Stir the Pot
New York was originally settled by the Dutch, who resented the English moving in, who resented the Irish moving in, who resented the Italians, and you get the picture. But what would New York or Toronto, or any other major cosmopolitan city be without a broad mix of culture and ethnicity?
Shonda Rhimes is the creative mind behind shows like Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder. Early in her writing career she captured the industry’s attention for the diversity of casting in her shows, particularly Grey’s Anatomy but Rhimes felt her casting choices were merely reflective of an urban population. Diversity is everywhere and should be truly reflected in media programming. Her production company Shondaland now produces the show Bridgerton.
Bridgerton is a period piece using the early 1800’s Regency era as a favourite backdrop for romance. Upon first viewing, I will admit, there was a moment when I cocked my head at the screen. The Earls and Dukes are all shades of skin colour, all mixed together. The haughty and imperious Queen herself is Black, married to a White and deranged King.
No other period piece to my knowledge has ever portrayed English society as an historically mixed race, reimagining the possibilities of intercontinental engagement. And it’s beautiful.
I had the privilege of attending the opening night of Hamlet at the Stratford Festival. Hamlet is played by a Black female actor who brought brilliant energy and chutzpa to the role. Why shouldn’t the Danish Prince be Black and female? Apparently no reason. She embodied Hamlet as powerfully as any traditional White male actor ever has.
The more frequently we see these ‘mash-ups’ of race and gender, the more it all becomes normalized. I say stir the pot, stir the pot, stir the pot.
Stay safe everyone.
Great post. Next Sunday, June12, marks the date in 1967 when the Supreme court in the US upheld the decision allowing interracial marriage. Previous to then, some states (mostly Southern) had miscegenation laws that deemed interracial marriages illegal and unconstitutional. We’ve come a long way baby but still have miles to go. btw — the casting in Bridgerton was futuristic!
Yes, we still have miles to go. Love the comment that Bridgerton is futuristic.
Thank you Jeanette, much appreciated.