The critically acclaimed Netflix series All American is a teen drama about a student (Spencer James) who moves in with a family in Beverly Hills to play football. This scandalous drama paints a picture of the inequities faced by children growing up in low-income neighborhoods in direct contrast to the privileges afforded to children with wealthy parents.
It also establishes unrealistic beauty standards for high school students. Considering a majority of the actors are over 25 and playing high school students, there are bound to be some disparities in the appearance of the actors compared to the average high school student. Having 25-year-olds play 16-year-olds in a show watched by predominantly highly impressionable teens is a recipe for body dysmorphia.
The show also attempts to tackle racial issues. Way before the Black Lives Matter movement was brought to the forefront by the media, All American showed that even money can’t buy somebody out of racial discrimination.
In one scene in a ice cream shop, a small argument ensued between Spencer James and his little brother after which the owner of the store called the police. After peacefully leaving the store they were harassed by the police and detained. Billy Baker had to then have the same discussion with his children that many black parents have to have with their children about racial profiling and police brutality. It was shown that it is not only black people in low income neighborhoods that are affected by police brutality, but all black people regardless of financial prosperity.
Many other important issues were brought up including the negative effects of gentrification and substance abuse.
I think All American is definitely worth a watch if you want a drama-filled series that brings up real life issues.
Great review. It makes me want to add this to my list of things to watch. Interesting how current the story is with the times.