Hi Meltingpot Readers,
Have you heard about the runaway success of the independent web series, The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl? Before I even watched an episode, I was excited by the possibility of a 'TV' show that spoke to a different type of Black girl than the hootchie mama or cool/funny best friend most often seen in mainstream media. And by the time I even heard about the series, created by Stanford grad, Issa Rae the Twitterverse and facebook were already buzzing about how great it was. And even major networks were singing its praise.
But here's the thing. I feel so bad saying this. I don't love it. Ugh. If there ever was a show that I wanted to love, this would be it. I love the independent spirit that started the whole thing. I love the concept. I love Issa Rae, but I'm not feeling the show. Maybe I just need to watch more. Maybe I need to be 20 years younger to 'get it.' Maybe I'm just not funny enough to get their funny. Or maybe it's just not my type of humor. But it almost is. In my 20s, I thought of myself as the Awkward Black girl.
Either way, I'm going to support the show and Rae, because she's doing her own thing and not waiting for a handout or a permission slip. You Go girl! (That was awkward.)
What do you think people? Are you laughing? Why or why not? Do you have any favorite indie web TV shows that you watch? Let me know. If you had to make an indie comedy about your life, what would you call it? Since the Awkward Black Girl is taken, I'd probably call my show, "When Kinky Met Gazpacho," but you know I was going to say that. Your turn.
I'm so listening.
Peace!
8 comments:
I just watched the 9th webisode and I'm a fan. I think most of the humor though not only comes from being an "awkward black girl", but also a "modern single girl" which I think drives the show more than the awkward angle. I'm loving Issa Rae's portrayal of a girl just being herself.
I had never heard of this until your post. I did not get any further than the second episode before I had had enough. I thought may be that is not fair, so I went to the web and did some research. I googled Issa Rae and also watched the interview on CNN. I think she is talented and creative, but I would like to see another subject matter. It seems she has an audience, but I am just not going to be in it.
I've been following this series since August and I actually enjoy the series. Like any other show, I didn't expect it to appeal to every Black woman, but I like it. I relate to it based on where I am in my life (single, black, young working professional) and dealing with those awkward moments. I feel each show that comes out will appeal to some and not to others. I do applaud Issa Rae for what she's doing though. I can't remember the last show featuring a lead black female that appealed to me.
Elli,
I think the modern single girl part is where I'm out of the loop. I'm so glad she's got fans in her demographic.
Cyretha,
I hear you.
AnaCeleste,
As I said to Elli, I'm probably just not the right demographic. In other words, I'm just too damn old :) I've lost my funny.
I didn't like it the first time I watched it, but revisited the series months later and enjoyed it more. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it initially.
I actually love it. It reminds me of The Office, but with a more colorful staff. I love the dynamics of culture, race relations, and just pure awkardness of it all. Yep I'm young too, so I definitely am on board :-) (although the language is a bit much at times- I do enjoy less curse word language if at all possible-so I'm old in that respect, LOL)
Toni,
Maybe I'll give it another go in a few months.
Lifelearner,
I admit the cursing turned me off too. Who talks like that? Oh, yeah, everyone but me...and you.
I think it's one of the funniest and most original things I've seen in awhile. I absolutely love it! Try it again...
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