TV is Still Hella White, But It's Getting (Somewhat) Better

TV is pretty damn lily white, but it’s apparently getting better. I could rattle off the same names — Mindy Kaling, Donald Glover, Retta — but I think we’re all getting familiar with the people of color on TV. I’m not complaining, it’s a very good thing, and I think we should talk about it until our vocal chords fall out because it’s so important for people, especially kids, to see themselves on the screen.

Without further ado, TV Equals put out an infographic for racial diversity on the Fall TV lineup, and it’s really interesting. It’s their second year doing this, and it looks like it’s gotten a little better this year. But that doesn’t really mean it’s time to celebrate a post-race America.

This year, as we wade through this uneasy exercise once more, let us keep in mind that the goal is not to bring affirmative action to TV but rather to highlight a reality that cannot be ignored. It’s one thing to believe there is a serious lack of racial diversity on TV but it’s quite another to see the numbers for yourself.

It’s interesting… shows like Community and Parks and Recreation rate high in the diversity factor, while shows like Gossip Girl and Two and a Half Men are doing very poorly.Do you think there’s a correlation between shows that make an effort to not be so fucking white and shows that are just… better? I know it can’t be 1:1, but it’s definitely noticeable.

I think it’s also important to point out that there are shows that might have some token characters, that are still racist as fuck — like, say, Two Broke Girls. Actually, there are shows that rate low on the diversity factor like Raising Hope that I find much less offensive than the gross tokenism of Two Broke Girls. Things are complicated, everyone. I kinda feel like there should be a fifth category that’s just, “There are people of color on this show but it’s still wack as fuck.”? Eh? Just a thought.

All in all, we’re doing better, but we’ve still got a long way to go. Kinda like America itself, right? Let us remain ever vigilant by watching as much TV as possible always. Meet you over at Hulu Plus, friends!