Black Critics Believe Atlanta Is Only for White People

[@thetruthbetoldpodcast-hiph9311]

The show is definitely for black folks.. a better critique would be “this show isn’t for all types of black people.” We gotta get out of this mindset that we all have to think, act and feel the same way about everything. We’re have variety and this show proves it..

[@idkijs435]

just say it. The show isn't for niggas

[@taurusw87]

As an Asian, I learned a lot about African American from watching this briliant show. My American husband loves this show too and we don't think it's only for white people.

[@ojben6134]

I would have to disagree, yes Atlanta highlights the nuances of black culture. However Donald Glovers portrays blackness in a manner that is digestible for white audiences.

[@diamondbarnes969]

YES I definitely agree

[@phvros]

This is most certainly the better critique. With how the article was written, it comes across as if margins of black people feel this way. It’s just simply quoted that Atlanta was “only for white people” with Donald and Stephen responding to that criticism. And I agree with you on the last bit. I think variety is highlighted by just our main characters alone.

[@ras998]

It's the easiest way to critique a piece of black media and it's hard to debate so people default to it all the time. Instead of saying "I don't like it" or "It's not for me" they say it isn't for Black People as if we all like the same things. Same thing people say about Tyler The Creator, Willow, Jaden, etc.

[@nochannelmusician769]

Kendrick, J Cole, Kanye, Kid Cudi

[@candycorn4912]

@@nochannelmusician769 definitely not kendrick, and j. Cole.

[@simonhager2911]

It's just sad, because that keeps us forther apart instead of getting us closer together and tear that racist shit down

[@cmooreHD]

Black again black.. doesn’t make sense to me.. ever.

[@nochannelmusician769]

@@candycorn4912 those fan bases have a rep for being super white

[@Jai-nj4se]

This show is for black people who are able to look at other lenses. It’s for everyone, but this show isn’t tailored to people who have a closed lense of how black culture shows should be

[@cmooreHD]

Best comment this week. i hope all of you heard this comment in the back!!

[@shania9305]

But he has a closed mind. Donald himself. The stuff he said in those personal interviews.... makes it clear he has a closed mind. As a fan of his music I was shocked by his comments

[@empathicalcryde8803]

@@shania9305 which comment were u most shocked by?

[@shania9305]

@@empathicalcryde8803 how he viewed “most” black women. I’ve been a fan since him and chance made music together. His creativity inspires me man. His mind is open on another level. I never expected something so stereotypical to come from his. I was like huh? Not Gambino! Then I read the entire article and that shut me up. I kinda get it but I don’t think it’s cool to disregard all black women just because some of them didn’t like you or made you feel less then. I been through similar things for almost the same reasons but, it’s hard for me to stereotype all of us because I’m also a black woman and I don’t behave “Ghetto”. I don’t get mad when I see interracial couples. I just don’t like when the explanation as to why they chose to date a certain race (as if you even owe an explanation in the first place 🥴) is some goofy stereotype.

[@HQBacon]

@@shania9305 Can you provide the article where he "disregards all black women"?

[@DjTIMEJD]

When did everyone in the Black community get together to make this decision?

[@ripman21]

You didn't get the invite either?

[@DjTIMEJD]

@@ripman21 I guess I didn’t, friend.

[@TheClassicalKids]

Don’t worry last cookout was a bust anyways. It was goin alright til this white rapper who got the invite showed up and invited a bunch of his white friends. All they wanted to do was show off their new chicken recipes which were stupidly heavy on spices, it was fuckin weird.. anyways, somebody mentioned how they like Atlanta and all the white guys started going off about how much they love it. There really wasn’t any choice but to determine the show is for white people and change the subject as quickly as possible.

[@joshlizaola5619]

The show literally talks about this saying how Earn doesn’t sound like a “black guy” and how it must have been hard growing up , and the shield literally proving his point

[@t-dgonzalez2012]

Earn sounds like most of the Black guys I grew up with. All Black people aren’t from the ghetto. Most of us engage in code switching. 🤷🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@geraldking9385]

@@t-dgonzalez2012 u can still be from the hood, and not feel like you're apart of it, but I agree with your other statement

[@A.R.DaVision]

Why don't ppl say darius doesnt sound black?

[@Tatee101]

People are so accustomed to seeing “black Tv” be ratchet and riddled with violence they can’t even accept the artistry of Atlanta. Since season 1, Atlanta has demonstrated the culture of the city in various ways. But if you’re simple minded and looking for the stereotypical roles this show isn’t going to display that. The entire vision of the show is to break those barriers and show real issues that everybody experiences living in Atlanta but is relatable to our culture in every city. What more do ppl want?!

[@astoldbynickgerr]

But this show has displayed stereotypical black characters. A lot of them funnily being black women. Just look at all of Van’s friends. Then we have the two mothers in s3 (3 claps and the big payback).

[@esquero]

@@astoldbynickgerr and that's what most "black people" movies and shows are. Jack City. Boyz in the hood, menace 2 society. Etc. All portray stereotypical black attitude to the teeth.

