Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Copensitivity or Creative Comedy?
Recently, there has been quite a lot of debate surrounding the TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, primarily due to its perceived overly positive portrayal of police officers.
Personal Perspective on Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Given the risk of sounding like an ignorant person, I have to say, I find it deeply offensive. Unfortunately, not every police officer is terrible. In my home country, Australia, police often don't shoot people based on their skin color. That said, we do have our share of corrupt cops. However, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not about corrupt cops. Rather, it's about a man-child who learns from his department. It's a light-hearted, funny show filled with witty dialogue and clever humor.
If people are offended by a 20-minute comedy show, I am just at a loss. It feels like such a minor offense compared to the real issues at hand. However, it's important to note that I support the announcement that B99 will incorporate Black Lives Matter (BLM) and George Floyd into the storyline, if the rumors are confirmed.
Growing Affection and Marathoning Seasons
Personally, I adore Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It's one of my favorite shows. I marathoned the first five seasons in a few months and was deeply moved when it was cancelled, only to celebrate its return. My backpack is adorned with pins quoting the show, and I can both recognize and drop references to it with ease.
Criticisms and Controversies
However, some critics argue that Brooklyn Nine-Nine provides a positive media portrayal, seemingly designed to sway public opinion in favor of the police. For instance, even when the characters do horrific things, they are often depicted in a way that makes them appear innocuous, like "a goofy thing [character] did." In the end, the characters almost always get their way, which can be seen as a form of copaganda.
It's understandable that the show might need to take a step back and reassess how its portrayal of police can influence the ongoing conversations around police brutality. The recent challenges, including the postponement of the least season and its subsequent rewrite to include BLM activism, have sparked criticism and concern.
Is It Worth the Sacrifice?
The question remains: is the push for more realistic and ethical portrayals of police worth the potential loss of a beloved sitcom? The show is, after all, an "insane sitcom full of utterly unrealistic characters and situations that can only occur in very creative comedy."
Some people argue that butchering a beloved sitcom could exacerbate the problem of police brutality, asserting that it won't truly solve the deeper issues. While it's easy to dismiss the show and its portrayal, it's crucial to consider the broader impact and the quest for more responsible and accurate representation in media, especially when it comes to matters as sensitive as police interactions with communities.
In conclusion, the debate around Brooklyn Nine-Nine may continue, as the show walks the fine line between creative entertainment and responsible content. It will be interesting to see how the changes and discussions evolve in the future.