he too hates black people “I don’t like Puffy, I don’t like Kobe, I – I don’t like any of them” (18:14).
Shabazz K. Milton Berle: A former intern for the Black Panther party in 1970 (hadn’t even earned his black jacket or beret) who was wrongfully charged with murder of white deputy sheriff, even though a white man (Eli Gorbinsky) confessed to the murder (cops busted into the Black Panther office supply shed to arrest Shabazz). Prints, receipt with Eli’s name, video footage, signed confession by Eli, and dying words from sheriff that Eli killed him and yet Shabazz was still found guilty. Last appeal to avoid death penalty was denied, has come to terms with his fate. Considered by Huey to be his “illegally imprisoned brother” that needs “moral support.” Perhaps Shabazz serves partially as a cautionary tale, and that a black man can never do anything right (Season 1, Episode 15).
The Art Teacher (Bob Ross?): Calm, patient and happy and smiles almost always, speaks softly, which is almost portrayed in a strange, perhaps creepy, manner.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: MLK is depicted as out of touch, slow, antiquated. His philosophical side is still strong but he is clueless when it comes to modern media and urban culture. MLK is disappointed in black culture. He sits on the couch and watches TV with Huey. On the television sex, violence, drama in black culture are rampant. He asks Huey, “What happened to our people?” Huey responds that they were waiting for MLK to come back. MLK says, hopelessly, “The Martin Luther King they are waiting for, Hueym is gone forever.” MLK is discouraged by not fitting in with the current culture. He is out of place. “Huey, I just don’t think I belong in this new world. I don’t know if I need the 20G ipod or the 40G.” (12:13) “I tried to download some Mahalia Jackson, but I lost my iTunes password.”He looks up at image of himself, Einstein and Gandhi with headphones on. (12:30) MLK does not speak fast enough to keep up with modern media. “Say it or shut up. We’ll be back with more fair and balanced coverage…” says an obnoxious white anchor. Huey hits man with chair and starts punching him. MLK relies on Huey to guide him. When they head into the church, Huey grabs MLK by the hand and pushes through the crowd. MLK looks terrified. After MLK’s big speech, he states he is headed to Canada and walks off stage. He finally looks relieved. The speech seems to be a form of catharsis for him.
Herald Kennedy Uberwitz: A “culturally sensitive” teacher who believes in equality as well as learning about minority cultures. Huey calls him an “irresponsible white person” for giving full “artistic freedom” to create the play. Uberwitz shows that he truly cares for Huey’s vision when he does not listen to the principal’s orders to either shut down the play or make sure there is no Black Jesus. He let’s The Adventures of Black Jesus go forward, and gets fired in the process. Huey shows a sense of respect for him, noting at the end that Uberwitz got fired, but that he also got hired at Maryland University as a teacher of African American studies.
Cultural References Episode 1 Season 1: “Jesus was black, Ronald Regan was the devil, and the government is lying about 9/11” Huey (00:24). Billy Blanks – Tae Bo Infomerical – American fitness “guru” Jehova Witness – knocking on the door early, kick his ass (04:08). Muslims and Arabs referenced as “people of terrorist descent” (05:51) Iraq- Ed Wuncler III just came back from Iraq – his aggressive and erratic behavior could be commentary on returning soldiers experiencing PTSD. Also Wuncler III expresses how often he shit his pants because he was scared. White supremacy and civil rights movement referenced – march and Dr. King. Kunta Kinte – name of a Gambian-born American slave. Uncle Ruckus calls Robert Freedman this – “out of my way Kunta Kinte” Iraq women – “bitches … they was all covered up in them curtains they be wearing” (11:02) The Passion – movie about Jesus Sidney Poitier – acted in movie They Call Me Mr. Tibbs! Uncle Ruckus calls Freeman by this name as an insult. Poitier is often seen as an activist through his work as an actor by choosing roles that did not stereotype or do a disservice to black men. Gerbil – “looks like he shit a gerbil.” There is something called “gerbilling” in which people insert gerbils into the rectum for sexual pleasure. Terminator – “man I’m like the terminator in this vest” (16:10). Al Pacino “Scarface” – Riley quotes Al Pacino in “Scarface”- “you wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little friend” as he shoot Ed Wuncler with the shot gun. Brand References- Kraft, Velveeta, Icy Hot
Episode 7, Season 1 Perhaps the most powerful cultural reference in this episode was Huey’s connection to Charlie Brown. When Huey tells Granddad about the “truth” of the Christmas tradition, he eventually is muted by “Blah blah blah” like a parent on Charlie Brown. Also, when Huey stops the other children from partying while setting up the school play, he takes the megaphone, directly asking, “What? Do I look like Charlie Brown to you?”
