Each episode presents a universal situation that pushes a particular issue of culture within the African-American community. Ultimately, the situation presses the question: What does it means to be black?
Black-ish doesn't serve up the images and situations familiar to black poverty -- images that American consumers crave. Rather, Barris uncovers the truth of a class of black families barred from mass media since The Cosby Show.
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Black-ish is a departure from buffoonery and gangstas, unless it consciously takes a dig at the stereotypes. It is a much-needed peek at African-American humanity. These are the conversations we have around the dinner table at night. When poverty is removed from the equation, these are the human and cultural concerns that rise to the surface in our families.