Black America: Amazon Alt-History Drama

Much of the recent news surrounding HBO’s thriving influence has resulted from the show, Game of Thrones. Co-creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are the masterminds behind this medieval, action-packed series. In accordance with the HBO network, the two creators have developed a new show, Confederate.

“Confederate takes place in an alternate timeline, where the southern states have successfully seceded from the Union, giving rise to a nation in which slavery remains legal and has evolved into a modern institution.” (Medium)

This series lacks originality, insight, and quickly generated backlash amongst online communities. Several observers were apt to denounce the show with the hashtag, “#NoConfederate.” In 2004, Kevin Willmott took a similar chance on featured film, “Confederate States of America.”

(Punch Drunk Critics)

Multimedia powerhouse, Amazon aims to release an alternate history drama of their own. Black America takes place in New Colonia, where African-Americans were granted reparations in the form of their own colony that includes Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Former Boondocks creator, Aaron McGruder handles the writing while Will Packer is set to produce. The duo of McGruder and Packer will prove to balance wit and accurate historical rhetoric in order to portray the alternate reality within Black America.

News surrounding the production of a new series being directed by Will Packer and Aaron McGruder surfaced in February. Amazon Studios did not reveal the title or details about the show until recently. Game of Thrones is a controversial show that portrays casual violence, torture porn and gratuitous rape. People are concerned with how this might translate to the action and roleplay involved with “Confederate.”

Creator of, #OscarsSoWhite, April Reign catapulted the ”#NoConfederate” movement to resist this manifestation of entertainment. Certainly, it is dutifully imperative to utilize our voices to dismantle this meritless show that commodifies the pain of African-American individuals.

Ian Romaker

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