Episode 9, Season 1: Bill Mahyer, Puff Daddy Bill O’reilly Rosa Parks Montgomery Bus Boycott 1920’s black comedy Whitney Houston Bobby Brown Mahalia Jackson Einstein Gandhi Oprah Jesus NBA
Episode 10 Season 1: Meadowlark Lemmon: The park that Wuncler lets fall to ruin and then purchases, is named after a black basketball player, actor, and minister. He is a great carrier, very well-recognized. Although he is still alive, he has a Memorial in the series. Luther Vandross: Afro-American singer-songwriter and record producer. Vandross sold over 25 million records worldwide and received 8 Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance 4 different times. He won 4 Grammy Awards in 2004 including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for what seems to be his most famous song recorded just a while before his death, "Dance with My Father" Biz Markie: Marcel Theo Hall, better known by his stage name Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beat boxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989. Vandross & Markie: also known as Clown Prince, both of them. Elijah Muhammad:(born Elijah Robert Poole; October 7, 1897 – February 25, 1975) was an African-American religious leader, who led the Nation of Islam from 1934 until his death in 1975. He was a mentor to Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan or Muhammad Ali, among others. Soul Food: Soul food is a variety of cuisine popular in African-American culture. It is closely related to the cuisine of the Southern United States. The descriptive terminology may have originated in the mid-1960s, when soul was a common definer used to describe African-American culture (for example, soul music).
Episode 12, Season 1 The art teacher character is a clear parody/parallel of the late TV painter Bob Ross The “expert” is a parody of talking heads we see quoted in the media whose credibility is sometimes questionable
Episode 15, Season 1 Mohammad Ali, Jessie Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Hip-hop music – not in white heaven Segregation – “separate but mostly equal heavens” Black Panther Party – Huey is working to free his friend Shabazz who was a member and wrongfully arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and is on death row. Che Guevara - A poster of the Cuban revolutionist hangs on Huey’s side of the bedroom wall. The Matrix – “Damn Morpheus what you about to do?” – Riley to Huey when he wears a trench coat with his armored vest, dart guns. Black History Month (African-American History Month) – “God doesn’t have a problem with racism, he doesn’t even remember slavery except in February” (01:06). Ronald Reagan – claims to hate black people “I did everything I could to make their livesmiserable, crack – me, AIDS – me, Regan-nomics – come on I’m in the name” (01:13) Shabazz – reference to Malcolm X? Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little but also known as El-Hajj Malkik El-Shabazz – Shabazz “an ancient scientist from Mecca who led the ‘original people’ of the Tribe of Shabazz into Africa.” (wiki) Snapple – “white man’s poison ... high fructose corn syrup, read about it, it will kill ya” – Huey. Electric Chair – symbol of death row Jehovah Witness – Robert Freedman to Ruckus when he shows up at his door with a bible under his arm; “You aren’t a Jehovah Witness are you? I’m in the Jehovah Witness protection program”
Storyline
Episode 1 Season 1 In this episode we are introduced to the main characters of the series and their personalities that continue to develop throughout the series: Huey Freeman (older brother), Robert Freeman (Granddad), and Riley Freeman (younger brother). We learn that Robert Freeman has moved the boys to “out here” (Woodcrest) in order to “expand (their) horizon(s)” (02:56). The neighborhood they have moved to looks ideal and picturesque. Fall foliage colors the mature trees and mountains are seen in the distance from the opening aerial shot. Houses appear to be of a decent size with a good size lot of land. Granddad is invited to a garden party by the wealthy Ed Wuncler (who owns the bank that owns Granddad’s house). The Freeman family attends the party. At the party we are introduced to Uncle Ruckus (a black man who hates black people) and Ed Wuncler’s grandson (who acts and dresses like a stereotypical “gangster-rapper” or “thug”). Huey is shocked that no one is upset or shook up by his bold statements of “truth” and instead comment that Huey is “articulate” and “charming.” Riley plays with a shotgun and shoots Ed Wuncler’s grandson out the window. Ed Wuncler and Robert Freeman bond over being part of the “old school.” The episode synopsis on Netflix describes the episode in this way “Granddad sets out to use a wealthy and influential neighbor’s garden party to teach the boys how to deal with the white power structure.” Concepts addressed: Perceptions of other races, representation of race and cultures within specific race.
