Wednesday: a Netflix series accused of racism

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Chances are you’ve seen it before, but in case you missed it: Wednesday’s Netflix hit of the moment. The Tim Burton-directed series is a spin-off from The Addams Family and tells the story of his daughter Wednesday Addams. Netflix viewers watched Wednesday for 341.2 million hours (!) last week. It’s more than watched season 4 of Stranger Things. Nevertheless, the series was not well received by everyone.

Wednesday review

Director Burton is being inundated with criticism on social media for Wednesday’s alleged racist overtones. It would involve the two black characters Bianca Barclay and Lucas Wilson – played by Joy Saunders and Iman Marson. Popular girl Bianca and wealthy son of Pilgrim World mayor Lucas terrorize and bully Wednesday in the series. Additionally, some object that the mayor of Pilgrim World — an amusement park that glosses over the violent colonial history of settlers and Native Americans — is also black.

Burton previously accused of racism

This isn’t the first time Burton has been accused of racism. The director known for his dark style, dark humor and cartoon references came under fire in 2016 for his Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The film featured only one black actor: the beloved Samuel L. Jackson. Burton didn’t help the situation at the time, responding to the critics with, “I see the big-screen portrayal as political correctness.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday

That the director misses the mark again is obvious. Nonetheless, Wednesday represents Burton’s first film featuring a non-white actor. Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday, is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. About Ortega, the critics are unanimous. Ortega as Wednesday steals the hearts of the public. She fits Wednesday’s role perfectly and her look complements the role. Curious about the series? You can watch the trailer below.

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