[@diddy2612]

Well said

[@BrotherMalMusic]

@@astoldbynickgerr Those types of people still exist.. the point is the whole show isn’t centered around exaggerated black stereotypes.

[@mowgli6345]

The same BET-ass quality of production. I'm Asian and I personally can't stand most Asian made films/TV shows because they rely on stereotypical tropes and antagonists who are cartoonishly ignorant so they can be used as platforms for the protagonist to say something clever and witty. Shows like Atlanta break the mold of what it "should be", and I think projects like these are special for it. It is not a "black show", it is a show about a black man, and to try to define what a black man should and shouldn't be is just ignorant as fuck. Free will is still a thing, right?

[@TheBlackHippy]

Donald Glover been talking bout this type of shit since his first mixtape. Black people telling him he ain’t black enough, or what he does ain’t black enough.

[@GoldenhairYOTL80]

Gate keepers of whats black or not .. is pure ignorance and stretch to control others and for blk ppl controlling other blk ppl its always with skin.

[@tss3393]

"He said I wasn't really black because I had a dad." That line tells you so much about who Donald Glover is and what he tries to voice through his art.

[@galaxystudios5642]

@@tss3393 its sad to cuz no matter what donald makes his always gonna be tested through his blackness. i know people are gonna do that with upcoming movies and shows after atlanta hell maybe his upcoming music. i love my people but this hole not black enough shit is stupid af.

[@royalwarlord2342]

@@tss3393 dont forget “I think thats kinda sad, mainly because a lot black kids think they should agree with that”

[@royalwarlord2342]

@@tss3393 dont forget “I think thats kinda sad, mainly because a lot black kids think they should agree with that”

[@sunshinesooperman5110]

Growing up in Atlanta, a Black American male who was into Nirvana but worked at WCLK, a jazz station at then-Clark College and sold weed while in high school but then lived in Paris for three years yet appreciated the breadth of Black writers at the Village Voice like the late great Greg Tate, Lisa Jones, even the polarizing Stanley Crouch but still has personal mixtapes with errthang from Goldfrapp to Joi’s “The Pendulum Vibe” and voted for Obama while still refusing to accept or use the N-word as a term of endearment YET still understands why my some of my Brothers and Sisters use it in convos and lyrics …. Black folks who most appreciate Atlanta are Black folks who get there is no “one-size-fits-all” way to be Black and to see Black, or to be seen as Black; that Black history is the entirety of human history; that we as African-Americans have to realize how American we truly are, how Africa is in our DNA but not always our POV. Every character in Atlanta is someone I grew up with; some I grew up with, hoping to get the Hell away from; at least one, maybe two, is one I’d like to grow up to become. The beauty of being Black folks is how we’re no singular thing. We can do better than trying to fit ourselves into a cultural box.

[@jasonclark2822]

Wow. You did an excellent job.

[@lsdancy1]

THIS!!! I’m an Atlanta native and I can relate to everything you said except living in Paris bc my parents didn’t want to pay the fees my scholarship didn’t cover for me to study abroad. It’s refreshing to see ALL facets of Atlanta in the characters in this show. From South DeKalb mall to L5P, from the SWATS to “May’retta”, and from Memorial Dr to Pleasantdale, there’s a little of everything mixed into our beauty black culture here in Atlanta. Thank you for your comment my fellow ATLien. 💚

[@kevincarter2020]

My dude, how can anyone listen to Nevermind and not like it?

[@o.gparamount3099]

💯🎯, but the ignorant simple-minded black person who claims the show "is for white people" wont be able to comprehend ur statement and will think ur an "uppity nicca" lol

[@sunshinesooperman5110]

Truth!! As a matter of fact, last year I realized just how many Black folks (and just “folks,” of course) were into Nirvana! I know he’s polarizing but I hope this gets released, if only just for one scene: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Chappelle:_Live_in_Real_Life

[@ogskullomania3119]

This is literally my favourite show I’ve always been a “weird” black kid I swear some black Folks are just so limited Growing up you couldn’t like punk or metal Being black is such a tailored experience because of supposed gatekeeper of the “culture”

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

But Black People generally don't gatekeep their own culture either. Everyone else mostly appropriates or benefits financially from it.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

@Drewsephus I'm not sure about the identity; there are different elements to it. Black people generally don't gatekeep their RACIAL identity, hence people who are barely 1/4 black can identify and be accepted as "Black" and welcomed as part of the Black Community. Everyone gets invited to the cookout. But when it comes to cultural, musical and linguistic expression, then yes there are gatekeepers and limitations placed on that as you described.

[@Theomite]

I think perhaps there's an idea, rightly or wrongly, that because of the bloody history between White and Black cultures (plural), that there's a prerogative for Black people to insulate themselves against White culture to preserve whatever authentic, organic cultural properties they have left. So if Black kids find themselves liking metal/other things associated with White culture, it's seen as contamination that threatens to lull the kids away from what heritage White people didn't destroy. Very "circle the wagons" or "bar the doors" mentality, but unfortunately it's very understandable.