Episode 7, Season 1 Huey tries to realize his “dream” and put on a production entitled The Adventures of Black Jesus, due to the newfound support from teacher Mr. Uberwitz. He goes a bit too far from overstepping the budget, as well as firing the children in the production, thus his play was only witnessed by about a dozen people. Riley hunts down Santa Claus because he feels like Santa owes him for not giving him any presents over the years. Jazmine anxiously awaits meeting Santa. And Ruckus tries to protect Santa from Riley’s multiple (and successful) attempts to seriously injure Santa.
Episode 9, Season 1 MLK wakes up from a 30-year coma and is deemed a traitor by modern-day media after preaching a nonviolent approach to dealing with terrorists. Huey helps him acclimate to the new, faster-paced world. The two start a new political party and hold a rally. MLK tells the raucous audience how he is disappointed in them. Then black culture responds by rebelling against the system.
Episode 10 Season 1 Granddad decided he was going to cook a Sunday dinner, after watching Soul Food. Then, he was empowered by Ed Wuncler as a cook, and finally got a restaurant. The business failed so hardly, degrading the community and remarkably harming people’s lives. Huey was constantly saying that food was not healthy. No one paid attention to him, until someone almost died. Then, after the restaurant is closed, they started to eat healthy food, but it makes everyone go to the bathroom very quickly. The restaurant did not work, so Ed Wuncler fired every worker that was legal. The restaurant was degrading the community, since people got dependent of the food, as drug addicts. Therefore, police or ambulances did not go to the neighborhood anymore to help people when needed. But the restaurant is closed when a white person lawsuit them, and they have to pay.
Episode 12, Season 1 Storyline: Riley gets caught painting graffiti on a house but he is assisted by a mysterious artist. Granddad punishes Riley by making him take art classes, but the teacher is the mysterious man from before. He refines Riley’s art abilities and they begin painting beautiful graffiti murals around town. Meanwhile, Huey conducts an experiment to see if perpetually watching African-American TV programming has negative effects on him.
Episode 15, Season 1 Uncle Ruckus has a dream that he is in heaven and meets Ronald Regan who declares that he did all he could to make black people miserable. Regan convinces Ruckus that if he convinces people on Earth to love the white man he can enter into white heaven. While Ruckus goes about town preaching that being black is a sin and “we (black people) must hate ourselves to save ourselves” Huey attempts to save Shabazz, a former intern with the Black Panther Party, who is about to be executed.
Missing
In Season 1, Episode 1 we don’t see any representation of a black female and the representation of the white female is one of wealth. There is no mention as to what happened to Huey and Riley’s parents. Their death is implied based on the fact that the grandfather spent the boys’ inheritance but we have yet to learn how the parents died or when. The presentation of grief, sadness, or sorrow over this death is also missing from Huey, Riley, or Robert’s actions and words. Swear words (mother fucker, fuck, shit) are bleeped out on the Netflix version of this TV show as well as Granddads genital nudity.
In Season 1, Episode 7, there was not a lot of cultural fights, besides the fight that Huey perceives. There also was not a great deal of gender discussion. Besides Jazmine, there were no female characters. What was interesting, though, was that while Huey complains of racism, his play only consisted of black actors.
In Episode 9, Season 1, White people are never seen in groups of black people. It’s either all blacks or just a few whites. MLK does not have any connections. He is alone, homeless, without family.
In Episode 12, Season 1, there was not a real discussion of ender issues.
In Episode 15, Season 1 there is little to no depiction of other races besides white or sexual orientation – seems primarily heterosexual (Ruckus wants to see a picture of the white wife of the black reporter). Riley uses “nigga you gay” in a derogatory sense and the governor, who has a gay lover, breaks off the relationship for fear of exposure.
Problems and Resolutions
Season 1 Episode 1: The primary obstacle the Freeman family faces in this episode is how to present themselves and act amongst a group of wealthy white people. The three main characters approach attending the garden party in different ways. Granddad wants to assimilate within the white and wealthy group and possibly “find (himself) a nice white woman with a flat booty who’ll listen to (his) problems” (08:47). Huey on the other hand wants nothing to do with Granddads “precious new white people” (07:34) and see’s the white and wealthy (or possibly just white) people as “the enemy.” Arms crossed in defiance Huey declares to Granddad “I do not sip tea with the enemy. You can force me to go but you cannot force me to be someone I’m not” (07:14). Riley echoes Huey’s defiance by placing his hands on his hips and questioning Granddad, “why can’t we be ourselves, huh? Why can’t I be me? Are you ashamed of us?” (07:27). All three members of the Freeman family attend the garden party.
Richard Freeman (Granddad) is pleasant, non-confrontational, and gracious to his host (Ed Wuncler) and other members of the party. At times he appears overly concerned for approval and acceptance. This need for acceptance in order to assimilate is first presented when we see Freeman and Wuncler interacting at Freeman’s home. Freeman enthusiastically invites Wuncler into his home after discovering Wuncler owns the bank that owns his house; “Oh, well come in sir, welcome to your house” (04:29). Freeman appears unoffended, smiles, and agrees when Wuncler declares he is “selective about who (he) allow(s) into his family” (04:46) (the Woodcrest neighborhood). Wuncler questions whether Freeman is gay, his position on gay marriage, and his association with Muslims or Arabs (which Wuncler associates with “people of terrorist descent”). Through the questioning Freeman appears both surprised at the questions but attempts to answer them in a polite, honest and perhaps respectful way. Later at the party after Riley has shot Wuncler’s son with a shotgun, causing him to be projected out a second story window, Freeman approaches Wuncler with a bowed head saying apologetically “I’m sorry about the whole, you know my-grandson-shooting-your- grandson-out-of-the-window thing. Are you mad?” (18:00). Freeman achieves assimilation and inclusion with his white wealthy neighbor, Wuncler, when they toast to “the old school.”
Episode 7, Season 1 Riley never finds Santa Claus, like he tries to. However, at the end of the episode he ends up hunting down Ruckus, whom supposedly works for Santa Claus (it is implied that Jazmine tells Riley this). Huey fights the “system” and tries to put on the production of a lifetime to help others realize his “vision.” He believes the play is off after the principal tells him to give up the major plot, but fortunately his teacher steps in and allows the play to go forward, despite losing his job as a result.
Episode 9, Season 1 The frivolousness of black culture, solved by MLK telling them ‘the truth.”
Episode 12, Season 1 Riley struggles to find a creative outlet...he finds it in artistic graffiti, but yearns for someone to recognize that he actually has talent...he eventually succeeds in making Granddad tear up with his final painting, but then has to end up cleaning it anyway.
Episode 15, Season 1
Ruckus is attempting to reach white heaven where he will be transformed into a white man. He believes that in order to reach white heaven he must get black people to love the white man. He starts preaching that the blackness of the skin is sin. Though he does not reach heaven in this episode he is stuck by lighting when he claims “if the words I’m saying don’t come from the Almighty himself, may I be stuck by lighting.” Ruckus is struck by lightning and falls to the stage. The violent riot breaks up. Ruckus’s tumor disappears. Huey was unable to attend Shabazz’s execution and free Shabazz in his elaborate plan. Granddad wouldn’t give him a ride to the prison. However he prayed and just as the switch for the electric chair was being pulled the power across the city goes out. The next moment the governor calls the prison and halts the execution. Shabazz isn’t released, but he isn’t executed. “Maybe there are forces in this universe we don’t understand but I still believe we make our own miracles,” says Huey at the closing of the show.
Potential Master Symbols:
Season 1 Episode 1: The baggy pants and gold “W” chain worn by Ed Wuncler III are symbols often associated with black persona’s such as rappers.
Season 1 Episode 15: Electric Chair – symbol of death row. Poster of Che – symbol of revolutionary.
Season 1 Episode 9: Black power fist is used for rally poster.
Gender Roles
Adult males in this episode were seen in power roles. Robert Freedman (Granddad) has power over the boys, if they don’t behave he threatens physical abuse; “beat your ass” (07:25). Ed Wuncler wields power from his wealth (selective about who he lets into his family). Adult males in this episode were seen in aggressor roles. Ed Wuncler III is verbally aggressive saying multiple times “fuck y’all looking at?” in a confrontational manner (11:57, 17:15). Uncle Ruckus confronts Robert Freedom and harasses him; “look like we got us the winner of the Lucky-Nigga-of-the-Year award” (12:41), “they must think your shit smell like spring daisies and cinnamon” (13:13).
In Season 1 Episode 9 Females are not too common in this episode. Rosa Parks and Mr. Dubois’ daughter make an appearance, both are doing constructive, powerful things.
In Season 1 Episode 10 women are more objectified and sexualized (10:27). Men are perceived in the same episode as womanizers, or the “buyers” of the prostitutes time or services. The women are also pereceived as only being as valuable as their appearance. For example, the two prostitutes who got food, but then became fat and were rejected by Grandad, and then were appealing after getting two liposuctions. The same goes for Episode 12, Season 1, where the only real reference to women had women in bikinis dancing around a “gangster” figure.
In Season 1 Episode 15 Jazmine is the only female with an active role in this episode. She is depicted as Huey’s sidekick and conscience and the only one attending the meeting held by Huey to free Shabazz. She is the passive and sensitive, young girl to Huey’s angst.
Race Roles
How are whites portrayed? Words used to refer to whites “classy,” “distinguished,” “new.” The “new whites” love cheese (Season 1, Episode 1). Whites are portrayed as elitists: wealthy, powerful (such as being Television anchors, Episode 9 and 10), and unaffected by world around them because they are rich. For example, Ed Wuncler doesn’t care when a customer at his restaurant dies (Season 1, Episode 10). In many instances it is seen that whites have power, and will use it at their discretion. They also appear to attend functions that will lend to social status, such as white people is going to the black food restaurant as a social event of high status (Season 1, Episode 10, 8:25).
In Season 1, Episode 12, we see a more artistic debate - showing whites as sponsors of artwork, and fawn over artwork and how it “touches them” and “moves them deeply” and will pay lots of money for art like that.
Whites are considered to be above (or at least highly knowledgeable about how to work the system) the law. For example, “Granddad learnt white people had their own survival techniques. They call it litigation.” (Season 1, Episode 10, 17:11) They know how to use lawyers. Whites are perceived as quickly passing judgment on blacks as guilty (Episode 15, Season 1). Perhaps because of this they are perceived as innocent and entitled.
In Season 1, Episode 10, cooking is touched upon, for example, Ms. Dubois brought peach cobbler (sweet), that Riley did not recognize, stating it looked like vomit, and he would not eat it. At the same time, whites didn’t identify “black” food. Ed Wuncler does not recognize any food that Granddad cooked.
The other option for white side characters is to be police officers arresting blacks, such as being the police officers in Granddad’s flashback in Episode 9, Season 1 of the Mongomery Bus riot. Riley notes in the first episode that white people arrest others (Episode 1, Season 1).
There is also another (but very rare) option of whites seeing the “potential” in blacks. An artist finds Riley in Episode 12, Season 1, tries to train him to realize his potential. In Episode 7, Season 1, Huey’s teacher tries to let Huey realize his “dream” by letting him put together the school production, despite Huey’s warnings that he will get fired for being “a generally irresponsible white-person,” which does end up happening at the end of the episode. Unlike the artist, Huey’s teacher, Mr. Uberwitz, is considered to be a “culturally sensitive” person, who tries to teach the kids Kwanza traditions. Huey perceives Mr. Uberwitz as being ignorant, and grows increasingly annoyed by his protests when Huey fires the children from the school production, and proceeds to put on “The Adventures of Black Jesus.”
How are blacks portrayed?
Cheap: Granddad (01:59) “Why buy the tape when you can get the infomercial for free?” Spending other people’s money – Granddad (02:35) “I spent your inheritance” As the “Help” – Uncle Ruckus is let in through the back door of Ed Wuncler’s home. Never invited to the party.
Intelligence (or lack thereof): Blacks are also portrayed as generally not being very clever (or long-term planners), especially in Season 1 Episode 10 when Granddad makes a menu that almost becomes too unhealthy, and then becomes highly addictive. Granddad seems to at first believe it is popularity, anware of the damage his food is doing on the community. In Episode 15, Season 1, Ruckus tried to recall the name of the tumor on his back says his “tiny negro brain” can’t remember the word and “his big lips” can’t pronounce it. Ruckus also comments on a black reporter: “You talk well for a monkey, no offense.”
Highly susceptible to media influence: Along with Granddad’s creation of a menu for a restaurant because of watching Soul Food (Season 1, Episode 10), we also observe Huey become remarkably different after watching a great deal of black programming, using “nigger” and speaks more slang after he’s been watching all the black TV programming.
Huey also tells the tale of Blacks not learning their lessons by talking about “Big Mama” in Season 1 Episode 10. Big Mama, from Soul Food, had an amputated leg because her arteries were so full of fat, due to her strong cooking. Finally, she dies of a heart attack, or a stroke. Her family, after she died, got together to have the same food that killed her. Huey also asks a Black waiter about the food that represents black gastronomy, when it is unhealthy (Season 1, Episode 10 10:00).
In Episode 10 of Season 1 cooking is revealed, with Blacks cook with a great amount of meat. They cook things “whites” will not cook, as pork tongue, knuckles and chitlings (pig’s intestines), with long processes for marinated or harden them. In Episode 12, Season 1, there is also a reference to the desire to drink grape soda, Huey, after watching black TV programming: “You got any grape soda?” (18:56)
This also comments on the slightly pro-drug culture, because after Riley eats Granddad’s food he declares, “that is what crack must feel” (6:51) before passing out. When he recovers, he says: “Best thing ever”. (7:58).
Blacks are also portrayed as criminals, forgetful, lazy and violent. This is demonstrated by the effect on Huey after his experiment of watching “Black” TV for a long period of time (Season 1, Episode 12). Also, in Episode 9, Season 1, they are shown as over indulgent partiers, with very little clothing, drinking, overtly sexual actions, showing violence. When MLK “returns” and gives a speech, many of the blacks he gives a speech to treat the location like a club, to which Huey stated, “King looked out on his people and saw they were in great need. So he did what all great leaders do, told them the truth.”
Blacks are also seen as using women for their sexual nature.
Strongly manipulated by media: In Episode 10 of Season 1, Granddad saw Soul Food on cable, he decided to do a Sunday dinner. Then, he wanted a restaurant. Everything was instant and quick.
Lack of culture: Grandad says in Episode 10, Season 1: “This food is your culture!” (the food that is destroying people’s life). In Episode 9, Season 1, MLK “returns” to find that many of the Blacks do not know anything about the history of their culture, and that they do not even recognize some of their culture. For example, MLK hosts a book signing, and no one shows up besides Huey.
Blacks are portrayed as being found guilty by the legal system when there is evidence that proves they did not commit the crime – wrongfully accused.
How do whites consider blacks?
There is limited positive reaction to Blacks, mostly limited to the Freeman family. For example, the “charming” and “articulate” perception of Huey. Robert Freedman is also accepted by Ed Wuncler as being “my kind of guy … old school” (06:26).
