So I’m starting something new, as you can see–what I’ve been watching lately, instead of what I’ve been reading. Because let’s face it, sometimes you just feel like being lazy and binging on Netflix for hours at a time.
Master of None
“Master of None” features comedian Aziz Aznari as Dev, an Indian American who probably resembles himself quite a bit, if I had to guess. The first season is up on Netflix and has ten episodes, each of which deals with a distinct theme. Some of them include parenting, old people, friends, racism, and my personal favorite, men vs women. In this episode, Aznari takes on the glaring differences in the way society treats men and women, aka sexism. I loved this episode because it’s a very relatable scene: Dev is at a bar with his girlfriend Rachel, straight male friend, and lesbian friend. His boss comes up, introduces himself to all the males at their booth, talks to Dev, and then leaves. When Rachel points out that she hates when sexist stuff like that happens, Dev is doubtful that his boss was actually being sexist and doesn’t understand Rachel’s point of view. This happens so often in society that I think many people, men in particular, will realize that they have done this numerous times after watching this episode. Speaking about various social issues in each episode,
“Master of None” is a brilliant series and I am already looking forward to the next season.
Obvious Child
This film was surprisingly good, filled with biting social commentary and uncomfortable scenes dealing with a taboo topic in today’s society–abortion. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a fan of books and films and series that take on the patriarchy and gender issues. The film follows the story of Donna, a stand up comedian trying to make it in New York. After her cheating boyfriend breaks up with her and she loses her job, Donna has a one night stand that results in pregnancy. Immediately upon finding out in the clinic, she is firm–she wants an abortion. Even when the nurse tries to tell her about her “options” and potentially tries to influence her, she remains determined. When she breaks down and tells her mom, her mom reveals that she herself had an abortion in her early 20s as well, and details the horrific time women had in getting illegal abortions in the 60s. (As we know, legislation against abortion doesn’t stop abortions, just safe ones.) The film even follows her into the procedure, filming her face and her reactions. Although uncomfortable, these stories need to be told to destigmatize abortion. It’s vital that we continue to talk about this issue, and will become even more important in the immediate future as women face another big fight to maintain our hard won rights.