Our Kind of People‘s Morris Chestnut and Tasha Smith Discuss How the Drama Tackled Colorism in Episode 3
Colorism within the Black community is never an easy issue to tackle. But Fox‘s sudsy new drama Our Kind of People attempted to do just that on Tuesday’s installment, titled “Hot Links & Red Drinks.”
The issue arose when it was revealed that Nikki (Alana Bright) had gotten into a fight with a girl at her former high school because the girl had made fun of her grandmother’s dark skin. Things got worse when the Black, rich and vicious residents of Martha’s Vineyard celebrated Juneteenth and Nikki overheard three teenage partygoers joking about being “house slaves” and not “field slaves” because of their light skin.
Nikki, who still hadn’t dealt with the trauma of the fight, snapped and started swinging on the most vocal of the girls and even pulled her hair. She also chastised them for resorting to antiquated “paper-bag test” tactics.
Morris Chestnut, who stars on Our Kind of People as the well-heeled and well-connected businessman Raymond Dupont, says he’s proud that series creator Karen Gist and her writers dared to take on such a heady topic. The show also celebrates dark skin: In Episode 1, Aunt Piggy (Debbi Morgan) coquettishly wonders if “chocolate melts in the summer” because she’s attracted to Tyrique’s (Lance Gross) dark hue.
“Colorism is definitely an issue within our culture,” Chestnut tells TVLine. “It’s definitely something we had to explore in this series, and it’s something that should be talked about because it’s one of those unspoken things. People have certain thoughts and ideas about it, and it was important for me.”
Chestnut adds that Our Kind of People also course-corrected any criticism it might have faced by recasting the Leah role with actress Nadine Ellis when a lighter-skinned LeToya Luckett was originally chosen. “I’m just very happy Nadine got the role,” Chestnut divulges diplomatically.
Actress Tasha Smith, who directed the first two episodes of the show and acted as a casting consultant, agrees.
“To tell stories in a way that none of us have seen is necessary, especially when you employ beautiful, dark-skinned, chocolate women,” Smith surmises. “The roles that Yaya [DaCosta, who stars as Angela] and Nadine are playing are not roles we always get as darker-skinned women. I wanted to see myself on the screen.”
I just deleted this from my DVR, saw the ratings, DOA, and I am not investing in a show doomed to be cancelled.
Colorism? What skin color does most rich black athletes marry? I remember the light skinned casting for Straight Outta Compton(poor Dre haha)? Netflix formula is light skinned women darker men?! Don’t get me started on Tyler Perry’s Oprah casting! Don’t insult us by pretending colorism a chick fight!! My Juilliard alum is laughing now all the light women are accusing each other of racism Hwood is so overloaded!! Haha
“Aunt Piggy”??
Sadly, this is the worst new series of this season IMO. The writing is awful and such a waste of talent like Morris and YaYa. This series will no last.
Is “colorism” the reason most successful black men/celebs marry white women, so their children will be lighter skinned? No offense intended.
This show is so good. Iam hooked. The said part is that it’s on FOX. They probably will not let it thrive. The big leap another good show. Hopefully they hang on too theses shows
As an African American Woman who is also very Light Skin I think it so important that this Series works on Yhe Topic Colorism we are So Beautiful and with Shades of very light to very Dark we are Fifty Shades of Black The most Beautiful Race of Woman However we have to Confrobt Colorism we must come Together that why Our Kind of People I love this New Show and Ya Ya Decosta Debbie Morgon Are Amazing I’m so Proud of These Two Sisters Blessings Biggest Fan Love Love Our Kind of People