ABC’s Black-ish made a brave choice to discuss police brutality on Wednesday night’s episode.
The show centered around the fictional killing of a black teen by police officers and the real frustrations the Johnson family feels with the justice system’s response to the killing. The episode is marked by arguing, confusion, anger and devastation as the family debates this very emotional issue. Folks took to Twitter to share their feelings about the episode. Here are some of the reactions that so perfectly capture how it felt to watch Black-ish address police brutality.
1. This episode was the epitome of when keeping it real goes right
This is the realest episode ever lol. Poprocks #blackish
— Thunder (@JayTheQuad) February 25, 2016
2. Realer than reality TV actually
People are obsessed with “reality” TV but then outraged when a show focuses on an actual issue #blackish
— Olivia Green (@ogreen87) February 25, 2016
3. It was moving
Tonight’s “black-ish” (police brutality and The Talk) is a stunner: bold, real, and more moving than the show has been yet.
— James Poniewozik (@poniewozik) February 24, 2016
4. Some say it was even epic
Blackish has to be one of the most important shows on tv not only for African Americans but for everyone #Blackish #tonightwasEpic
— iammeallday (@iam_me_allday) February 25, 2016
5. Its best moments had to be savored
I see everybody pointed their cell phones at the tv & recorded @anthonyanderson ‘s “Snatch Our Hope” monologue #blackish
— Pacific Pete (@Da_Focus_Point) February 25, 2016
6. It showed the sitcom’s power…
With tonight’s ep, after n-word and gun eps, #Blackish is clearly our sharpest, best sitcom right now.
— Thad Ogburn (@thadogburn) February 25, 2016
7. Reminding people of the importance of diversity in media
Wow! #blackish is the #1 topic on Twitter right now. See what excellence in diversity entertainment can do?
— Aaron T. Starks (@StarkyLuv73) February 25, 2016
8. People showed off their pride for the show
in 3 weeks i want a PBnJ smash from ALL who was side-eyein me about #Blackish in the beginning. tried to told y’all this was the jawn!!!!!!
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 25, 2016
9. It addressed hopelessness but gave hope
#Hope – I had it then. I have it now #blackish pic.twitter.com/5iEQDKlTKD
— Jenifer Lewis (@JeniferLewis) February 25, 2016
10. It reminded us to cheer “Black Lives Matter” from the rooftops
An open letter #blackish #blacklivesmatter ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/M3ZKr69rty
— Yara shahidi (@YaraShahidi) February 25, 2016
11. The show acknowledged that there is a war going on
No one wants a war on police we just want the war against us to end #Blackish
— Yukio Strachan (@boldandworthy) February 25, 2016
12. And people just want the war to end
it seems people are pissed #blackish addressed police brutality. I’m pissed because police brutality still needs to be addressed
— scanderish (@sandieb1966) February 25, 2016
13. It brought us back to this historical moment and reminded us that we all collectively held our breath
You know whats crazy about #Blackish?
I really thought I was the only one paranoid about them getting out the limo. pic.twitter.com/ielI0XkYRE
— thisisyourconscience (@lincolnablades) February 25, 2016
14. The episode was historical in and of itself
We just witnessed an important moment of Network TV history. Bravo #blackish. and THANK YOU @black_ishABC @BlackishWriters
— Jeff (@JeffJSays) February 25, 2016
15. It highligthed the importance of discussing police brutality with the family
This discussion on @black_ishABC is one MANY Black families refuse to have. Props for being bold to do it! #Blackish
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) February 25, 2016
16. It captured our excellence
Black excellence #Blackish #blacklivesmatter # pic.twitter.com/Ko5gfdDjf4
— Yara shahidi (@YaraShahidi) February 25, 2016
17. And how the point is to not give up
“I know how I feel and it’s lost.” – Zoey #blackishhttps://t.co/dMawCM934s
— black-ish (@black_ishABC) February 25, 2016
18. It had us in our feelings
RT @whipclip: #BLACKISH is making us tear up, y’all. Don’t just watch this clip, watch the episode. #Refocushttps://t.co/SfFJqvGvBO
— ZIMBABWE KID (@zimbabwekid) February 25, 2016
19. We may have teared up a little bit…
RT this if Zoe made your allergies act up #blackish
— Jeff (@JeffJSays) February 25, 2016
20. …or a lot
“Sometimes it’s your children who give you hope”
my life story.#blackish— Beautiful (@FeministaJones) February 25, 2016
21. This episode forced us to reflect…
No way you could watch #Blackish AND #AmericanCrime 2nite & NOT reflect on what type of person you are. https://t.co/eoEdGVdQUj
— Reagan Gomez (@ReaganGomez) February 25, 2016
22. And reminded us to keep talking about these issues…
#Blackish showed genuine & approachable convo re: police brutality. We must continue these convos or it will have been a waste. #BHM
— Sam White (@samwhiteout) February 25, 2016
23. And encouraged us to keep taking action
A family that protests together, stays together. #Blackish
— The Root (@TheRoot) February 25, 2016
24. The episode is worth all the praise
Blackish won an Emmy tonight.
— Travon Free (@Travon) February 25, 2016
25. The whole cast and crew deserve recognition
Bravo @funnyblackdude @TraceeEllisRoss @YaraShahidi and the rest of the #Blackish cast & crew for tonights ep pic.twitter.com/8pFZPAQlG3
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 25, 2016
26. Of course, there was a bit of criticism…
Seems this #blackish show is gasping its last breath trying to get a race issue going…. work on the writing
— Politics Jim (@PoliticsJim) February 25, 2016
27. But… Twitter was ready with clever clapbacks, as always
Maybe if folks like Eric Garner could’ve breathed, #Blackish wouldn’t feel so compelled to discuss these issues. https://t.co/xlwV4mG38t
— Sam White (@samwhiteout) February 25, 2016
What did you think of Black-ish taking on police brutality? Tell us how you feel about it in the comments!
