Culture Clashes

"Why do we cling to bigotry? Because bigotry, plainly, is convenient. It is a near-effortless way to both elevate one's stature and make a pity grab in this culture of victims that we have become." — John Ridley

During the 2014 awards season, John Ridley shined. He was the screenwriter that brought "12 Years A Slave" to life. That film, based on a true story, told hard truths about America's past, slavery, and the struggle for equality. But that struggle didn't end with the Civil War.

This Spring, Ridley is re-igniting an important discussion in our country with his provocative new drama, "American Crime." The show premiered on March 5, and airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on ABC. It is about a brutal crime, those who committed the crime, and the family of the victims. It's an intense, and in-depth look at how this crime effects so many people, and how they react to the crime. It's also a look at the people who committed the crime, and why they ended up in that place.

All of the above is true, but I don't think it's what the show is really about. The show is really about race in America, and how it remains a problem for everyone. The show features an African American man involved with a white woman, and all the drama that creates. It showcases a latino family, where the dad wants his kids to be more like "white America," and the tension that creates. And it showcases a white mother, grieving the loss of her son, whose biggest problem is she can't see past the hate and bigotry in her heart.

It is fascinating, compelling, and frightening, as it should be. The show points to the fact that we're all effected by race, and all effected by our own prejudices. In some way, I think, the show suggests we're all still dealing with bigotry.

There have been a lot of fascinating new shows that have shown progress on the big screen. "How To Get Away With Murder" developed a big following and boasted a diverse cast. "Empire" on FOX is the biggest new show of the year, and as of last night the biggest show of the year period. It represents a very unique view and explores a lot of what it means to be a part of that world. It's also a wildly entertaining show.

"American Crime" is gritty, dark, and hard to watch. In some ways it's a violent and depressing show. But it's also possibly the best new show of the year precisely because it's unafraid to veer into some tough narrative territory. And it does so with a purpose, which makes all the difference.