[@plymakkayestudio1827]

You are not weird because you love a show that does not glorify the hood culture brother.... by even assuming that you must be weird to love this show is what the problem is. Unfortunately, our community is the only community that will take the worst part of something, glorify it and call the GOOD part "weird" smh!!! I love this show and i think it represent A LOT OF US BLACKS

[@ultranoodles]

check punk police by ho99o9 if you haven't

[@tovpp7]

There are character details, dialogue, and story beats that are there for black people specifically. Nods, jokes and things that are most relevant to black people.

[@TheKoNoGuN]

this is exactly like this hot take a guy told me once that: "Frank Ocean got "whiter" on Blonde with all this experimental stuff. While Channel Orange was full on black music."

[@artxaj]

I hate that black people are quick to tell other races that we’re not a monolith and that we are very different and varied, yet we still fall victim to categorizing what is “black” or what is for us. Anytime black people try to create stuff that doesn’t pull from stereotypical tropes, we’re so quick to write it off as “not for us” just because it doesn’t fit our idea of what black is. The “black experience” as going to be different for all black people because we all experience and navigate life differently. We need to stop putting ourselves in a box

[@DEY-G]

People who say this lack nuanced thinking

[@carlosharrison7616]

It’s the first show that’s kinda all over the place. It’s enjoyable, not every episode. But it’s still centered around the African American experience. It’s hard for people to get and understand..

[@blairjohnson6785]

Personally, as a black man this show has been one of the most relatable shows to air. I’ve never been overseas & some things are a little to drastic lol but just watching the come up of all 3 of these characters is so relatable to my own story

[@owenleal]

I literally had a trip to Tenerife that felt just like Vanessa's, a trip where I supposed to get away from my problems at home for a bit and relax, but where I ended up making mistakes that made me feel worse about myself and alienated me further from my friends. So I know exactly how she felt. Earn, despite being my least favourite character is the one I relate to the closest and I hate that about myself, because I really dont like Earn. Darius is simply iconic and Alfred is very interesting and complex, he is probably my favourite besides Darius. The wierd misadventures that he gets up to by himself that somehow manage to have a deeply prevalent message at the end are always entertaining. I also love the vignettes of s3 where we see white and mixed race people struggle to navigate the changing landscape of race relations and deal with concepts like White Guilt, the legacy of slavery and the gatekeeping of black culture. As a black person who loves film and tv especially wierd as fuck surrealist shit like this, its great to see a piece of black media that gets experimental with its presentation.

[@ch-ws5bh]

I’m black I honestly think Atlanta is the best show of all time. It amazed that I asked other black what they think of Atlanta they always say that they didn’t see it or they think it’s boring

[@vincemack2042]

That's crazy 😅

[@Neo-ti2rz]

Same. They don't get it or they only like the best episodes

[@vensonj]

I wouldn’t go that far..it’s aight

[@essasolex]

I agree it may be but this 3rd season was pretty bad

[@ev2175]

its like a real life chilled out version boondocks. Season 1 with that episode about "black american network" was so telling of many things without having to say anything explicitly. The whole show is like that. You just "get it".

[@CharlesChacon]

I feel like everyone is wrong. This show was made only for me. Nobody else. Even though the creators have no idea who I am, they did this for me. It’s perfect

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

I like that 👌🏾

[@eterty8335]

this is the correct answer, thanks for letting me know, stranger from a year ago. I'll stop watching the show now

[@inedibleobject]

This show borders on high art at times and I’m not even referring to the more ‘experimental’ episodes. The level of quality, creativity and talent is at quite staggering. Everyone involved should be proud as hell - congrats to Glover.

[@gabesolomon4887]

"They tellin' me I'm the rapper for these white kids 'Cause black kids can't possibly like the same shit" Break all the Lights

[@ImperfectDionysus]

If black people feel its not for them. then maybe we need to look further into why they don't feel like it's for them, instead of just writing them off as haters, non-weird, or unintelligent. There's alot of "speaking for black people" instead of listening or probing to better understand. As a viewer of the show I'm always on the fence about what the show is really trying to convey as the messaging often seems to "high-brow" topics or projects an idea, counter to what may be deemed popular in our community so if there's criticism, it's only fair to question and explore it. We also have to realize that content and media creators often have an expectation that we as black people will and SHOULD blindly support something because it's "a black show or black creator". That happens because black consumers are always seen as prime real-estate to market to since our attention validates or builds up cultural interests. Aka we make it cool, acceptable or fun to engage with it and creators/companies know that. Let's have more critical discussion around this topic instead of generalizing or writing people off. Yeah. Alot of us were/are "weird". Great. That's not an argument here about who engages with the show. Let's also not just assume those people are just unintelligent. We tend to speak for black people so easily and that's very telling of us.

[@chrisanthemum7]

The show is to depict black people in a way that can appeal to anyone who appreciates it, not just to other black people. And that annoys the purists/elitists.

