There are times when writing about the TV news media is rewarding: enjoyable, exciting, and valuable. Meaning informative, innovative, and important. Such programs don't occur that often; rather it's "Breaking News" stories which bombard the cable news airways: regularly repetitive, sometimes unreliable and often boring.
The last two weeks were different, however, at least in this critic's view. Coverage featured three diverse programs ( including one on Netflix ), that were indeed informative, innovative and important. Yet, these examples were not only about social issues or psychological concerns or political problems. Rather, they confronted personal subjects that yours truly cared about which recalled the past.
The first coverage concerned the coverage of "The Tennessee Three" and specifically one state representative, Justin Jones. Oddly enough, it was not what Mr. Jones said that was salient, but what he did: displaying a non - verbal gesture that he repeated throughout the course of his various interviews and speeches. His clutched fist immediately became the past, bringing back memories of the Black Panthers with their raised fists, representing Black Power and unity. Attachment to that time period and the political movement was still reminding me of my commitment to a cause, even though I was not Black. ( It also reminded me that this nonverbal symbol of solidarity, strength and hope was wide-ranging, used first in 1968 at the Mexican Olympics and thereafter standing for anti- fascism and pro -socialism.)
“Legaizamo Does America" is a current six-part series that is also personal. Consider that the series' title has a curious sexual connotation. ( "Debbie Does Dallas" was a well-known pornographic film in 1978 about a woman's attempt to become a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys. ) Did Legaizamo's show, therefore, now serve as a sexual metaphor for Latinos' place in American culture?
While there doesn't appear to be such a metaphor present, John Legaizamo is seemingly focusing on a provocative theme, nonetheless, particularly in the episode about Washington D.C. Simply put, it is the idea that Latinos living in the Capitol are victims of inequality. Legaizamo's political advocacy may be new for some viewers, yet it is still a reminiscent of a time in Washington when people did care about fighting for Latino rights.
Recalling the past is also very much a part of Michelle Obama's documentary on Netflix, "The Light We Carry." Michelle is not only a particularly effective public speaker, but on this show, an especially extraordinary conversationalist as well.. The interview with her and Oprah Winfrey feels so down-to-earth that the pair might as well have been sitting in our living rooms. And we would certainly have considered them two of our best friends.
But what Michelle says is more important than how she says it. Talking about her life as a First Lady, wife, mother and friend obviously reflects the past, and also allows us to remember our own challenging times. Most importantly, perhaps, are the ways Michelle often overcame her problems.
Along the way, the viewers did, too.
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