Insights into Racial Solidarity in Modern Storytelling
As I reflect on the arts landscape of 2025, it's evident that both film and theater have stepped into a unique spotlight, addressing the nuances of racial equality. This year, works across various formats, most notably Ryan Coogler's Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, paired with the iconic revival of Ragtime, have illuminated a path toward understanding what racial solidarity really entails.
Understanding the Artistic Landscape
My journey began with Sinners, which captivated audiences as it wove a narrative that transcended mere entertainment. Set in the 1930s, it tells the story of twin World War I veterans, Smoke and Stack, who endeavor to establish a juke joint amidst the harsh realities of Jim Crow America. Coogler's brilliant storytelling offers a fresh lens on racial dynamics during a tumultuous time, effectively marrying historical context with contemporary motifs of resilience.
The film does not merely present a struggle; it challenges us to consider who the true enemies are in the fight for equality. The titular character embodies the threats both from oppressive societal structures and from within—exemplified by the vampire Remmick, who poses a unique threat to their community.
“Oppression, he argues, can't be overcome in the here and now, but it links their eternal fates.”
Broadway's Revival: Asking Tough Questions
This year also welcomed a powerful revival of Ragtime, showcasing how the stories and struggles resonate even in today's context. Through Joshua Henry's portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr.—a Black pianist fighting against racial injustices—the production raises poignant questions about the journey toward solidarity.
What's striking is the evolution of the character Father, played by Colin Donnell. He represents a type of white liberal who struggles to navigate his beliefs amidst societal upheaval. As he observes the violence inflicted upon his Black peers, including the tragic demise of Sarah, we see a transformation brought forth not just by personal culpability but also by the weight of collective suffering.
The Catalyst for Change
One pivotal moment occurs when Coalhouse, amidst the violence, chooses to surrender himself, leading to an untimely demise that activates Father's awakening. In a chilling scene, the audience is reminded that progress often comes at an immense cost—an idea that forces us to reckon with the lengths to which art—theater, in this case—must reach to convey uncomfortable truths.
Film and TV: Different Mediums, Similar Themes
While Sinners and Ragtime offered distinct narratives through their respective forms, Anderson's One Battle After Another furthers the discourse. The film revolves around Pat Calhoun (Leonardo DiCaprio), a disillusioned white radical attempting to navigate life with his biracial daughter after her mother leaves. It dives deep into the pitfalls of white saviorism and the often uncomfortable burdens placed on Black characters to facilitate that transformation.
Pat's journey is marked by ineptitude—he's a man out of time, struggling to align his past radical ideals with the current socio-political landscape. This conflict is not merely a personal one; it reflects systemic failures in how we perceive activism and responsibility, revealing how erasure of Black contributions can negate progress altogether.
Television's Take: Challenging Norms
Similarly, Sterlin Harjo's latest Hulu drama, The Lowdown, offers a refreshing commentary through humor and critical insight into the archetypal white liberal. The series, following Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), interrogates the notion of allyship in a manner both comical and tragic. As he struggles with his intentions and the realities faced by the communities he tries to uplift, the show ultimately posits that true solidarity requires more than good intentions—it demands accountability and self-awareness.
In one pivotal episode, Lee's attempt to appear less of a cliché only serves to highlight his detachment from those he aims to support, as he unwittingly reveals a Native family's secret. It's a biting commentary on the missteps that too often characterize white involvement in racial justice movements.
The Bigger Picture: Navigating Race and Solidarity
What do these narratives collectively reveal about the state of racial solidarity in our time? As I sift through the layers, it's evident that while progress is being made, each work—itself a microcosm of broader societal issues—further complicates our understanding of allyship and identity. Are these stories merely reflective or do they provoke actionable change?
Indeed, the art forms are harmonizing to represent a pivotal moment that asks us hard questions about race and cooperation in America, challenging the audience not just to watch, but to actively participate in dialogues surrounding these themes.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we reflect on these artistic moments, we must consider how we can contribute to a culture that values real solidarity—beyond the confines of theater, film, and television. In a world teetering on cultural divides, perhaps the best question we can ask ourselves is:
“Who are the true friends in our pursuit of justice?”
Let's continue this conversation, probing deep into the narratives that shape our understanding of race and ultimately, our collective future.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/arts/tv-film-race-solidarity-sinners-ragtime-lowdown.html
