An Op-Ed On The Portrayal of Race in Media: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn nine-nine is a relatively new television sitcom, premiering in late 2013. The show starts off set in the fictional 99th Precinct of the NYPD in Brooklyn, following a team of detectives and newly appointed captain. The single-camera series is shot in a similar style to The Office, adding a very relaxed and informal atmosphere to the show, a technique that adds to the shows humor. The show, comedy wise has not yet disappointed. It has won two Golden Globe Awards in 2014: one for Best Television Series– Musical or Comedy and one for Andy Samberg for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy. Not only has the show racked up quite a reputation, award wise, but it might also be the most progressive show on TV at the moment. The cop comedy is on-point when it comes to portraying women, gay characters and people of color in a realistic, unforced way. This show steps out from the mold of two common racial stereotypes that are seen in many shows. This show does two things, it puts a black man in a position of authority in a non-aggressive way, and it subverts the "angry black man" trope.

Not only is Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher) a person of color, but he also addresses his sexuality from the very first episode, revealing that he is a happily married gay man. We learn that despite his hard work and competence, Holt was held back in his career due to politics and prejudice. Now that he finally has his own command, he wants to prove himself via his success. Holt is alternately stern and caring (seriously, does your boss download whale songs to help you sleep?) and is a fantastic leader.

Another progressive approach the writers achieve, is they never default to lazy cultural stereotypes and instead build complex characters. An example of this is Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), who is reinstated after a previous breakdown. Though he loves to work out and keep his "tough guy" image, he's also a doting father to twin girls and constantly worries about what would happen to them if he got hurt in the line of duty. Jeffords can spiral into rage if his officers are in danger, or if a line-up makes him miss the farmer’s market. Oh, and he really loves yogurt.

Although it's unfortunate that, in 2015, both of these things are even issues in today's media, it's the plain truth. This show is brilliantly able to integrate both of these common stereotypes into their show with out beating it into the viewers head. This show does it so seamlessly that while you're watching it, you don't even realize the barriers its breaking. Other shows should most definitely pay close attention to this ground breaking t.v. show when trying to deliver a similarly progressive message to a millennial audience.