It’s been quite the weekend, to say the least. Some of us casted our vote for the first time and exercised our democratic right. I can’t be the only one on the edge of my seat, early Saturday morning, watching as the nation and its citizens cheered and vowed to do more in the next 4 to 5 years. You have to agree this election was momentous and will go down in history as one where we see real change happening.
Riding on that historic wave, here are six Netflix shows that are, like our recent Elections, groundbreaking in their own right.
POSE
The fabulousness of Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez aside, POSE features one of the largest transgender actors as series regulars and the largest recurring cast of LGBTQ+ actors.
The series details the ins and outs of the African-American and Latino underground ball culture scene in New York in the 1980s. Think Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan as the inspiration for the fashion of POSE.
Intertwining several stories of the ball culture world coupled with a lot of sass and heart, POSE will make you want to strut down your hallway and vogue.
Who should watch it: For all those who have finished binging Ru Paul’s Drag Race, POSE is a glimpse into where all vogue-ing started.
POSE | Watch Here
Self-made: Inspired By The of Life Madam C.J Walker
Based on the life Of Madam C.J Walker, this limited series chronicles the life of first self-made female millionaire in America. On top of that, she was African-American, which behoves me why we don’t know more about this woman. While the series does take some creative liberties with Madam C.J Walker’s life, there is no doubt that she revolutionalised how African-American women took care of their hair.
Watch the different trials and tribulations Madam Walker goes through as she tries to get her business up and running. Not to mention, the drama that unfolds in her personal life makes this one a fun one to watch.
Who should watch it: If you are thinking about opening your own business and empowering others while you’re at it—this is a good jumping-off point.
Self-made: Inspired By The of Life Madam C.J Walker | Watch Here
When They See Us
Directed by the incomparable Ava DuVernay, Now They See Us is based on the events of the 1989 Central Park jogger case where five young black teenagers were falsely accused of the crime, prosecuted, and served full sentences. These five teenagers were known as the Central Park Five.
DuVernay pulls no punches with this series and exposes just how flawed the justice system in America is. Each episode is a movie unto itself and ends with a cliff-hanger that will compel you to keep watching. This is an essential portrayal of systemic racism and the disenfranchisement of people of colour along with the devastating consequences that follow.
Who should watch it: This is a series for those who want to understand the problem of mass incarceration and why there is a disproportional number of black men in jail.
When They See Us | Watch here
Delhi Crime
A case that shook New Delhi to its core, Delhi Crime is a limited series based on the horrific 2012 Delhi Gang Rape and murder case. The series centres on Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vartika Chaturvedi and her team as they race against time to track down the six culprits.
Fast-paced and exciting, Delhi Crime is where you’ll see how the police worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspects. Gut-wrenching and unforgettable, Delhi Crime is one of those shows that will stay with you. Due to the harrowing nature and violence of the case, it galvanised the nation to change their existing sexual assault and rape laws into stricter ones.
Who should watch it: While the premise of the case might be grim, Delhi Crime still reinforces the messages that good people still win.
Delhi Crime| Watch Here
Knock The House Down
Knock The House Down documents the campaigns of four Democrats, most notably Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as they run against long time incumbents. This is an uplifting feminist documentary that is inspiring to watch.
While Amy Vilela of Nevada, Cori Bush of Missouri, and Paula Jean Swearengin of West Virginia lost their primary campaigns, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wins her primary in New York. From their rousing, passionate speeches to their private, vulnerable moments, this documentary is an eye-opener to the uphill climb women still face in politics.
Who should watch it: If you are thinking about going into politics but are unsure, let the women of Knock The House convince you otherwise.
Knock The House Down | Watch Here
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator
As someone who practices yoga quite regularly, Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator was quite a jolt to the system. This is an documentary about the enigmatic, charismatic, abusive, and sexual predator that is Bikram Choudhury. You’ll see how Bikram brought yoga to America and how he commodified the practice into that of a thriving empire.
If you’ve heard of Bikram yoga, this is the man who started it all. Although, according to the documentary, he stole a number of the sequences from his guru. But, that is the tip of the iceberg with this half-bald, speedo wearing man.
He would have his participants sweat buckets in a heated room while yelling expletives at them. Even so, everyone was enamoured with him. It was akin to a cult. The worse part of it all was his sexual assault on several women and the women getting ostracised when they called him out.
Who should watch it: Anyone who thinks yoga is simply about stretching and humming, you’re in for a ride.
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator | Watch Here
Author
Get the latest updates by following us on Twitter @hypeandstuff & Facebook Have an interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]