Over the years, television has increasingly become a platform for tackling some of society’s most pressing issues. One such issue is race, and the way TV shows approach it can make a significant impact on their audiences. While S.W.A.T.has made strides in addressing race and police reform, there’s still much more to explore in an authentic and meaningful way. In comparison, This Is Us has been widely praised for its nuanced and heartfelt approach to race, offering a model that S.W.A.T. could potentially learn from.
In this article, we explore why S.W.A.T. should take inspiration from This Is Us when tackling race in its storylines and how a more thoughtful approach could benefit the show, its characters, and its audience.
The Importance of Race in TV Dramas
Race is an ever-present issue in society, and its portrayal on television plays a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives. TV dramas that address race can either challenge or reinforce societal stereotypes, so it’s important for shows to portray these issues in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
In recent years, shows like This Is Us have become pioneers in portraying race in an empathetic and multi-dimensional way. By giving space to characters of different racial backgrounds and exploring the intersectionality of race, identity, and personal experience, This Is Us has not only entertained but also educated its audience on the complexities of race in America.
S.W.A.T., on the other hand, has had mixed results when it comes to addressing race. While the show often incorporates the theme of racial tensions and policing, it’s often framed through the lens of a procedural cop drama, which doesn’t always allow for the kind of deep emotional exploration This Is Us does so effectively.
What This Is Us Gets Right About Addressing Race
This Is Us has been praised for its ability to handle race with emotional depth and sensitivity. The show provides a platform for characters to share their diverse experiences in a way that feels real and personal.
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Multi-Dimensional Characters
The beauty of This Is Us lies in its rich character development. The show doesn’t just portray race as a singular characteristic but instead explores how race interacts with various aspects of identity. The characters, such as Randall Pearson, are allowed to fully express their inner conflicts and experiences without being defined solely by their race. Randall, who is Black and was adopted by a white family, navigates issues related to racial identity in ways that feel authentic and deeply human. -
Complex Conversations About Race
Rather than shying away from difficult conversations about race, This Is Us embraces them. The show uses dialogue to unpack issues like privilege, systemic racism, and generational trauma. These conversations feel like genuine reflections of the characters’ lived experiences, allowing viewers to engage in meaningful discussions about race and its impact on both personal and societal levels. -
Generational Storytelling
By focusing on multiple generations of a family, This Is Us gives viewers a broad perspective on race. From the experiences of William, Randall’s biological father, to the challenges Randall faces as a father himself, the show offers insights into how race has shaped different generations. This kind of storytelling allows for a deeper exploration of racial dynamics that span across time and place, which S.W.A.T. could incorporate into its approach to police and community relations.
How S.W.A.T. Could Benefit from a More Nuanced Approach to Race
While S.W.A.T. has addressed race through its portrayal of police officers navigating their identities, particularly the character of Hondo (played by Shemar Moore), there is room for the show to evolve in its portrayal of race.
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Moving Beyond Stereotypes
S.W.A.T. has done a good job highlighting issues like police brutality and systemic racism, but sometimes the show’s depiction of race feels like it’s being explored only within the context of specific “hot button” issues. In contrast, This Is Us allows race to be a part of the characters’ everyday lives. For example, Randall’s experience as a Black man in America is woven seamlessly into his relationships, career, and personal growth. S.W.A.T.could deepen its storytelling by showing how race impacts Hondo and other characters in subtle, everyday ways, outside of the more dramatic, plot-driven moments. -
Creating Space for Personal Exploration
In This Is Us, characters like Randall and his parents have deep, reflective moments where they explore their feelings about race. These moments of personal growth and vulnerability can be just as impactful as action-packed scenes, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. S.W.A.T. could benefit from more reflective moments where characters, especially Hondo, discuss their internal struggles about race, identity, and their roles as law enforcement officers in an increasingly divided society. This would give viewers a chance to see Hondo and his team as multi-dimensional characters, rather than simply action figures performing their duty. -
Expanding the Conversation Beyond Law Enforcement
S.W.A.T. is primarily centered around law enforcement, which is a unique lens through which to explore race. However, the show often focuses on the external challenges that law enforcement officers face, like protests or public perception, while leaving the internal complexities of race and identity less explored. This Is Us excels at addressing how race interacts with family dynamics, personal ambitions, and love. S.W.A.T. could broaden its scope by exploring the ways race impacts the relationships between officers and civilians, and how these dynamics affect everyone involved in the community.
Why It Matters: The Role of Media in Shaping Conversations About Race
Television is one of the most powerful tools for shaping public perception. By addressing race thoughtfully, shows can play a pivotal role in challenging stereotypes and encouraging viewers to think critically about their own biases. This Is Us has successfully used its platform to normalize conversations about race, making them an integral part of the narrative, not something to be handled only in isolated episodes or situations.
S.W.A.T. has the potential to do the same. As a show that already deals with police and community tensions, it could take the next step in showing how these dynamics are affected by the personal histories and experiences of its characters. By expanding its exploration of race, S.W.A.T. can become a show that not only entertains but also educates and inspires viewers to engage in conversations about race and justice.
Conclusion: Moving Toward a More Thoughtful Exploration of Race in TV
S.W.A.T. has already made significant strides in tackling race and policing, but there’s more to be done. By taking a page from This Is Us and exploring race with the same level of depth and emotional nuance, S.W.A.T. has the opportunity to elevate its storytelling and leave a lasting impact on its audience.
This Is Us has shown us that race is not just a plot device—it’s a fundamental part of who we are as individuals and as a society. If S.W.A.T. can embrace a more personal, nuanced, and reflective approach to race, it will not only continue to engage its audience but also become a show that sparks critical conversations about the complexities of race and identity in America.
FAQs
1. How does This Is Us approach race in its storytelling?
This Is Us explores race through multi-dimensional characters, complex conversations, and generational storytelling, offering a deep and empathetic look at the experiences of people of different races in America.
2. Why should S.W.A.T. adopt a more nuanced approach to race?
S.W.A.T. could benefit from a more reflective and personal exploration of race, allowing its characters to navigate their identities in subtle and meaningful ways, similar to how This Is Us portrays race as an integral part of the characters’ lives.
3. What can S.W.A.T. learn from This Is Us in addressing race?
S.W.A.T. can learn to show how race impacts characters beyond dramatic plotlines, allowing for more vulnerable and reflective moments that explore the personal and societal challenges of race.
4. How does race play a role in S.W.A.T.?
Race in S.W.A.T. is explored primarily through the character of Hondo, who is a Black officer navigating police work in a racially charged environment. However, the show could benefit from delving deeper into the internal struggles and dynamics between characters, much like This Is Us does with its characters.
5. Could S.W.A.T. continue to tackle important issues after its cancellation?
While S.W.A.T. has been canceled, there’s always the possibility of future content, whether it be in the form of special episodes or spin-offs, that could continue to tackle race and social issues in new and meaningful ways.
