The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
Sasha Obama’s boyfriend learned something important when their relationship started.
Sasha Obama and Clifton Powell Jr. seem to be getting serious in their relationship. They started dating in 2022 and have kept their romance private and mostly away from the public eye.
In an interview on the “Dear Fathers” podcast, Clifton Powell, the dad of Clifton Powell Jr., talked about his son’s relationship with Sasha Obama, the youngest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama. He mentioned that they had been dating for a year before their relationship became public, which gave him a chance to teach his son important values.
Clifton Sr. said, “It has helped me talk to my son about how to treat Sasha Obama because we really like the Obamas. I need to make sure my son is responsible, kind, loving, and supportive.” He often reminds his son to be a gentleman and to take care of Sasha. He texts him regularly, saying, “Treat Sasha like you would want someone to treat your daughter.” This advice makes sense, especially since Clifton Jr. is dating someone so well-known.
Is Clifton and Sasha’s romance Obama-approved?
Dating a former first daughter can be tricky, but Clifton Powell Jr. seems to manage it well. It looks like he has the Obamas’ approval. In a 2022 interview with “Good Morning America,” Michelle Obama openly talked about her daughters’ dating lives.
Michelle Obama thinks it’s “wonderful” that Sasha and Malia Obama are exploring different relationships and looking for partners. She said, “I want them to know what they want and who they are in a relationship, and that takes trying out different people.” Barack is “good with it” too. Michelle added, “They’re in their 20s. They went to prom and have lived their lives.” She mentioned that Barack has learned to be a caring dad without being overprotective.
Clifton Powell Jr. also seems to have passed the “sister test.” Malia was seen spending time with him shortly after it became known that he was dating Sasha. The two were spotted walking and talking in a Los Angeles park, appearing relaxed despite the paparazzi nearby.
Is Clifton the one?
Before dating Clifton Powell Jr., Sasha Obama was rumored to be dating Matt Metzler. They sparked dating rumors in 2017 when they were seen kissing at the Lollapalooza Music Festival, but it was unclear if they were officially a couple. After that, Sasha started dating Powell Jr. in 2022, and they have been together ever since.
It looks like Sasha’s parents support her relationship. In a 2022 appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Michelle Obama talked openly about her daughter’s dating life, saying, “Now they are bringing home grown men. Before, it was just pop bands. Now they have boyfriends and real lives.”
As for whether Clifton Powell Jr. is the right match for Sasha Obama, it’s hard to say what the future will bring. However, it’s nice to see that they are enjoying their time together like any other young couple.
Leave a Reply