Caribbean Representation in Modern TV and Streaming Media
In the world of TV and streaming platforms, I’ve been noticing a slow but growing Caribbean Representation. Whether it’s an entire series like Small Axe or characters within main stream series. I join Mikelah to discuss this trend on an episode of with The Style & Vibes Podcast Podcast.
In this episode we Mikelah we discussed, “Survival of the Thickest”, “Full Circle”, “This is Us” and made reference to a previous discussion on “Why We Love Harlem” the series. You can also watch the episode on YouTube.
3 Key Things
When it comes to Caribbean Representation in TV, Streaming and Film, there are 3 important elements that we as a Caribbean audience should rate these projects. These should also be a consideration for anyone on projects, actresses, actors, writers, directors, producers and the powers that be. They are:
- Accent
- Character Development
- Storyline
Accents
The spectrum of accents that Caribbean culture is represented with in television and streaming series has improved since the 80s and the infamous “Marked for Death” with Steven Segal. We believe that even if an accent isn’t perfect, if the characters and plot lines are strong, the accent can be forgiven. We explore the portrayal of African heritage in blockbuster movies like ‘Black Panther’, pondering the reactions of African audiences to these portrayals. This reflection leads us to consider the development of the Caribbean’s own industry, to tell our stories authentically and accurately.
Storyline & Character Development
Caribbean American actresses like Grace Byers, Michelle Buteau, CCH Pounder and Susan Kelechi Watson have beautifully fused their culture into their roles, adding a unique flavor of authenticity. Subtle yet impactful nuances are brought to the characters, shaping them into more than just figures on your screen. We discussed the importance of capturing the true Caribbean spirit through proper casting and location choices, emphasizing the nuance and significance of cultural representation in the creation of authentic characters.
In conclusion, we are excited about this wave of Caribbean representation in media. As I’ve previously discussed, being Confidently Caribbean is not just about waving a flag, but showcasing the nuanced ways Caribbean culture manifests in everyday life.
