Wednesday, April 29, 2009
TV character
I don't watch a lot of network television. But, one show that I have watched for a long time is Law & Order. I think it has been on for at least 15 years. The African-American cop by the name of Fin, played by ICE-T, I think represents the diverse individual that West, hooks and Hall write about. He's not the main character but what I have always liked about him is his sense of justice. He is extremely principled and has his own way of dealing with perpetrators. We have gotten to know some of his personal life but mostly he is a very private individual. His character does not essentialize African-Americans but I think reveals a multiplicity within him. This character never seems to be hiding behind a mask but reveals a strong black male who can also be compassionate.
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Hi. Good choice. Yes, this role is so different from what he presents in real life, and it is different from his rap persona and history as being on the other side of the law. Quite ironic he is playing a police officer and despite his history he makes it believable.
ReplyDeleteI agree that character has a complex mix of attributes. My favorite line of his is when he told one of his co-workers, Munch, that he was a Republican. I loved that moment because it was not what his colleagues expected and it acted as a de-essentializing moment.