omomabinuori

[omomabinuori]

Multimedia journal 1

The TV series Orange Is the New Black explores the lives of women incarcerated in federal minimum-security facilities. The program explores the prisoners' connections, struggles, and daily lives. Because the characters are diverse and the program explores the intersections of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic class, and gender, it also highlights themes like racial and ethnic identities. The show's narrative provides an opportunity to explore the representation of racial and ethnic identities in popular visual culture. Through its diverse cast of characters from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, the show connects to racial identity and cultural representation. The show delves into these characters' personal stories and experiences, shedding light on their challenges within the prison system and society. The show also provides a platform to generate meaningful conversations about race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity in popular visual culture. 

  Poussey Washington is one of the central characters of the show. She is portrayed as an intelligent, kind-hearted, and loyal friend to many of the other inmates. According to Week 7, African Americans reading emphasizes the impact of Black African Americans' struggles and the effect in the media. For example, There was a scene where Poussey's friend serotyped her and assumed that she was illiterate, her father was in jail, and her mum was a drug addict, but that was not true; Poussey was actually from a well-to-do family. She was an avid reader and took her role as the library's protector very seriously. Her dad was in the Navy, and her mum was a writer. Poussey's character represents the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, as she is a black woman who also identifies as a lesbian. Throughout the series, Poussey's experiences shed light on the challenges individuals who navigate multiple marginalized identities face. 

Now let's talk about whiteness; even though the show was very diverse, it shows how society gives glorification to social status and color. I will provide two examples. Judy King was portrayed as a celebrity chef who ended up in Litchfield Penitentiary for tax fraud. She was from a privileged background and was separated from other jail members. She used her status to her advantage, and while they were trying to match her with a roommate, she was paired with an old white woman. So, her color, social status, and age made her feel at home while other presenters struggled to get a sanitary pad. Piper Chapman is also the main character in the show. She was a privileged woman who was sentenced to prison for her involvement in a drug smuggling operation. There was an instance where she wanted to go home to see her grandma, and prisoners were able to get a weekend pass. For years, many prisoners never got the opportunity to go home for any life events. But the first time Piper asked for it, she got it. The scenario shed light on societal issues and privilege, contributing to the show's exploration of racial and ethnic identities and economic disparities.