Ep 23. Elephant in the Room

In the Black-ish Season 1 Episode 23 titled "Elephant in the Room," the Johnson family is faced with a challenging and sensitive issue that prompts a series of conversations about race, culture, and identity.

The episode begins with Dre (played by Anthony Anderson) and Bow (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) attending a meeting at Zoey's school regarding a controversial topic. The school's African-American student association plans to hold a costume party where they will dress up as historical figures, but to Dre's surprise, all the white students will be dressing up as black historical figures too. This sparks a heated debate among the parents, with some arguing that it's a harmless way for the students to learn about African-American history, while others, including Dre, believe it perpetuates racial stereotypes.

Back at home, the Johnson family gathers around the dinner table to discuss the issue. Dre expresses his concerns, worried that his children might grow up feeling marginalized and exploited due to their race. He feels that white people dressing up as black historical figures blurs the line between appreciation and appropriation. Bow agrees with Dre but acknowledges that it's a difficult conversation to have, especially with their children.

As the episode progresses, Dre's parents, Pops (played by Laurence Fishburne) and Ruby (played by Jenifer Lewis), join in on the discussion. Pops, an older generation African-American, offers a unique perspective. He suggests that while the intentions may not be malicious, dressing up as black historical figures can be seen as insensitive and disrespectful. Ruby, on the other hand, believes that people should focus on larger issues of racial inequality rather than getting caught up in something as relatively insignificant as a costume party.

With different opinions swirling within the family, Dre decides to seek advice from his co-workers. At work, he talks to Charlie (played by Deon Cole) and Mr. Stevens (played by Peter Mackenzie), who have their own perspectives on the matter. Charlie argues that this is an important moment for the white students to learn about black history and emphasizes the need for unity, while Mr. Stevens asserts that it is a matter of individual choice and free expression.

With each conversation, Dre's perspective evolves, and he gains a deeper understanding of the complexity surrounding the issue. He realizes that there is no easy answer and that it's crucial to have open and honest discussions about race and culture. These difficult conversations ultimately bring the family closer together.

Towards the end of the episode, the Johnson family attends the costume party. As different costumes are unveiled, tensions rise. Some characters are met with applause and appreciation, while others are met with discomfort and disapproval. The episode leaves viewers grappling with their own feelings about the situation, highlighting the fact that these conversations about race are ongoing and often challenging.

"Elephant in the Room" tackles a sensitive topic with grace and nuance, delving into the complexities of race, culture, and identity. It invites viewers to examine their own beliefs and biases while emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and understanding. The episode showcases the Johnson family's strength and unity in the face of difficult conversations, reflecting the broader themes of the show as it explores what it means to be black-ish in modern America.