Launch HN: BlackOakTV (YC S21) – Netflix for black people

Post by Veen » Fri, Aug 06, 2021, 4:11 PM UTC

Uzo0312 wrote: post #96

kitcar wrote: post #35

Out of curiosity - you mention that in the 90's there were a number of TV shows featuring prominent black characters but there isn't anymore. Why did you decide the solution to that problem was to create a black-focused distribution platform, instead of production company focused on creating new shows of similar quality to those in the 90's - has something changed about the market that would prevent shows like those…

That's a great point. I think both things probably need to be done. We took the distribution route, because ultimately we believe it's the direct relationship with the consumer that will allow for this to work. As a production company, you're a step away from the end-user, so you're at the mercy of a distribution company that has more than just the black audience to worry about. But if a company is solely focused on…

Post by skyde » Fri, Aug 06, 2021, 4:12 PM UTC

rory wrote: post #231

kitcar wrote: post #35

Out of curiosity - you mention that in the 90's there were a number of TV shows featuring prominent black characters but there isn't anymore. Why did you decide the solution to that problem was to create a black-focused distribution platform, instead of production company focused on creating new shows of similar quality to those in the 90's - has something changed about the market that would prevent shows like those…

Subjectively-- many of the best "black" shows in the 90s were in the Traditional Sitcom category-- Fresh Prince, Martin, Family Matters, Steve Harvey show, etc.. Even though they touched on black issues, 80% of the shows' content was "typical American experience". Perhaps the niche-ification of streamed content has resulted in Black shows that don't feel relevant to non-black people. And since the majority don't feel…

Post by menzoic » Fri, Aug 06, 2021, 4:13 PM UTC

weimerica wrote: post #314

warent wrote: post #277

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem is that white Americans don't have the same American experience as black Americans, which is where the divide comes from and it creates another culture. It's been getting a lot better, but there are still two legal systems, two education systems, etc. My perspective as a white man is that when black people create something for themselves like this, it's reclaiming the power. Like how they use the N word w…

> The problem is that white Americans don't have the same American experience as black Americans, which is where the divide comes from and it creates another culture. It's been getting a lot better, but there are still two legal systems, two education systems, etc. It's really more about how much money you have in your pocket, what neighborhood you're in - but please continue driving a racial wedge to further divide…

Post by brodouevencode » Fri, Aug 06, 2021, 4:14 PM UTC

tptacek wrote: post #413

brodouevencode wrote: post #256

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> It's African Americans put in the situation of Friends, and then living their own similar-but-unique story in that situation, informed by cultural differences. (IMHO, it's also a helluva lot better of a show) Living Single was a good show because, unlike Friends, it was actually funny. > That kind of... stopped. Once TV got homogenized and distributors realized that African American viewers would watch shows about…

Building bridges between communities is good, but it isn't the singular goal of storytelling. There are plenty of stories to tell that aren't wrapped tightly around the mission of making Black people seem cheerful and unthreatening to America, just like there are plenty of stories to tell about about Irish people that are about the complexity of Irish people just as human beings with human stories that happen to feat…

Post by imbnwa » Fri, Aug 06, 2021, 4:14 PM UTC

disneygibson wrote: post #447

imbnwa wrote: post #406

Earlier quoted context omitted.

FYI in 1900 it was illegal for Black folk to occupy the same commercial spaces as European Americans, and were relegated to designated areas in many public spaces, and that wasn't because Black folk wanted to, or imposed that law. Your "melting pot" interpretation concretely just means "they should not be different or receive different things than me".

Your "melting pot" interpretation concretely just means "they should not be different or receive different things than me" No, it doesn’t, and that makes no sense. The melting pot idea means that everyone works toward a cohesive national identity and recognizes contributions from everyone. It doesn’t mean that every group should be separate and excluded from each other.