The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
This 1955 song is one of the best ever recorded
Written by Alex North and Hy Zaret in 1955, this song is one of the most iconic ever, with its influence spanning decades.
Originally performed by Todd Duncan, it has since been covered by over 670 artists in different languages, but The Righteous Brothers’ 1965 version brought it lasting fame.
Their rendition is often considered the definitive version, with its soaring vocals and emotional depth capturing listeners around the world.
The song’s emotional intensity, highlighted by its powerful high notes, continues to resonate with listeners.
On a video of the song, which has reached 76 million views, one fan even commented: “I swear I can feel the chills going up and down my back when he hits those high notes. I feel like crying knowing that this amazing man is gone.”
In addition to The Righteous Brothers, Elvis Presley also gave Unchained Melody a new dimension when he performed it live.
Elvis, known for his versatility and charisma, added his own emotional weight to the song during his later years, captivating audiences with his impassioned delivery.
His version has helped the song maintain its timeless appeal and secure a place in pop culture history.
Elvis’ impact on Unchained Melody cannot be overstated. His influence not only kept the song in the limelight but also expanded its reach to new audiences.
His live renditions became legendary, proving his unique ability to make any song his own.
Even today, both The Righteous Brothers’ and Elvis’ versions keep the song alive, making it one of the most beloved ballads of all time!
Leave a Reply