Brown & Black

In this episode, we delve into the adverse effects of AI-generated images on media and their growing impact. We'll discuss the recent controversy over Levi's partnership with LalaLand.ai and debate if AI-inclusive modeling serves as a positive force. Furthermore, we'll examine the white savior narrative issues in the film AIR, directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, and consider the significant influence of movies and TV on culture.

Segment 1: The AI and Race Dilemma

Jack and Mike investigate the concerns surrounding AI-generated images and their influence on race, society, and trust in journalism, media, and advertising. They highlight examples like the Pope donning a Balenciaga puffer and the fabricated Donald Trump arrest photos. The conversation also covers the backlash against Levi's partnership with LalaLand.ai, a company specializing in AI-generated diverse and inclusive models, and questions the potential advantages or disadvantages of AI-inclusive modeling on society.

Segment 2: The White Savior Complex of AIR

The hosts tackle the contentious movie AIR, directed by Ben Affleck and featuring Matt Damon, arguing that such films represent "white Hollywood propaganda" that perpetuates damaging white savior narratives, particularly in a post-George Floyd era. They advocate for increased creativity and sensitivity when addressing stories and characters of color.

The Brown & Black podcast, a 2023 Webby Nominee in the Best DE&I Episode Category, examines race and pop culture. Hosted by two distinct film and culture critics – one Latino and one Black – it aims to redefine how pop culture news and opinions are presented in America. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent interview Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists to dissect the intricate relationship between entertainment and race.

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Creators of color have built successful careers sharing their stories on TikTok since 2018. Many argue that banning TikTok threatens freedom of expression and connections between people. It also threatens jobs and democracy.

In this episode, we discuss the possibility of banning TikTok in the U.S. and how it impacts creators of color. The ban could significantly impact culture, the economy, businesses, and influencers of color. We try to answer why it's happening and how it affects small and medium-sized businesses in communities of color.

Segment 1: The Impact of a TikTok Ban on Creators of ColorTikTok has become a popular platform for creators of color to share their stories and connect with audiences worldwide. A ban on TikTok would deprive these creators of a platform and audiences of their work.

It would also impact culture, as TikTok shares news and entertainment. Businesses relying on TikTok ads would also be affected. Influencers could lose jobs and be unable to connect with audiences. They have built careers on the platform, and a ban would cut them off from their livelihoods and audiences.

Segment 2: The U.S.-China Digital CompetitionThe TikTok ban stems from the U.S.-China competition for digital control. The U.S. worries that TikTok shares user data with China. The U.S. wants to rely less on Chinese tech as China competes globally. Banning TikTok is a way for the U.S. to curb China's influence, but it also harms marginalized groups in the U.S. who have found their voices on the platform.

Segment 3: Small Businesses at RiskA ban on TikTok would also impact small and medium-sized businesses, especially in communities of color. TikTok helps them reach customers and generate revenue at a low cost. Banning it reduces their ability to do so, as they may not have the resources to build a following on other platforms. As businesses owned by people of color suffer more in downturns, communities of color are disproportionately affected. They face higher unemployment and poverty rates, and a TikTok ban could exacerbate economic inequalities.

Segment 4: The Future of Social CommunicationIf TikTok is banned, will we return to traditional modes of social interaction, such as face-to-face communication? Is this for the best or the worst? This shift may be a positive development, as it could lead to more meaningful and authentic interactions between people. However, it is also possible that this shift could lead to a loss of connection and community. We can use it to build a better world or tear it apart. 'Brown & Black' Podcast 2022 Webby Honoree is a new magazine show exploring race and pop culture, hosted by two diverse voices, one Latino and one Black, to fill a void in rethinking how pop culture news and opinion are conveyed in America today. Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, two national film and culture critics, interview Latino and Black filmmakers, actors, musicians, and artists to examine the complex nature of entertainment and race.

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In this episode, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent discuss why actress Angela Bassett's reaction to losing the Best Supporting Actress award to Jamie Lee Curtis at the 95th Oscars went viral, and what it means for Black women in Hollywood. They then debate the misuse of the term "wokeness" in society. Segment 1: Angela Bassett's Viral Oscar Reaction - Jack Rico and Mike Sargent analyze Angela Bassett's loss to Jamie Lee Curtis in the Best Supporting Actress category at the 95th Academy Awards, which sparked renewed conversations about racism and bias in the Oscars. - They argue that the Academy's predominantly older white male membership has likely led to unequal opportunities for Black actors and films. - The discussion then focuses on the lack of visibility for Angela Bassett's Oscar campaign compared to Jamie Lee Curtis's and discusses the challenges Black actors and filmmakers face in the industry. Segment 2: The Misuse of "Wokeness" in Society - Mike and Jack discuss how the concept of "wokeness," which originated in the Black community to signify awareness of racial injustice, has been co-opted and weaponized by some conservatives. - They examine an interview where conservative author Bethany Mandel struggled to define "woke" and criticize it, revealing her ignorance about the term. - The hosts explore the fear some people have about acknowledging historical wrongs and shifts in power dynamics. - Mike provides a clear definition of "wokeness" and its roots in the African American community as a term for recognizing racial discrimination and prejudice.

Subscribe to Webby Honoree 'Brown & Black' on these platforms: YouTube youtube.com/@brownblackpodcast Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ZwbAZz​ iTunes: https://apple.co/32hShVT​ iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/32kX6h1​ Pandora: https://pdora.co/2DDeWS7​ TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2WpoKG2​

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In honor of Black History Month, we've joined forces with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to spotlight four iconic Black films from their extensive cinematic collection.

The concluding episode of our four-part podcast series, hosted by Jack Rico and Mike Sargent, delves into the musical biopic "Straight Outta Compton."

Episode Breakdown:

Segment 1: Cultural Significance of "Straight Outta Compton"

Jack and Mike provide an overview of the film, sharing personal reflections. They highlight its commercial success, grossing over $200 million globally and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The conversation expands to the film's resonance in discussions about police brutality, racial justice, and the societal impact of hip-hop and rap music.

Segment 2: Black Male Experience Watching "Straight Outta Compton"

Exploring the movie's influence on pop culture, mass appeal, and its portrayal of Black and Latino toxic masculinity. The hosts discuss the film's distinction as the highest-grossing work by an African American director, emphasizing the potent influence of music on society. Despite societal progress, the conversation acknowledges the persistent issue of police violence against Black individuals.

Segment 3: Deeper Conversation of "Straight Outta Compton"

A profound exploration of Black cultural appropriation and art's role in driving social change. The hosts address the commodification of Black culture with insufficient recognition of Black contributions. The discussion spans from historical figures like Nina Simone and Sam Cooke to contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover. The podcast also recognizes the contributions of Latino artists in the LA hip-hop scene.

Segment 4: Movie Conversation of "Straight Outta Compton"

Jack and Mike express astonishment at the film's limited award nominations, citing the 2016 Oscars as an example. Despite being nominated for Best Original Screenplay, the lead actors and director, all Black, were notably excluded. The hosts ponder the possibility of a Latino equivalent to "Straight Outta Compton," highlighting the contributions of Latino artists.

Segment 5: Bonus Features

Focusing on the film's bonus features, the hosts spotlight two notable ones. "Becoming NWA" offers an intimate look into the group's personal and artistic journey. Another featurette by director F. Gary Gray explores the film's expression of Black identity and trauma, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail in recreating the Rodney King riots. The hosts discuss the importance of understanding the motivation behind NWA's music.

How to redeem your Vudu code:

Redeem promo code "CelebrateBlackHistory" on Vudu.com between 2/11/23 to 3/2/23 to be able to purchase Do The Right Thing, Straight Outta Compton, Get Out, Girls Trip, and/or Queen & Slim at $7.50 each. After you redeem the promo code, you will find the offers here or by clicking the bell icon that appears when signed into your account.

Your ability to purchase the five movies on Vudu at $7.50 each will expire on 3/2/23 at 11:59 pm PT. Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. #UPHEPartner

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In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.

This week we take a closer look at 'Queen & Slim' by Lena Waithe and Afro-Latina Melina Matsoukas. We'll dive deep into its various elements and analyze it from different perspectives.

Episode Breakdown: Segment 1: The Cultural Significance of Queen & Slim In this segment, Mike, who follows writer #LenaWaithe and director #MelinaMatsoukas, was deeply moved by the film and its commentary on the Black experience in America. He felt the film showed the reality that Black people face, where they can have their lives at risk when they encounter police. Jack, who was less aware of the racial context in 2017, was moved by the film's beauty and aesthetics, but it became more powerful to him on the rewatch post-Floyd.

Segment 2: The Black Male Experience Watching Queen & Slim In this segment, Mike says that of all the films they have watched for #BlackHistoryMonth, this one had the most emotional impact on him. He expresses his fear as a Black person due to the countless videos of police brutality and violence against #Black people. Jack talks about how Slim represents the Black man who values family and home, while Queen is more detached from her family. They also explore the choices and challenges that Black men face in America, and how they shape their identity in the film.

Segment 3: The Deeper Conversation of Queen & Slim Mike reflects on the powerful and thought-provoking message of the film and how it's a protest art that reflects the times, how it's an ode to Blackness, and how it travels the racial psyche of America. He also highlights how the film makes him feel as a Black man, especially in light of the recent news of #TyreNichols. Jack shares his thoughts on the film, discussing how it made him feel as a #Latino in a system not designed for people of color. He reflects on his journey to understanding the plight of #BlackAmerica, admitting he once lived in a fantasy bubble not wanting to confront the dark history of this country.

Segment 4: The Movie Conversation of Queen & Slim In this segment, Jack and Mike discuss the various elements that make Queen & Slim excellent. They emphasize the writing and acting, particularly the dialogue between the two main characters. Mike touches on the political and social themes present in the film, highlighting the writer's understanding of the Black experience in #America. Jack also mentions the film's director, Melina Matsoukas, and her background as an #AfroLatina with a diverse cultural heritage. He highlights Matsoukas' use of fashion, photography, literature, class, society, and politics to create a glamor aesthetic in her films and believes Matsoukas is going to win an Oscar.

If you're a big fan of 'Queen & Slim,' join our discussions all month long.

Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. All films mentioned are available to own on Digital and Disc.

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In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.

In this second episode, we will deconstruct Malcolm D. Lee's rated R comedy hit "Girls Trip" and we have broken it down in several ways.

The Cultural and Social Significance of Girls Trip

The Black Male Experience Watching Girls Trip

The Deeper Conversation of Girls Trip

The Movie Conversation of Girls Trip

If you're a big fan of "Girls Trip," join our discussions all month long.

Sign up for the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. #Ad #UPHE

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In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.

In this first episode, we will deconstruct Jordan Peele's instant horror classic, "Get Out" and we have broken it down in several ways.

The Cultural and Social Significance of Get Out

The Black Experience Watching Get Out

The Deeper Conversation of Get Out

The Movie Conversation of Get Out

If you're a big fan of "Get Out," join our discussions all month long.

Sign up for the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. #Ad #UPHE

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Happy 2023! In this first episode of the year, Jack and Mike discuss three themes: cultural compromise, cultural appropriation, and cultural erasure. Cultural Compromise: They debate host Jerrod Carmichael's decision to sell out his morals and values for money and isn't that all of us?

"How much does it cost to sell your moral principles? Because that's what Carmichael did and the number was $500,000." - Jack Rico

Cultural Appropriation: They then discuss Gwen Stefani saying "I'm Japanese" and doubling down on it. "Stefani got roasted by Asian Press. These Japanese women bowing to her and, there are all these images you could call white supremacy." - Mike Sargent

Cultural Erasure: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee banning the term "Latinx" and whether it's important or not. "It's a joke law. It's not gonna hold Mike. So that's why I particularly don't take this seriously. And I don't think it's gonna go anywhere." - Jack Rico To listen to our podcast, subscribe on these platforms: YouTube youtube.com/@brownblackpodcast Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ZwbAZz​ iTunes: https://apple.co/32hShVT​ iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/32kX6h1​ Pandora: https://pdora.co/2DDeWS7​ TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2WpoKG2​

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In this episode, we discuss the controversial topics of code-switching, pivoting, and Brown and Black unity in a divisive world. We explore how these topics can be difficult to navigate in both intimate conversations in the workplace and your personal life. This episode is particularly special because it is our first virtual live podcast episode, which we recorded at the Men of Color event in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally, we were supposed to be there in person, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to "pivot" and go the virtual route. To listen to our podcast, subscribe on these platforms: iTunes: https://apple.co/32hShVT​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ZwbAZz​ iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/32kX6h1​ Pandora: https://pdora.co/2DDeWS7​ TuneIn: https://bit.ly/2WpoKG2​ Reach out to us: Follow us on YouTube youtube.com/@brownblackpodcast

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Happy Holidays everyone! In this episode, Mike and Jack reflect on how NYC restaurants have returned to normal except for its movie theaters and they offer some thoughts on why.

They also discuss the world's biggest event happening right now - the World Cup. And because we are America, race reared its ugly head at a USMNT press conference and we're all still talking about it. Jack and Mike dissect what an "American" is supposed to look like to the world in 2022. Also, listen to two white Americans speak to that same question, and how futból is becoming their preferred sport.

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