about the black characters in Supernatural
Posted by: Rich Watson on September 10, 2009 at 4:14 pm
“…You know your show better than anyone. You know that the boys are spending a significant amount of their time south of the Mason-Dixon line. There are black people everywhere in this country, and even setting your show in, say, the pacific northwest really isn’t much of an excuse, but I find it mind-boggling to watch episode after episode where Sam and Dean drive through a landscape of such exquisitely evoked Americana…except without the black folk. It’s like some sort of freaky horror movie. Not the kind you were going for? Then let’s talk.
“Because it’s not just the black women. In fact, that’s the mildest part of my problems with race on the show. Because, for better or worse, it’s difficult to mess up the portrayals of a demographic you have excised from the world of your characters.
“Black men, on the other hand? Well, that’s where I really hit some brambles.”
Vichus Smith September 10th, 2009
Yeah, as good as Supernatural is, it’s still a “white” show.
I would like to see more diversity in shows I enjoy, like a Supernatural, but I’d rather the show organically puts a diverse group of actors in the show (and keep them) rather than has to feel the need to do it because someone might point out to them that they are lacking racially.
I really wish that I had time to watch Supernatural, but I dropped the show a while back. When it ends, I’m going to marathon it, for sure.
Ham September 11th, 2009
Firstly, I’m African-American. (I was Colored, Negro, Black, African-American, Afro-American and God knows what else I’ll be in the next 2 to 5 years!) I am not offended by there not being Blacks in this show. Okay, They shoot in Canada or New Zealand or something. What are they supposed to do? I guess they’re supposed to import blacks for demographic’s sake? I suppose it would be more demographically correct if the show had a demon in Home Depot and there were a bunch of Mexicans outside!! Jack up TV expenses and bus Blacks in to walk around in the background. Come on, Let it go! Not too many Blacks or Latinos want to go to New Zealand or Canada anyway.
Sasha September 11th, 2009
You have got to be joking! This show is filmed in Canada not in the deep south!
It’s not like they have never used black actors, they have used several!
Stupid stuff to comment about!
Darren September 11th, 2009
I’m black. I have never watched the show, but I have no problem with a limited number of blacks or no blacks on the show.
The show is a fantasy, not reality so it doesn’t have to be accurate. I would only have a problem if the show was promoting negative stereotypes.
geoff thorne September 13th, 2009
I also like SUPERNATURAL a lot. a LOT. But I like it in spite of the things Rich has described which constitute a legitimate criticism of the series.
Asking for some accuracy in ethnic portrayals is not the same as calling anyone a racist or demanding some sort of quota system. Show the world as it is. Not hard to do. Simply look at the world and reproduce what you see. If you’re in the south or the west or the southwest or north east you’re going to see a lot of black people. You just are. Therefore NOT showing them is a choice.
Before the series ends I would like to see at least on decent black man depicted or, barring that, NONE AT ALL.
Rich Watson September 13th, 2009
Just to clarify: I did not write this piece.
Kayode Kendall September 13th, 2009
As a black viewer of Supernatural, I could honestly care less about how many black people appear on the show.
Chris September 26th, 2009
Wow, some idiots read this blog.
First off, just because its tv and a “fantasy” doesn’t mean its not based on reality. It is 100% based on reality but written in a fantastical way. There is something being said here without being overt. If you guys are thinking its going to be obvious and hit you over the head with racism, its not. No one is coming out saying “nigger!”
The reasons u guys give for a lack of blacks is cringeworthy. No blacks in Canada?? LOL are you serious? Of course there are blacks in Canada. On top of that, the studio flies people out from auditions in LA to be on the show. Its not like every guest is Canadian.
Lastly, the fact that black people don’t care about how they are perceived on television annoys the hell out of me. Its people like you who reap any benefits from MLK, Malcolm, Thurgood, Fredrick Douglas, etc who championed for us, and now you dont care?
Its not just a “tv show”. its PROGRAMMING for a reason. The vitriol for someone like our president doesn’t just come out of the sky. it is cultivated, it is stroked over time, thru all mediums possible.
get right before u get left.
bro.
