Understanding the Controversial Title ‘Orange Is the New Black’

The title 'Orange Is the New Black' (referred to hereafter as OITNB) has sparked considerable debate, including accusations of inherent racial insensitivity. This article aims to clarify any misconceptions and explore the nuanced meaning behind the title.

Overview of the Show and Controversy

Orange Is the New Black is an American Netflix original series that premiered in 2013. The show focuses on Piper Chapman, a young white woman serving a prison sentence for drug possession, as she navigates the corrections system and meets an ensemble of diverse inmates. The title OITNB has been the subject of numerous discussions, many of which revolve around the potential racial undertones it may carry.

Response to Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the title of the show is intentionally racist. This perception is based on an interpretation of the title as a comparison between the prison system and the historical oppression faced by Black individuals in the United States. However, this is a misunderstanding of the title's intention and context.

Key Misconception 1: The Title is Racist

Q: "It’s a title and it is intentionally racist - therefore it is saying what people don’t want to be said – that the slavery of the jail system is parallel and intentional continuation of the pre-Civil war state of Black people in the United States. The 13th Amendment ensured that. The title is a bold assertion of intentional racism."

A: Not at all. These colors are not referring to skin types. Orange refers to the prison uniform and black is a generic color often worn.

The title 'Orange Is the New Black' does not intend to make a direct racial comparison. It is a compilation of color references rather than a commentary on racial issues. The color orange is commonly associated with prison uniforms, while the color black represents a generic shade frequently worn by the characters in the show.

Key Misconception 2: The Title Uses Racial Allusion

Q: "Nope. Its wordplay. The ‘orange’ in the title refers to the color of correctional uniforms the female inmates wear in the show. The ‘is the new black’ is a fashion reference denoting the new hot thing."

A: Not even remotely. That would require it to allude to race at least once.

The title 'Orange Is the New Black' is a clever wordplay that borrows from both prison contexts and fashion trends, but does not make specific references to race. It draws attention to the prevalence of orange in prison settings, juxtaposed with the more fashion-forward black color. The title is more about highlighting the color differences and commonalities in the fashion choices of the inmates rather than making a racial commentary.

Key Misconception 3: Racial Implications of Prison Uniforms

Q: "No. It’s not at all racist because here the colors are not referring to skin types. