Summary of "Black. White. - Very cool show": This show was very, very interesting to watch. The show brought up so many issues that I, a white Canadian male, didn't realize existed. We don't have many African-American (or is that African-Canadian?) people where I live, so the issues brought up on this series aren't things I can easily relate to. My girlfriend found it a bit easier to relate to some of the issues. She's a recent immigrant to Canada, so she faces prejudices continually, mostly because English isn't her first language. It's not racism, but she could relate to some of the experiences brought up on the show.
I've only experienced racism once, and that was in Australia. I went for a 2 hour walk to visit a Pizza Hut I saw the day before (I had no idea it was that far!), and I passed through an area I quickly realized was predominately Aborigine. I got some pretty nasty looks as I walked down the residential street, and it made me feel uncomfortable. Someone yelled something from a house, but I wasn't sure if it were directed at me (it likely was). An Australian explained to me later on that I was free to kick or spit on any Aborigine if I wanted to because "they aren't really people, you know that, right?" No wonder they watched me while I walked through their neighborhood; I'm surprised I was only yelled at.
Black. White. is a fascinating series to watch, but I'd recommend watching it with someone. There were countless times that we paused the DVD to discuss something that was said, or debate a point that was brought up. The show went a little long for my taste, but maybe that's because we watched a disc at a time and things seemed a bit repetitive. This is a great DVD set; commentaries on every episode, lots of behind-the-scenes material (including the best casting videos I've ever seen), and material that can be used in the classroom. I had no idea who RJ Cutler was a year ago, and now I'm a fan of his work. I loved 30 Days and Black. White., so I can't wait to see his next show (which is a series called Election). (read entire review)
Fox has released artwork for Black. White. which was announced the other day. The set comes out on September 12, and can be preordered from Amazon.com for $18.99. (read entire news item)
6/08/2006
It's not Trading Spaces, it's Switching Skin
What's it like to live in someone else's skin? Find out by watching this fascinating documentary series in which the African-American Sparks family (Brian, Renee and 16-year-old Nick) trades places with... (read entire news item)