[@Maxipadtriplesix]

What annoys me about the show (really just season 3, everything before that was great) Is how pretentious and judgmental the tone is of European Culture. 3/4 of the season is anthologies that are pretty poorly done with 0 screen time of any of the main cast. Then the other 1/4 is the same main cast that I loved in the previous 2 seasons, being extremely judgmental of everything they come across in Europe. It's the equivalent of a white person going to Botswana and telling them everything they're doing wrong. It's not cool either way.

[@BrotherMalMusic]

@@Maxipadtriplesix What specific things were they telling people they were doing wrong?

[@ParablePreacher]

I think Season 3 was REALLY for BLACK PEOPLE! The critique of whiteness and America (really the whole world) and how we as Black people are treated was heavy throughout.

[@SunseedStarchild]

A few things... 1. Some of us literally cannot wrap our heads around the reality that some of us have lived very different lives than those who grew up in the hood/with hood culture as our predominate culture and are categorically and unironically "weird"; 2. [Black] Outrage sells; 3. NGL the folks saying this probably made fun of Black folk like Donald and Stephen when they were younger...

[@camquest6108]

Damn, nail on the head 👍🏽

[@torpedoboy4]

As a “weird” Black dude, I’m all for Atlanta. I see myself in the material.

[@LOIROVZLA]

or we could all sit together and enjoy it, just a suggestion

[@phvros]

100%

[@SYMShutYoMouth]

You gotta ask yourself where these Black critics come from. Most of them come from a place privilege. These critics aren’t from the streets. They’re suburban Black kids who were the token Black friend throughout their childhood. Then they got older and actually accepted their Blackness, but by that time their status quo was already entrenched in what White people taught them Black people did. They don’t understand the concept of authenticity. Nor will they try to understand the Black experience as a whole. There’s Black people who think having the color is enough to where you don’t need to care about culture or growth. Atlanta Season 3 had a lot of deep cuts. A lot of deep concepts. It held a mirror to these Black critics and they hated what they saw, so they said “It’s for white people.” Being unapologetically Black and intelligent is Atlanta.

[@MiguelArcangelVilled]

All i know is that Tracy needs his own show like frfr , dude is on another level 😂

[@DoogleLawless]

I have always seen Atlanta as a show for "people". It's about black lives, but it also helps white people have a view into that aspect of life. As a white guy, I can say that it's definitely for me. However, why does that have to mean it's not for black people too? The whole show seems to be attempting bridge an unnecessary gap between cultures, specifically by pointing out why we need to have a better understanding of each other. The Juneteenth episode of season 1 comes to mind in particular, with that guy who clearly wants to build good relations with black people, but goes about it all wrong. The third season in particular spoke very loudly to me. It brought up the concept of tumultuous white-black relations, and made me think over how we are supposed to get to the point where animosity isn't the norm. That being said, there is no cure-all. What works for one group of people, may not for another. I've said it elsewhere, but I view Atlanta as a show where the people who need to see it most, never will.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Honestly, this post does not help his case. If a show that features black people is about bridging gaps for white people makes it a show for white people. Black folks have negative interest in shows that want to explain blackness to white people, because what does that have to do with us? Like we don't need to learn about the black experience. That doesn't serve us in any capacity. That is not to say you can't learn something from the media you watch even if you aren't the intended audience. If I watch a Korean show and learn something about Korean culture, it doesn't mean it was put there for me or any other non Korean to learn about shit. That is just what happens when you consume media from different countries and cultures.

[@BrotherMalMusic]

Both of y’all have valid points but my opinion is that this show isn’t “for” anyone specific and people are just thinking too hard. It’s on tv, it’s for anyone who can enjoy it and/or take something from it.

[@damepolk5214]

The Black Critics that don't like the show, 'Atlanta', are the same Black Critics that like cookie-cutter entertainment from BET and Tyler Perry. Let that sink in. 😆 🎬

[@geraldking9385]

Lmaooo facts, they love black toxic relationship and drama, but not the key to what got them there 😂

[@reimourrpower9357]

ATLANTA is a massive artistic metaphor for how Black folks live and critiques that life. It celebrates and examines Black culture in America's most populous major city with a predominantly Black citizenry. From season 1 but especially this last season the show directly addresses Black artists exploiting white patron's fetishization, white gaze and exploitation from white "jollof rice" to a white man not paying his debt to Paperboy in a poker game to a Black high school student who passes as white to get over. Anyone Black saying ATLANTA is simply for white people are the type of Black folks we need to be wary of, examine and likely avoid.

[@Kori-T]

As I get older, I understand that some people who say things such as; all Black people are “this” or all white people are like “that” are too dumb to understand satire and nuance.

[@Darkthoughts-z7r]

It doesn't air on bet and isn't a typer perry production, therefore its not for black people. Critics want an accessible you-go-girl single woman sitcom, you know the monolithic black experience.

[@geraldking9385]

That Part!

