‘When They See Us’: Television as counter-narrative of racist experiences

Abstract

Under the name “counter narratives”, some critical race theory texts have promoted the academic and social value of stories –personal, someone else’s’ or recreated– and their power to counter hegemonic narratives. They’re also imbued with the capacity to create, as well as reaffirm, a sense of community and belonging, and capable of providing scenarios that could dispel some of the most deeply rooted stereotypical notions about non-hegemonic groups. They also function as opportunities to consider new realities and different possibilities. This article explains, through Critical Race Theory concepts, in conjunction with Social Representations Theory, the importance of stories –fictional or based on real events– against hegemonic racial considerations. In particular, it takes the case of the television series When They See Us, created by the African American director Ava DuVernay. The series recreates the real case of five young men falsely accused of the attack and rape of a young white woman. In a context in which screens have turned out to be an important tool in the fight against systemic racism in the United States, the series has positioned itself as one of the most discussed products in recent days.