A recent article from The Guardian covers “dehumanizing” language the Trump administration and his cronies use against immigrants. It’s one of many. And yes, immigrants, in all their diversity, are one of multiple marginalized communities who have felt the rhetorical wrath and real violence of Trump’s second term.
As an added blow, the number of Latinx Trump supporters or apolitical people in our community is still high. That’s why it’s crucial for us to have conversations about today’s political climate with our loved ones. Even if it’s not always easy.
Thankfully, books, TV, and film can help. Watching TV covering social justice themes isn’t a substitute for organizing, but it’s a good starting point, particularly if you’re shy, introverted, or simply want a lighter way to discuss issues. So let’s get started with eight shows you can use to start the conversation.
The Pitt (HBO)
Starring Noah Wiley and a cavalcade of talented actors, HBO’s The Pitt might as well be a livestream of the United States’ emergency healthcare system at work. Each episode deals with cases that seem pulled out of real life: homeless patients with nowhere else to go, children whose parents have been deported, survivors of sexual assault, and other heart-wrenching situations. There’s also plenty of queer representation, a diverse cast, and male characters who challenge toxic masculinity.
Finally, the show displays the value social workers bring to hospitals and patients in need. The Pitt even mirrors reality by depicting an unnecessary ICE arrest. Definitely a social justice conversation starter – and some of the best TV around.
Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)
Daredevil: Born Again is the revival of Netflix’s original Daredevil. It’s grittier with the New York-based characters dealing with life under Trump – aka Wilson Fisk as mayor. The show brings a hodgepodge of allies together to do whatever they can to help vulnerable residents challenge Fisk’s fascist policies (shout out to Camila Rodríguez as the second-generation White Tiger). It touches on the dangerous use of narrative warfare and features characters who wish for political power as a means to an end.
Moreover, Matt Murdock (Daredevil), Karen Page, BB Urich, and other main characters are imperfect, flawed, and make costly mistakes. Which means, the show forces viewers to ask ourselves if we’re ready to navigate the grey areas and tough calls in the quest for justice.
Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Netflix’s early sensation is still one of the best dramedies about life in prison for women. Today, there are several storylines that might be considered problematic, but OITNB still tackles women in detention with humor and nuance. The show examines white privilege, legal status, for-profit prison models, unfair and punitive sentences, violence in and out of jail, and solidarity between women.
It includes multiple endearing Black and Latina characters as well as loving queer relationships. So if you’re looking for a TV show to get you and your fam talking about social justice, this one is a classic.
Abbott Elementary (ABC/Disney+)
Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary is beloved for its charming characters, comedic timing, and for exposing their audience to the seminal work of today’s teachers. The show also includes a predominantly Black cast, which includes the legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph. It’s full of believable, endearing storylines that feel light even when there’s a seriousness to them. The show includes multiple storylines in which students, teachers, and the local community work together to solve problems. Consider them an example to follow.
When They See Us (Netflix)
This mini-series was released in 2019 and is based on the real-life arrest, release, and legacy of the Exonerated 5 (formerly known as the Central Park 5). Director Ava DuVernay collaborated with the Exonerated 5 and their families to get the story right, and the mini-series’s powerful storytelling explains how five young Black boys wound up in jail for a crime they didn’t commit.
It follows the families of the Exonerated 5, the criminal justice system, its incompetence, and even Donald Trump’s incendiary newspaper ads against these young men. It’s also worth remembering that Jharrel Jerome, who plays lead Korey Wise, is Latino in case you want to get into race within our community (for bonus points, obviously).
Andor (Disney+)
The Disney+ prequel to Rogue One shows us how Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) goes from a mercenary to a revolutionary leader. In Andor, the Empire crushes resistance, exploits the resources of other planets, resorts to genocides, makes unlawful arrests, and restricts free speech. Andor isn’t exactly a hero at the start of the series, but we see his evolution over time. Like many of us, Andor doesn’t join the resistance until it personally affects him and those he cares about. But when he does, he brings his culture (and Luna’s Mexican accent that goes with it) along for the ride, creating a powerful, Latino-led blueprint for resisting fascism.
Shameless (Showtime, also on HBO/Netflix)
The Gallaghers are a dysfunctional working-class family living in the Southside of Chicago. Fiona, the eldest daughter, is responsible for her younger sibling because both of her parents deal with substance abuse and mental health issues. During its run, the show was criticized for making a white family the main focus of a neighborhood known to be majority Black.
That being said, these casting choices bring up the chance to discuss the social implications of representation in Shameless. The show is still a valuable look into homelessness, the insufficient social safety net for working-class families, and trauma as a family experience.
This Fool (Hulu/Disney+)
Julio (Chris Estrada) and Luis (Frankie Quiñones) are charming and hilarious in Hulu’s This Fool. Set in Los Angeles, Julio shows us the limitations of nonprofit work in our communities. In contrast, Luis struggles after prison, demonstrating the challenges of starting over. This Fool doesn’t just focus on sadness. There are also plenty of joyful moments and quirky characters that balance out the more challenging storylines. With its look into economic imobility, toxic masculinity, and yes, therapy, This Fool is perfect to talk to the men in your life about how they can help make the world better.
So Go Do it Already!
Watching a TV show isn’t a guarantee that anyone will change their mind or start caring about social justice. However, research shows that seeing characters with similar experiences can help marginalized people feel seen. Additionally, seeing nuanced roles of commonly stereotyped communities can have a positive effect on viewers who don’t identify the same way.
Pop culture can be a resource for starting conversations about tough topics. After all, watching a TV series or movie is less stressful than the news – and hopefully more fun to talk about. Luckily, there are plenty of shows that don’t ignore stories of social injustice and are enjoyable to watch with loved ones.
