Representation in Pop Culture

I created a short podcast clip, analyzing a black character as compared to his white counterpart in an all time favorite sports based TV show: Friday Night Lights. Smash Williams, the black running back on the team (number 20 pictured below), often falls back into racial stereotypes both on and off the field that his white counterparts conveniently avoid.  

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There is an extreme emphasis on his physical prowess, and lack thereof on his intelligence, especially compared to his white counterparts.  For example, his portrayed life after football entails working in an ice cream shop.  He loses his sport, and loses it all, and never has any aspirations beyond that.

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While working in an ice cream shop is a perfectly respectable way to make a living, when compared to Jason Street (number 6 below) and Matt Saracen (number 7 below) the juxtaposition is startling.  Street goes on to found a real estate practice, coach his old team, and ultimately become a successful sports agent in the bright lights of New York City.  Additionally, while Street does that, Saracen moves to Chicago to attend art school, pursuing yet another intellectual passion away from football.  This stark juxtaposition furthers the exact narratives society needs to actively attempt to avoid.

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Listen to the episode here: