CULTURE
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BROOKLYN NINE-NINE Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of the best comedic offerings on TV at the moment, with its kooky cast of cops in NYC, it’s a breath of much-needed light entertainment. However, what makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine so special isn’t just that it sends you into contagious giggling fits, it is the amazing way that it is also a commentary of life in 2020, with episodes tackling gender equality, LGBT+ issues and racial stereotyping. It uses comedy to cleverly make statements, however, also provides a grounded basis of how to live your best life. Here are some of our highlights: “Two steps forward and one step back is still one step forward” (Rosa Diaz, S6 Ep 8) Probably one of the most notable episodes from season six is ‘He Said She Said’, a cleverly constructed episode surrounding gender inequality. The statement about small personal sacrifices having to be made for the greater good is a good lesson to learn. Being selfless and being part of a larger plan is a good way to live, applying the logic used by Santiago and Diaz in the episode when asking female employees at a misogynistic company to speak out about harassment. The company’s employees start to speak out once one female co-worker comes forward against her boss, however, she gets fired upon doing so. But one single act of selflessness made a larger change for the better.
“Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.” (Raymond Holt, S5 Ep 10) This one resonates particularly with me, as it is about self-acceptance. Not being afraid to be who you are is a powerful thing, being unashamedly different is empowering to everyone and the world would be grey and boring if we were all the same. Embracing what makes us unique and loving ourselves is something that should be done no matter what, and accepting others and ourselves is so vital to a bright and happy future. “My Snitches are the best. The key is to always send them handwritten thank-you notes.” (Amy Santiago, S3 Ep 9) The take-home message from this one is to show gratitude. Be nice and say thank you to people for helping you out. Manners and kindness cost nothing. A hand-written thank-you note is maybe a tad too much, but a simple “cheers for the help” or a “much appreciated” is always nice, as, in this age of hostility and brashness, a little bit of kindness goes a long way.
JACK NASH
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