[@Perculator77]

This show is for black people of multiple different backgrounds and perspectives but overall for black people

[@jcnot9712]

I don't mind people having a criticism from that angle, but for the love of god I wish they'd elaborate on that criticism instead of hiding their hand when asked about it. First I heard was FD Signifier saying something along the lines of "Childish Gambino's incel tendencies and animosity towards black women is showcased in the way he's written Van in the later seasons." I thought this was weird, 'cause Van is one of my favorite characters in the show. Like, walk me through how you got to that conclusion instead of just saying it and expecting me to take it at face value.

[@SunseedStarchild]

TBH i think i get where he's coming with the Van thing (however I think the 'animosity' is more towards BW as a whole, and I wouldn't call it animosity so much as 'disenchantment' (I'm sure there's a better word but I can't think of one rn sorry if this is mad vague)) but i'd have to agree regarding the lack of explanation. Even in this video's comment section, folks who claim the show isn't for black people aren't really saying why they think that (some are but the arguments sound more like they're based on the creative direction and style choices of the show vs the narrative itself).

[@AyebaOwl]

Yea, I’m not sure I understand people’s issues with the way Val was written. I thought she was very interesting, especially in season 3. Seeing her lose herself only to find her center again had me fully invested. It was often eerie and unsettling to watch. It may not have been flattering to see her breakdown, but is it not ok for her to have flaws, to make mistakes? I feel like people want black female characters to be squeaky clean and to always do the right thing, but humans are often messy, make poor decisions, and have crises of identity. I don’t think that simply because they’re black they can’t be portrayed in an unflattering light. Idk it’s really odd.

[@SunseedStarchild]

@@AyebaOwl you know how, if you get hit in the same spot over and over, it starts getting more tender, faster, to the point of being unbearable? For me, that also results in flinching at even the slightest inclination that another hit might be directed at that sore spot... That's how I feel a lot of BW are when it comes to how we're depicted in media. How many negative portrayals can one be expected to swallow before getting sick, ya know? The consequence, however, is us asking for one-size-fits-all, monolithic storytelling around BW's experiences (which also gets complained about). It sucks, cause variety is the only thing that will combat this (Issa Rae is a god-send), but BW have a tendency to fight against this as well unless we're the ones making all the creative decisions...

[@booboosnack]

I get where he's coming from but I wish he never spoke so much in buzzwords to get that point across.

[@radicalroses]

I hate how Donald Glover is always feeling targeted by the black community. Literally, no one I know thinks that, and I haven't seen one article or think piece by a black person that has said that. He needs to chill and just focus on the black fans that understand and see the work he does.

[@aiden359]

I’ve heard this criticism made of gambinos early music.

[@galaxystudios5642]

So factss. Maybe this also has an impact on this situation.

[@terrellnewbill4273]

@@galaxystudios5642 I’d bet it’s the reason for the situation

[@nights0_0]

I’m not surprised, he used to bring this up in a lot of his old mixtapes. Disappointing, but black critics isn’t the entire black community

[@nah9538]

I haven’t heard the context but based off just hearing the title of the video, it made me think maybe they meant it’s for white people in a sense that the show brings awareness to some traumas that black people go through. Everything that’s happened in Atlanta (Mostly the first two seasons), black people already know about these things.

[@phvros]

Don’t worry, there’s little context in the article this idea was featured in. It doesn’t quite specify in what way it’s ‘only for white people’. But I can see how that statement could be misinterpreted-as conveyed by both Donald and Stephen’s response to it.

[@stuffenjoyer2223]

Glover said that he’s been accused of being “not black enough” in the past because his music and career in general aren’t similar to other successful black people. On the same note, a lot of the shows have topics that aren’t very commonly brought up in the black or any minority community like sexuality or gender identity or surrealism which are often labeled as “white people subjects”

[@joshk.]

for me, that’s it. season 3 especially seems focused on educating people about the black experience, which black people do not need. seasons 1 & 2 felt more like a representation of the experience without the focus on education, which was fun as i felt represented. season 3 did not feel that way, it felt like i was being preached at

[@BrotherMalMusic]

@@joshk. I’m ngl, “preached at” sounds like reaching. Most of the social commentary in this show is underlined and not said explicitly; half of it will probably go over people’s heads no matter what race you are. I don’t think there was a focus on education, I think there was a focus on there being more than one perspective. No matter what race you are, all of these episodes have subjects that can spark thoughts and conversations that you’re not just gonna automatically have infinite insight on just because you’re Black.

[@galaxystudios5642]

this really surprised me tho like i thought atl was for our people.

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

Just because the package is Black doesn't mean it's for you.

[@mtcpianist]

I liked that the last episode of season 3 acknowledged black people who aren't American; black people and African-American people are often conflated. Those of us with West Indian/African/Bermudian heritage can tell you the legacy of colonialism is the same, but the references don't always resonate. I suspect the truly regional stuff is also different. A valid critique, in my opinion, is the way female characters are written, especially in the episodes with only male writers. They do tend to have less depth.

