Kenya Barris, the creator of ABC’s smash hit “Black-ish,” has had enough of talking about diversity in TV and movies.
He let his frustration show during an appearance with the cast at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour on Friday when a reporter asked him what percentage of the show’s viewership was black, Variety reported.
“It doesn’t matter who’s watching our show,” Barris replied. “The fact is that they’re watching it. And I feel like every question at every panel … I get so tired of talking about diversity. These are amazing, talented actors and amazing writers who give their all and they don’t have to do this. It’s crowding the conversation.”
Tracee Ellis Ross, who stars as Rainbow Johnson on the show, answered the question with a question of her own.
“Is that a question that you’ve asked other shows that are not predominately of a certain color?” she asked.
“Not necessarily,” the reporter replied, according to Variety.
“Those questions continue the conversation in a direction that does not help the conversation,” Ross said.
“We always have to box everything in,” Barris complained. “Isn’t it just a good family show? It’s specifically about a black family. We’re not denying that. But don’t you see yourself in it? Don’t you see your family in it? … Why is that important, who watched the show? Why does it matter? Why do we keep having to have these conversations?”
Some on social media gave Barris and the cast some answers as to why diversity is an issue around their show.
@THR called your show Blackish that’s why
— A.H. (@aaaaaalison) August 5, 2016
@THR because it’s. still. a. damn. problem. & problems need to be answered. & you are in the perfect position to have insight. #yourewelcome
— marginal eyes (@BrownBrian333) August 5, 2016
@THR Their show is premised on blackness. That is literally every episode.
— J. Richard Singleton (@JohnRSingleton) August 5, 2016
@THR lol kind of an ironic question to ask when you call your show “Blackish”….
— Jo (@Johanna_Ana) August 5, 2016
@WarmingGlow Maybe they shouldn’t have named it “Blackish” then?
— Spongebob Sucks (@spongebob_sucks) August 5, 2016
@TVGuide The show is called blackish though. So it perpetuates the diversity discussion
— D (@wukster) August 5, 2016
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