Watch Black. White.

Black. White. is a provocative and groundbreaking social experiment reality show that aired on FX in 2006. The show explores race relations in America by transforming two families – one white, the other black – and having them trade races for six weeks.

The white family, the Wurgels, consists of parents Bruno and Carmen and their two children, 17-year-old Nick and 12-year-old Rose. The black family, the Sparks, includes parents Brian and Renee and their two children, 16-year-old Nicky and 11-year-old Keegan. Both families undergo a radical transformation in order to look like members of the opposite race. They are fitted with prosthetic makeup, wigs, and hairpieces designed to make them look more like members of the other race.

The families then move into two homes side by side in the racially diverse West Adams district of Los Angeles. The aim of the experiment is to explore how each family is perceived by the outside world and how they perceive themselves while living as members of a different race.

The show is an eye-opening look at how race still plays a significant role in American society, particularly in terms of how people perceive each other. The families undergo a range of experiences that offer insights into both the similarities and the differences of living as a member of a different race.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way in which each family reacts to their new racial identity. For example, the white family finds themselves questioning their own racial attitudes and biases. Bruno, who is initially resistant to the experiment, eventually comes to recognize the privileges of white privilege and begins to challenge his own prejudices.

The black family, on the other hand, experiences a range of reactions to their new identity, from curiosity to confusion to outright hostility. The daughter, Nicky, finds herself struggling to fit in at a primarily white high school and deals with feelings of isolation and loneliness as a result.

Throughout the course of the show, the families interact with a range of people from different races and backgrounds, offering insights into the complexities of race relations in America. They attend cultural events, church services, and social gatherings, and participate in discussions with experts on race relations.

The show's decision to use prosthetic makeup to alter the families' appearances has been controversial, with some viewers arguing that it is offensive or unnecessary. However, the use of makeup allows the families to experience a much more realistic and immersive version of racial transformation than other shows might have achieved with simple wardrobe changes or makeup.

Overall, Black. White. is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of race relations that challenges viewers to think critically about their own attitudes and beliefs. The show's innovative approach to storytelling and its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter make it a must-watch for anyone interested in social issues and cultural identity.