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'Friends' Co-Creator now wishes she made the show more diverse


COOOK

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berlinforme

I wish so too. But I also think that if it was a more diverse show, it might have been less likely that they could sell the idea to studio executives at the time. It's still like that sometimes. For Orange is the new Black they pitched it like the story would revolve around Piper Chapman, the basic white character, and eventually all other characters in that show are more interesting. Especially the POC storylines stand out and are so well written, lots of amazing origin stories. 

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Knife

What did she wish she knew? That non-white people exist, especially in NYC where Friends takes place?

Friends wanted to be the white Living Single. It's probably a good thing that there weren't many non-white characters on Friends because they'd probably be poorly-written stereotypes.

 

 

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COOOK
3 minutes ago, Knife said:

What did she wish she knew? That non-white people exist, especially in NYC where Friends takes place?

This. One top comment from that post: "Give them a break, how could they have known about black people in the 90’s" :ladyhaha:

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Head Empty

I've been rewatching the show for probably the 20th time, and as much as I adore it, it has quite a few social issues. Not just diversity, but also homophobic, sexist and transphobic "humor".

The point of view of the show is a sign of the time in which it was created. I don't think there was any ill intent, but it's problematic nonetheless. In my opinion it seriously taints it as an otherwise timeless show.

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Red

Then make a diverse reboot :) 

If you see me posting like crazy, I'm either bored or procrastinating.
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A Hybrid
3 minutes ago, Red said:

Then make a diverse reboot :) 

lol please no, we've had so many better comedies over the past 10 years with creative ideas (Community, The Good Place) with diverse characters we don't need a reboot of the most basic plot for a sitcom

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Forced diversity can really hurt a show if not done properly. I think the show felt natural tbh, and they did have some side characters from different races and sexualities. 

And while some of the humour can be considered problematic today, Id prefer those times when you could make healthy jokes about different stuff than nowadays where even the slightest deviation from political correctess turns into a turmoil.

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Azor Ahai
6 minutes ago, Adakam said:

Forced diversity can really hurt a show if not done properly. I think the show felt natural tbh, and they did have some side characters from different races and sexualities. 

And while some of the humour can be considered problematic today, Id prefer those times when you could make healthy jokes about different stuff than nowadays where even the slightest deviation from political correctess turns into a turmoil.

No such thing as forced diversity. 

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Shouldn't have to sorry. Nice sentiment though. There was very few coloured characters in the show, but Rhonda was FAB! 🤣👏🏼 forced diversity can be a problem. They should take in to consideration the storyline of the show, the setting and the actual talent and capability of the actor them self. 

Done with everyone saying the show was homophobic too. The show came out in a very different time and we even lucky gays were even mentioned in the show so freely and in a light manner like it did in the 90s. 

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Dramatica

A show where the only LGBTQ+ character is Chandler's transgender father who is made fun of all the time. Where Monica's past obesity is laughed about, and the one non-white character (Charlie) appeared on the season finale as Ross's ephemeral girlfriend.

Didn't she know back then that LGBTQ+, POC are not a joke?

Heck, even Phoebe's vegetarianism is made fun of.

Call it "Basic Stereotypes" instead of "Friends"

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1 minute ago, Azor Ahai said:

No such thing as forced diversity. 

Oh yes there is. Sometimes it can be too much. I did not see the point in a black Annie for example. Annie has ginger her and she's white. They stripped any of her ginger essence just to satisfy forced diversity. 
I agree with more diversity though and so many of my favourite black actors and directors have missed out on well deserved awards and even nominations over the years :(

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