In general, there was also a portrayal that whites believe blacks are unhealthy, for example, in Episode 12, Season 1, a doctor says, “It’s unusual for blacks to have normal blood pressure levels” (5:37).
In Episode 15, Season 1, whites physically assaulting blacks at “revival.” Whites are also portrayed as passing judgment on blacks as to their guilt in the court of law. The whites are also portrayed as feeling deserving of praise for what they have “done” for the blacks. Whites are also seen as being fairly dismissive of blacks, such as when a bookstore employee tells MLK, “Dude, just go,” after the book signing is unsuccessful (Episode 9, Season 1).
How do blacks consider whites?
Unable to handle the truth – 00:31 Woman screams hysterical “No!” and violence and panic ensues when confronted with Huey’s “truth” about Ronald Regan, Jesus, and 9/11. Granddad (00:56 – 01:04) says, “How many times have I told you, you better not even dream of – about telling white folk the truth … you better learn how to lie like me.”
During Season 1, Episode 1, the Freeman remarks how there is a “new white man” out in the suburbs, but the statement is also used in a negative form as well: “precious new white people.” White-supremacist power structure still prevalent, especially according to Huey who remarks on the wealth and elite status. Riley notes that “they” are articulate (enunciate), educated (take time to study), and enforce the law (arrest you).
Racial rejection to whites can be very subtle. Unconsciously, Granddad rejects white food while arguing with Riley with the edibility of a dessert, by saying: “this is not vomit, it just look like vomit” (Season 1, Episode 10 1:48), and then proceeds to beat Riley until he agrees to eat the dessert because they need to respect Ms. DuBois (who is white.)
Despite this rejection, it is generally seen that Blacks try to be more like the Whites presented in the show, with the strong exception of Huey. For example, Uncle Ruckus has a dream where Ronald Reagan says, God loves white people above all others (Episode 15, Season 1). They also seem to believe that whites are generally in charge, for example, Riley says, “I just assumed he was in charge...because he was white!” (Season 1, Episode 12, 3:40)
How do blacks consider blacks?
Lacking class, especially when using the word “nigga” (02:39 – 02:45). Uncle Ruckus considers blacks a threat “code black at the main gate,” “hungry-looking,” “slick niggas” that can “fast talk” their way into a place, “nappy-head,” prone to using guns “their fingers on the triggers,” “big nostrils” that will “suck up so much air it will make you wonder.” Some of these factors to reveal themselves to be true, such as the fact that there is considerable more violence in some episodes between Blacks (Episode 9, Season 1). However, frequently this violence is easily forgiven, and regarded in a more light-hearted manner than other people consider violence.
While Uncle Ruckus displays contempt, such as saying Blacks are only good for cooking a pig to Granddad (Season 1, Episode 10, 9:11), there is a present sense of camaraderie, such as what is displayed by Huey when he calls a fellow Black a “Brother” (Season 1, Episode 10, 10:00).
Frequently in the show blacks physically hurt and disle other blacks – rationalizing it because they consider themselves better than those of their same race.
There is a general sense of self-loathing (see above), or a lack of faith in the abilities of a black man. For example, Uncle Ruckus patronizes Riley and says there’s no way he could be a talented painter, “No nigger’s ever been good at drawing” (6:08) and “Everybody knows niggers can’t paint” (Episode 12, Season 1, 17:06).
How do white consider whites?
Less information, but in Episode 10, Season 1, all the lawyers are white, and they are used by the whites to lawsuit. So maybe partners in crime.
How are other races portrayed?
In Episode 10 Season 1, Mexicans are present, too. An exploited Mexican is the one that explains to Granddad that what he calls “their culture” food, it is just a heritage of slavery, since slaves had to eat the parts of the pig that whites did not want to, since blacks did not have other choice. (16:35) Mexicans go to a community college to learn. Therefore, Chico, the Mexican waiter, know things about Afro-American culture, since he is taking an Afro-American class. Blacks and whites don’t improve their education, but Mexicans do. Since the Mexicans learn, Chico could save the client, because he was the only one know how to perform a CPR.