[@mansbestanky4017]

I mean as a white person I never felt like the show was specifically catering to white people, I actually don't think its specifically catering to black people either, the show is primarily about black issues yeah but i had moments while watching the show that gave me a sense of seeing things from a different perspective, like my idea of black culture and black issues were changed in ways because the show gave me a new perspective, a perspective from the view of black people. So i think all races of people can get enjoyment out of this show, did Donald Glover intend this? I dont know its just my personal feeling i got while watching the show. Also the show is funny as fuck and the characters are really well written.

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

There are so many things I see when watching Atlanta that make me laugh but it would fly over the heads of my non black friends. There are so many little nuances with the comedy, dialogue, music choices, and just overall its references to black pop culture. This show is very black

[@stuzzox]

I wanted to watch this show with my dad but he just sees it as another show depicting the violence and crimes of the culture, I was tryna tell him the show isn’t what he thinks so I put it on. First episode somebody gets shot and it immediately proved his point. He wants to see successful black people, didn’t know what to say to him because I havnt even watched the show

[@Red-xd3fg]

One of my black friends who has like no white friends told me this was for black people I was confused and very scared to ask any further lol

[@phvros]

This is kinda funny LMAO

[@nitroxdanarwhal9908]

I would love Donald Glover to make an animated show after finishing atlanta

[@channelmanning1370]

I feel like this show is definitely for the culture the " black" culture just for everyone that wasn't sure. I love this way of telling our stories. I relate to so many things in these episodes that it's almost like an alternate reality of sorts. Love this show ❤️

[@DjinnandTonik]

As a British Asian... let me tell you... the "content" about about us is at least 10-15 years behind what Black shows in America are like. There are not as many of us out here and not a lot of wealth overall.. and we ain't been out here for that long either. So most of the shows about us feel for white people, because appealing to white people is more important as they are a much bigger part of the overall audience than white people are in America. Black British shows have done better, but still not on anywhere on Atlanta's level, or Insecure. Atlanta isn't perfect but from where I am standing it's clearly an accomplishment for Black art... There's things you are just not going to get about this show if you are white. 'if you know, you know" level, you either get it or you don't. People saying it's for white folks just sound whiney, spoilt and hyperbolic to me.

[@nat_hayes]

in the promo interviews the brothers mentioned that this season was explicit to be very Atlanta influenced even though they were overseas. I definitely think the countries they were going to were shown in a way to combine how they view Atlanta which is a whole world in itself

[@jhans22]

Maybe the critics said that since the show emphasizes virtue signaling to white people. Instead of just being a show about the rap crew in Atlanta, Donald Glover focused season 3 to have wild 'Twilight Zone' like episodes of random character tragedies

[@Palletresearch]

people have been trying to say this about Donald Glover for a while... such a burnt take

[@azurep3273]

I think some black people tend to throw this critique at any piece of black media that explains in the dialogue any aspect of the black experience. they said the same thing about the new candyman. it’s something atl more-so did in this latest season (i.e. the white guy explaining to the other white guy why black ppl deserve the reparations). but i think the critics are assuming that *every* black person has the same experience and same understanding of our experiences. some black ppl do appreciate the explanation

[@Moonthre]

These “black critics” are being willfully close minded. This show is telling a perspective that’s uniquely creative (what’s more black than that) I would like to know from the critics “what is black art to you” the black experience can be more than what record labels insist on pumping out to you as “black culture” I could rant for days about how we’ve been groomed to see ourselves through one lens. I refuse! This show is amazing, fire, flavor, buttas. Can’t wait for the new season.

[@brandongonzalez586]

I agree wit the statement if we're talking bout season 3. I think what made s1 and s2 great to me was it was a show about blackness without really puttin "you should be talkin bout this" in ur face. Certain episodes like the one about reparations or that whole caribbean funeral felt off. Season 3 was sum else

[@Flike245]

The show reminds me of a comic called Love & Rockets by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, in that they're definitely making a point out of giving voice to the views and experiences of their community, but also they're artists, and just want to try different wild shit.

[@MusicMissionary]

This white guy loves it, but I can't find many fellow white folks who have watched it and I can't seem to sell to my friends.

[@YoRAHeem]

That critic probably felt the same way about Lovecraft Country…

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

Another terrible agenda driven show

[@geraldking9385]

@@theconsciousobserver6829 what "agenda" mr conscious observer?

[@terrellnewbill4273]

@@geraldking9385 Must be the hiding Eldritch monsters agenda 😂

[@aaroniic]

This point of view shows the attention span of most of our people in this generation. If it ain’t making you dance, sing, laugh, catch a vibe, most don’t want no parts smh. Atlanta sheds light on a lot of black issues.

[@JayBrown-zw4rl]

Biggest thing I learned from this video is that Donald has a brother.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

I didn't know he HAD a brother either, let alone collaborated with him. It's like Dallas.

[@cloudscapone5061]

I think it’s the first show staring mainly a black cast that tailors to all people, usually black tv shows tailor heavily to black people . Atlanta is the first of its kind, extremely creative and funny….

[@retnuh3144]

Atlanta is a beautifully crafted show, what "Black" shows have they been watching to make that conclusion?

[@afonsolucas2219]

Maybe it's for people. Done by people who speak about themselves and their lives. We can relate and enjoy and learn and share if we please. Or we may not. It's art. The Mona Lisa is for everyone.

