In defense of Kenya Barris' blackAF

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Barris' Netflix comedy's "unapologetic tone — along with some other qualities — led to some heated reactions on social media," says Rahima R. Rice. "One person said the show was like watching a White family in Blackface. And those who had no idea Rashida Jones is Quincy Jones’ daughter could not wrap their heads around a show called #blackAF when Rashida appears to be 'White passing.' It only took me a few minutes into the pilot to understand that it’s satirical. Isn’t satire supposed to make us uncomfortable? Legendary Black comedians like Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, and Dave Chappelle have made careers inviting audience outrage. Even SNL’s Weekend Update makes us uncomfortable at times. Satire pushes every one of our buttons, and it’s supposed to. On an intellectual, logical tip, we do understand that Black people are not a monolith, yes? Okay, good."