A Open Letter to Steph Curry: Reject the Racist Reboot of 'Good Times and Seth MacFarlane
Khafre Jay
Hip Hop Public Health | Organizer | Consultant | TEDx | Artist | Best Father Ever
Dear Stephen Curry ,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you not only as a fan of your remarkable athletic prowess and commitment to the Black community but also as someone deeply connected to our cultural legacy. The animated reboot of 'Good Times,' a project you are co-producing, has stirred a profound concern in me. This show, a symbol of our struggle and joy, is at risk of losing its original spirit. The fear that this reboot will not honor the profound legacy of a show that shaped our understanding of Black family life in America is not just a personal apprehension but a sentiment echoed across our community.
In this pivotal moment, it's crucial to recognize the importance of 'Good Times.' This groundbreaking series, debuting in 1974, was more than just entertainment. It was one of the first shows on American television to portray a Black family in a multi-dimensional light, navigating both the joys and challenges of life. Its depiction of the Evans family offered a rare and invaluable image of Black resilience and love, countering the stereotypical and one-dimensional representations prevalent in media. For the Black community, 'Good Times' wasn't just a show; it mirrored our lives, struggles, and triumphs. It's a sacred part of our collective memory, a testament to our enduring spirit, and a reminder of the positive representation we've fought so hard to see on screen.
As we gaze at the "Good Times" reboot, my alarm intensifies with Seth MacFarlane's direct involvement. MacFarlane's reputation, marred by consistent racial insensitivity in his shows, including instances of blackface and using white actors for Black characters, ignites justified apprehension. This isn't just insensitivity—it's an ongoing pattern that many in our community recognize as outright racism. It's inconceivable that such an individual should profit from or influence a show representing a significant part of our cultural history. This is a show about us, for us, and it deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and authenticity, not diminished by any racist white person.
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Your role in the Black community extends far beyond the basketball court. It's time to recognize the glaring issue with the 'Good Times' reboot. This isn't a subtle misstep; it's a blatant misrepresentation, a racist recreation of a cherished Black legacy. You have the power and influence to stop this. Now more than ever, it's vital to step away from a project that so clearly distorts and disrespects our history. Your withdrawal would not only send a powerful message about preserving the integrity and authenticity of Black stories but also demonstrate the significant impact you can have on the course of this project.
This call to action is crucial: I urge you to withdraw your support from the "Good Times" reboot. Stepping away is not just about preserving the integrity of our cultural stories; it's also about safeguarding your own integrity in the eyes of the Black community. As it stands, this project is seen as a farce, eroding the respect and trust we've placed in you. Your decisive action now can reaffirm your commitment to our community and our collective narrative.
Looking forward, I must be unequivocally clear, Stephen Curry: persisting with the 'Good Times' reboot may well be one of the greatest regrets of your life. It's not just a misstep; it's a profound betrayal of the trust and respect the Black community has placed in you. If you truly believe black lives matter, our black stories also have to matter. The decision you make now will reverberate in our collective memory, shaping how we perceive your legacy. Embrace the power you hold to effect positive change in our representation in the media. Your choice to withdraw your support from this project can be a turning point, a decision that you will look back on with pride and satisfaction, knowing that you stood up for the integrity and authenticity of Black stories.
Sincerely
Khafre Jay
Research Project Management | Community Outreach | Implementation Science
1 个月Thank you. I just accidentally gave it a chance after missing all the backlash earlier this year. I was in complete shock and couldn’t make it through the first episode.?
National Legal Analyst, Complaint Investigator, Civil Litigator & Consumer Representative
6 个月I am an up incoming lawyer who have taken the racial assaults on my culture personally which has garnered my legal attention enough to file a lawsuit against Netflix for false and misrepresentation of my culture in the Los Angeles San Monica Court Case Number # 24SMV01953 which are one of many lawsuit to come dealing with racial injustice that continues to pledge this country like the death angel that pass through Egypt killing all of Pharoah's first-born sons.
Visionary Entrepreneur | Change-Maker | Empowering Underrepresented Innovators | Building Sustainable Futures
7 个月Yo, Khafre Jay! ???? Just caught your post, and man, it hit different. ?? I feel you on this - "Good Times" is more than just a show; it's a piece of our soul, our struggle, and our triumph as a community. ?? Seeing it potentially get twisted hurts on a whole other level. But, you dropping knowledge like this is crucial ????. It's about keeping our narrative authentic and honoring our ancestors' stories. We gotta stand tall and make our voices heard. ?????? Count me in on spreading the word and keeping our legacy untainted. Keep shining, bro! Your work is vital. #PreserveOurLegacy #OurStoriesMatter
ABC News Contributor & Producer - ABC 20/20 "Diary Of A Killer' Documentary Special | Podcast Host | Award-Winning Filmmaker | Multihyphenate Media Maker
7 个月Sorry Khafre Jay but NO, the original #GoodTimes did not stand as a beacon of positive Black family representation at its time. IT WAS NEGATIVE THEN…CREATED BY A RACIST #NormanLear who made sure every trope was present in the series. Why do Black people have selective, nastalgic, amnesia?? However, I too am horrified to learn that #StephenCurry is collaborating with #SethMacFarlane, a figure who built his career from profiting off of racism?and sexism of racism, for the "#GoodTimesReboot because its animated remake doesn’t threaten to undermine this legacy, but threatens to repeat the same negative legacy. I had hoped that this animated reboot was gonna come with an upgrade from that old TRASH of the 1970’s. I see that nothing has changed. In fact it’s worse.
Property Manager
7 个月We as Black Americans are always solding out for the dollar. We never seem to wanta keep positive in our communities for history and knowledge for our children... This is Good Times an Era when it shows a Black Family loving each other. Supporting each other, Encouraging each other something that is now missing in so so many families. Good Times shows they were proud which is what we once had. That is no more.. Mr. Curry don't loose yourself in a project that will degrade the Black Families. Mr. Curry You know there are a Lot of Black Kids who are less fortunate then your children. Good Times is a program that we as Black Families can reflect on what we once had and can have again. Let's not allow someone else to remake what they think it should be for their gain. Good Times is a positive element for us.