[@moreafterthistime]

I hate how the community tried to isolate Donald so annoying

[@umberto488]

The same critics who only allow Nas, Tupac, and biggie on their list if greats.....the myopic

[@joacoenro6408]

I'm mexican and I agree with that critic but in diferent perspective, because i Believe that every white man should watch this tv show to generate conversation and concience.

[@Chudi2000]

Galaxy brained response 🤯🤯🤯

[@CDankies]

Judging by Donald Glover’s past it’s easy to see why people would think this. He was building his rep by starting off as the nerdy, quirky black kid who is subdued by black culture i.e not ever dating black females, not associating black people, etc . He wanted to known as someone who had range. Few years later when he realized black struggle was profitable i.e. “This Is America” and this show.

[@tee5856]

i’m so dead 💀

[@tee5856]

tbis is so tur

[@juliedavis7445]

" according to the Black community " ?? What a statement. Lol...thanks for posting. I would love to know what Black people feel this way about the show. Its very Black and very great!

[@DirtbagEd03]

It seems like a lot of the comments are mostly positive for this show. I don’t get the it’s for white people thing. I’m Latino, I grew up in Decatur, GA and I absolutely love this show and the representation it displays.

[@birdiewolf3497]

Honestly, I think this is a setup. I am trying to find this criticism and I haven't seen it. Y'all gonna say people said something and not have any evidence to back it up?

[@yesimemoin0935]

I think Black viewers were the most critical of S3 and of the portrayal of Black women throughout. They are trying to head that criticism off by hiding behind the usual "they just don't like me because I'm different" excuse. Show us the receipts.

[@Deathwink1]

That reparations episode was so awful

[@uh_itsnerfornothin]

I think this show is more tailored to the Black male experience than anyone else. Sure black people across the spectrum can relate, but for the most part the show speaks to black men navigating within their own sphere and within the white one as well.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

I think you're right. I find it interesting that the Black Male Experience doesn't allow much for room for the Black Female Experience, whereas with "Insecure", the Black Female Experience allows room for the Black Male Experience.

[@lukemoreno2710]

This new season was fuckin incredible. Them switching back and forth from the main story to random side stories every episode was awesome

[@TheHonoredMadman]

I liked s2 the most tho. Something about the stuff with Tracey and Earn was just top notch

[@vachementchien]

I have loved Atlanta from Ep. 1 S.1 and right now I'm proud to be brown even though it's only temporary because I've got an all-over summertime tan. I'm a brit living in Spain so I've got a fair bit of white privilege too. I think the problem for the critics is that tthe season s set in Europe and the focus isn't in the US. We just haven't got the same socio-political phuctupness. It's different here. Get a passport and come see for yourselves. I've really enjoyed seeing the Atlanta perspective. Genius! ... Hope they come to Spain though. Paperbuoy in Barcelona? Yeah!

[@mkrasner30]

The show was perfect. I don’t understand why people keeep saying he’s not black enough. He is a singer, producer, comedian, director and writer!! What else they want from him?? It’s sad that according to the black community you need to be involve with drugs, gangs and violence to be black.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

It'd be interesting to hear about the reviews/critiques on Black Dramas such as "Power" , which has an overwhelmingly Black (and I think male) audience. What are the differences? "Atlanta" gets more publicity as far as I can tell. Is it because it has captured more of the White Gaze than Power has?

[@BrotherMalMusic]

I don’t think _Atlanta_ gets more publicity in general, it just gets more think pieces because it’s that kind of show. The social commentary is heavy and a lot of it has race at the center; _Power_ is mainly entertainment. The only shows that I can think of that are similar to _Atlanta_ are _The Boondocks_ and _Insecure._

[@yobamos2158]

I am convinced that the show is definitely for people

[@joacoenro6408]

Maybe this critic only born for the fact that its the only tv show with the balls of don't put the black people like saviors or prophets or martyrs and shows us like people complex in a social context even more complex. not everything is black or white.

[@ianEFF]

This might sound naïve, but is it possible that they made it for black and white folks?

[@samfilmkid]

As a white man, I must firmly ask that you stop talking about MY show. Thank you very much.

[@TVMalachy]

Don’t agree with the critics but as a white person this is still my favorite show

[@Obese_QUIS]

You know the old trope that black artists in film and tv never produce, direct or star in meaningful horror/suspense/thought provoking movies or tv? That's what this show was. They reference paintings from the forties, classic and current tv shows, internet clips, some of the most eclectic music and horror movies that they inserted our sensibilities to that felt current and interesting. It felt like a modernized Twilight Zone. I know things must come to an end but this is truly heartbreaking to lose something that feels totally needed in todays entertainment industry. I can feel that behind the scenes its business and probably a Dave Chapelle situation going on and they are going to bow out gracefully before the coonin starts but I hope we get something else from these guys because this is too hard to bare.

