Bel-Air | Series arrives to discuss police violence, inequality and racism

Bel-Air, which is now available on Star+, proves to be more than a series, practically becoming a movement.

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Bel-Air recently arrived at Star + with all episodes available. Set in modern America, the platform-exclusive series presents a dramatic new look at protagonist Will's (Jabari Banks) life-changing journey, from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air, where he sees his life turn. upside down, encountering new challenges and prejudices in a world of wealth and aspiration.

Much more than entertainment, Bel-Air it is also a movement that brings important issues to the public. Check it out below:

Police violence

Will was a good student and also the star of the school's basketball team with a promising future. The young man decides to participate in a bet with drug dealers in the neighborhood where he lives, in West Philadelphia, and would win 2,000 dollars if he won. Otherwise, he would have to work for the gang. He ends up winning the game, but a fight causes Will to pull out a gun, shoot in the air, and then point the revolver at the boss of the dealers. The police arrive and end up arresting him and, at this moment, the police violence present in poor neighborhoods and predominantly black communities is presented with evidence.

The violent fact causes trauma to Will, who ends up not being able to play basketball anymore and has nightmares with flashes of the fateful night. Now with his fingerprints on his revolver and a war declared, he has his future sealed by two paths: jail or death.

Cultural shock

In production, the culture shock is perhaps even greater than in the original reboot series. Leaving his humble neighborhood to live with his uncles in one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Will comes across a grandiose house that, not even in his best dreams, he would believe he could one day live, making the social difference between the states clear. .

Rivalry

The well-known rivalry between cousins is also present. On a more serious note, Carlton (Olly Sholotan) can even be seen as a "villain" in the production, as he sees Will as a rival for his father's attention. To make matters worse, Carlton is addicted to cocaine and in love with Lisa (Simone Joy Jones), who also becomes Will's love interest. In addition, Carlton is content to be friends with young, rich whites, who make no point in not showing their racism.

Racism

Structural racism is explicitly demonstrated. The production presents, at different times, the tension that it is to be a young black man in an elitist white society that goes to great lengths to make Will not feel welcome, exploring racial and colorism issues.

Bel-Air is now available exclusively on Star+.

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