The Racism Jumped Out On 'Big Brother' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Community

The Racism Jumped Out On 'Big Brother'

But, this is nothing new, it's a pattern.

52
The Racism Jumped Out On 'Big Brother'

"Big Brother" makes it hard to be an African-American super fan. The show rarely crowns black competitors on the United States show and the lack of black representation, which I've mentioned in a previous article a year ago, still prevails. Here we go again.

On June 25, "Big Brother" made its return to cable for its twenty-first season in the US, introducing sixteen new houseguests from across the country, competing in a summer camp-themed abode. In the two-night premiere event, the houseguests had to create first impressions with each other, only to be taken aback by a 'twist' in the game.

In the game, the houseguests had to vote for a 'camp counselor' who would be given a particular power that would make or break someone else's game. Four people out of the group campaigned, including a Puerto Rican plus-size model and a black photographer, David Alexander.

However, votes went in a server's favor. Jackson Michie, a white houseguest, was chosen to be the camp counselor after persuading houseguests who initially wouldn't vote for him to give him safety for the week. How nice. However, he had to choose four houseguests to 'banish' and only three people would be able to return to the game.

During decisions, he approached David Alexander about putting him up as a pawn. Alexander denied, knowing that pawns never make it far. Instead of sympathizing, Jackson Michie banished him anyway. He also banished a black female houseguest, a Hispanic houseguest, and an older houseguest.

Basically, he picks the minorities.

As a result, David Alexander did not make it back into the competition after the other three fought back into the house. As a result, he was eliminated.

On June 26, the live feeds, which are a crucial part to the "Big Brother" franchise, hints that the black female houseguest, Kemi Faknule, a digital marketing strategist, will likely be the next person evicted. Fans of the show, particularly on Twitter, Tumblr, and other social media platforms, have already noticed the discrimination in this season, and it just started.

However, this isn't the only account of racism and racial bias on the show. Multiple seasons, from season 15, season 19 and season 20 have been heavily criticized for its derogatory actions and responses towards black houseguests.

"Big Brother" is toxic. I think that the show intentionally casts less than 2 black people per season and casts a majority of white people intentionally to humiliate the minority. We haven't seen a black person conquer until singer Tamar Braxton won "Celebrity Big Brother" unanimously this year.

Not only she was the first black woman to win in Big Brother history, but this season marked the first two black houseguests, including former football player Ricky Williams, to make it to the final two. This was really big for the show and it really gave many fans hope for more inclusivity on the show.

'Celebrity Big Brother' Season 2 Finale

However, even Tamar Braxton had to endure microaggressions on the show, receiving comments that she needs to "clean the house" and she should be evicted to take care of her son. Ironically, Tamar, despite her outgoing personality, really knew how to play the game and even she's a superfan!

Based on a lot of the houseguests we have on the show this season, there's a lack of diversity and typically the black houseguests are removed earlier in the show.

This also adds up to the horrible stereotypes that black houseguests have faced while in the game. Most black houseguests were evicted out of fear of the "angry black man" or "angry black woman" stereotype that television typically portrays. It's ridiculous that these stereotypes hinder any person of color's chances of winning the game or making it far.

As a person who wants to be on the show, now that I'm 21 years old, I don't think I could tolerate discrimination and racism lightly.

I'm tired of telling "Big Brother" to do better.

I'm just ready to give up.

What are your thoughts on black representation on "Big Brother?"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190543
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15082
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457997
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26705
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments