Many in America are in a state of shock and desensitization as a result of Trump’s presidency. Like anyone in shock, we look for our savior. At this point, many on the left have looked to the Obamas. This week however, Barack and Michelle Obama have announced that they have signed a deal with Netflix for “scripted and unscripted series as well as docu-series, documentary films, and features”. This deal with Netflix is set to continue Obama’s mission of working towards a more inclusive world.
However, can you really say it’s not political? The Obamas have shown that they understand that while American exceptionalism is a great concept, America’s greatest international appeal is down to its culture. Realizing this, the new show aims to influence America’s culture to the benefit of Obama’s vision for America can be done through movies and television shows.
The Obama Administration may not have been transformative as no one really knows until history writes that page. And it’s certainly too early to tell. But, Obama understands that the international community looks to American media and specifically its cinema, to understand America culturally, to promote America’s vision of the world, and to provide a glimpse inside our diverse nation.
That being said, if you see someone who looks like you in American cinema, it colors your entire experience. Furthermore, spreading the best of America’s vast cultural diversity takes exposure. The more exposure that American minorities get through cinema, the more apt the world as a whole will be culturally to accepting diversity.
Building America’s clout internationally cannot be achieved through promoting democracy alone, as we’ve seen that soft power has limitations in its use in that regard. Anyway, the Trump Administration has gutted the State Department and defunded many programs that act with this regard in mind.
The Obama’s multicultural vision for the world is to the benefit of those of us who would like to see a more diverse and equitable world. The show hopes to present a vision of an America with diversity, inclusion, and hope for the future. Just because he’s not President does not mean he’s not still impacting people.
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