Universal Emotions Episode 1: Joy: (05:31) (15:26) (18:11) (18:47) Sadness: (00:41) Anger: (00:46) (00:28) (07:44) (09:00) (14:38) (17:12) Fear: (09:00) (14:15) (18:50) Surprise: (05:42) (07:19) (10:00) (13:10) (17:21) Disgust: (10:00)
Episode 7 I have my time stamps, around 2:21 Jazmine looks completely joyful, around 18:14 Jazmine is crying, around 21:08 and 2:37 Riley is angry, Jazmine at 3:00 is fearful, 19:14 Jazmine is surprised and at 4:44
Episode 10 Joy: “That’s a great idea” Ms. Dubois (3:28). “God idea!” Granddad (3:45). Olé! (6:00). HH-MM (Granddad do it all the time when he is doing something he enjoys. I do not think we could use it, but just in case). “That’s just great” (8:21) Sadness: “Man, that’s not true!” (7:48) Anger: “Damnit boy!” Grandad (2:09). “I hate you!” Huey (2:19). “Shame on you!” Granddad (6:53). Grandad (10:59). Huey and Granddad (16:25) Fear: “Are you ok?” (7:07), Oh, my God! (10:59) Surprise: “WOW!” Granddad (4:33). “What?!” (7:26) Disgust: “This is disgusting” Huey (2:00).
Episode 12 Joy: Riley (joy 1, 1:45); Riley (joy 2, 14:58) Sadness: Riley (sad 1, 6:22); Riley (sad 2, 2:18); Granddad (sad 3, 21:10) Anger: Granddad (anger 1, 3:30); Granddad (anger 2, 4:20); Riley (anger 3, 6:06); Riley (anger 4, 7:25) Fear: Riley (fear 1, 4:29); art teacher (fear 2, 19:19) Surprise: Riley (surprise 1, 1:03); Riley (surprise 2, 2:20); Riley (surprise 3, 8:29); art teacher (surprise 4, 10:16) Disgust: Riley (disgust 1, 2:28)
Episode 15 Joy: (02:03) – Ruckus seeing himself white Sadness: (20:12) – Huey Crying, (15:56) – Huey hugs Riley goodbye Anger: (20:07) – Mob Violence, (04: 07) – Huey, (05:55) – Tom “outraged” at Ruckus’s comments, (08:59) Riley beets up God, Fear: (20:20) Robert Freeman fearfully trying to pull away aggressive Tom at rally. Surprise: (20:36) Crowd at seeing Ruckus electrocuted, (04:08) Jazmine in response to Huey. Disgust: (05:49) – Robert Freedman in response to Ruckus, (05:55) – Robert Freedman,in response to Tom, (06:04) – Close up of Freedman at Ruckus, (08:07) – Riley “Jail nigger you gay”
Personal experiences:
Elisabet Liminyana Vico What episode did you watch? Number 10, The Itis. [The Itis: when you get sleepy after a big meal.] When did you watch this? Wednesday, 10/30/203, in the morning, and in the evening. How many times did you watch this? Twice Where did you watch it? In my office, in my computer, and at home.
Jessica Marsh What episode did you watch? S1. E. 15 “The Passion of Reverend Ruckus” When did you watch this? Twice October 29th 11:00 p.m., Once Oct 30th 10:18 a.m. How many times did you watch this? Three times Where did you watch it? Home, via Netflix
Steven Gallo What episode did you watch? S1, Ep. 12: “Riley Wuz Here” When did you watch this? Wednesday, October 30 at 2:30 PM, 3:40 PM, 10:00 PM How many times did you watch this? Three times Where did you watch it? In my bedroom at home
Hannah Brown What episode did you watch? Season 1 Ep. 9, Return of the King When did you watch this? Wed. afternoon How many times did you watch this? Twice Where did you watch it? Home
Calli Breil What episode did you watch? 1x7 A Huey Freeman Christmas When did you watch this? 2:00 p.m. and 5:26 p.m. on Wednesday How many times did you watch this? Twice Where did you watch it? My office