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Takaki talks about how race has shaped American society throughout history, and Atlanta shows that conversations about race are still influenced by these historical inequalities. In the episode “B.A.N.,” Paper Boi appears on a talk show where the discussion becomes less about understanding his experience and more about creating a certain narrative for the audience. Even when Paperboy and the activist Dr. Deborah Holt agreed on an issue, the interview continues to frame Paperboy as villain and asked questions to try to persuade everyone to create a conflict rather than a meaningful discussion. ““Isn’t a lack of a father the reason you hate trans people?” Montague asked Paper Boi. Annoyed, the rapper admits that the topic isn’t one he feels a responsibility for. “It’s hard for me to care about this when nobody cares about me as a black, human man,” he said”. (Monae, 2016) This shows how media can influence the way audiences understand race by controlling which perspectives are highlighted and how people are represented.

The fake commercials throughout the episode also demonstrate how racial issues are presented in pop culture. For example, the Coconut Crunch cereal commercial used satire to criticize how black people struggles are often turned into products of entertainment. It shows a police officer stepping on the back of a wolf, which represent or connects to larger conversations about police violence and the treatment of black communities. These examples show how Atlanta used exaggerated advertisements to reveal serious issues hidden behind everyday media.

The character Tobias, who is a Black man, presenting himself as a white man, also challenged ideas about race and identities. His character raised questions about how society connects whiteness and success, acceptance, and privilege. By changing his appearance and behavior, Tobias shows how racial identity can affect the way people are treated and how they may feel pressure to fit into certain social expectations. He explained that when he walked into a place, he felt that he was not respected, so he decided to change how he wanted to be perceived by the public. But that does not change the fact that visually he is seen as a black man. This can connect to Takaki's argument that historical inequalities continue to influence modern experiences with race. It also connects to Deborah's Willis discussion of representation because Atlanta challenges traditional portrayals of Black identity in media. Instead of presenting one version of Black experience, the episode shows the identity as complex and shaped by history, cultures, and social systems. “The episode felt like a forum for pretty much any given topic, from the stereotypes placed on African Americans to transphobia and police brutality.” (Monae, 2016) All in all, this episode from Atlanta used comedy and satire while also addressing significant issues, showing how entertainment can create conversations about race, power, and representation.

Cited:

Monae, A. (2016, October 12). From Real Life to Trending Topic: Best Moments From ‘Atlanta’ Episode 7 ‘B.A.N.’. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/atlanta-episode-7-ban-recap-7541045/

Ryan, D. M. (2016, October 12). ‘Atlanta’ Recap and Reaction: “B.A.N.”. Fandom; FANDOM. https://www.fandom.com/articles/atlanta-recap-reaction-b-a-n