[@TwTallnightlong]

What I would say is that the best shows are for everyone to enjoy. I'm not Black, I enjoy Atlanta. But. I would also say the 3rd season still hit on par with the first 2 seasons, primarily in the opinions of non-Black critics (let's face it, white critics). To me that just kinda highlights that the white critics are either disingenuous with their praise or they are looking harder to find something to enjoy in the show. Comparatively, I don't think the non-white standard for the show has changed and so this has been misinterpreted as the show being for white people. I would say that the show dipped in quality due to the pandemic and the gap between seasons, and just generally being disorganised with regards to the handling of Al's increased fame which was always going to be difficult. I would still want to watch season 4 but I'm also glad to know that the show is ending.

[@sampsonraysimon]

I feel like they made a show that they wanted to see and they're Black, so the show is for Black people.

[@terrellnewbill4273]

THIS

[@copperdee3073]

It's for anyone who wants to watch it! Folks need to get out of their feelings.

[@iambounceback]

I have never heard anyone say this. Some people may not like certain episodes as much as others but I have never heard that.

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

I understand that criticism because I feel that way myself. Atlanta is not unapologetically Black, it's ironically Black, sarcastically Black, regrettably Black. It seeks to make light of seriousness, it make serious of light subjects. It's hidden behind the intent of being "purposefully obscure", but no it's just afraid of white people. So much of the show lends itself to the cause of white people while leaving the Black characters and Black world that they represent are mistreated and mishandled. Donald Glover is a experimenting with his own form of a white world, and what he envisions isn't a better reality for his own people, it's a bleek and tongue and cheek version of the reality we already live. He puts Liam Neeson in the show, my only guess is so that Black people forgive him. That's the only reason I can think of. It's a lot of that kinda of "White people are racist but ain't racism kind of funny?" No it's not funny.

[@estherjones7952]

My boyfriend and I love Atlanta. He’s Indian and I’m white. To me, Donald’s social commentary is definitely present, and at times, his contempt for white people shines through. I always thought the show was made more for black people than anyone else, albeit I have thought many times, maybe he doesn’t have an agenda at all. It’s just a show about people inside an African American culture, no agendas or targets 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@cheesepizza9234]

Great comment

[@ja6975]

Has your boyfriend ever said racist comments?

[@estherjones7952]

@@ja6975 definitely not! He looooves the humor and the characters. It’s one of his favorite shows

[@heavenlypath1065]

@@ja6975 Her husband is an minority why would you ask if he's the racist one?

[@EvonneLindiwe]

I’m Black and it’s RIGHT up my alley ❤️ it is for black people SMH

[@N4orEditor]

its not a black show, its a show with black characters in it. atleast in my opinion, its just for anyone who wants to see an amazing show.

[@vensonj]

What they mean is this show isn’t for “ngas” there a difference between “ngas” and black folk….people just don’t wanna admit it…two totally different lifestyles

[@GT-RTData9]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@mfundi]

This show is very much for black people. Blackness is not vulgar and unilateral, we’re different and we see things differently, this show explores all those different themes.

[@forestpark73]

It’s a show for black people, about black people.

[@currypablo]

As a non Black person, love this show and I ca relate on many levels.

[@Selfbaptized]

It should say “This show isn’t for black people with higher expectations of other black people than they do themselves”

[@BlueRidgeBubble]

When ideologues run out of enemy others They come for their own It happens all the time, every time, baby

[@tubewanderer5721]

Didn't the internet say the same thing about Issa Rae's show?

[@PerfectaRhyme]

This show is made for black people but I'm Mexican and I can relate to the issues and the writing and acting are on point. I love Paper boi. He don't play. This show is my favorite. Criticism can come either way if you can't understand the intricate writing.

[@rickycouture7224]

This critique is basically an admission from black narcissists that if white people enjoy something as well, then they're going to taint it by placing a taboo against it for all black people. This is why you only hear this criticism on Twitter, where narcissism runs rampant. What it really says about Atlanta, though, is that the show is so beloved that these critics only wish they could have it to themselves. The thing they ultimately hate most about it is that white people laud it, setting the critic pool to overflow. Their compulsion (meaning the critics) is for their voice to mean something to all people, specifically black, so in a way this critique is really no different from that person who refuses to watch Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones because so many recommend it. It's just increased. In reality, though, this show is for all people at a certain level. It caters to black people, and on the deepest level can mostly be understood best by black people, but at a surface level it's still such an excellent show that anyone can enjoy it. That's the cinematography and writing reaching mass effect. The hidden innuendo isn't even crucial for appreciating the brilliance of the show, which is amazing in and of itself. The first episode of season three, for example, is a true story and one that most black people have heard. That makes the story powerful in its own right, but white people still latch on despite most being completely unaware because the story itself still has something deep and meaningful to say. This is where Donald Glover deserves all the credit in the world. He created one of the greatest television shows of all-time, and sooner or later it will be appreciated by all people. It's just that excellent!

[@zkme2734]

What would be other "black shows" people recommend?

[@xlukas93]

Those "critics" are the same people who would go to angola or ethiopia and tell the locals how they are not black enough.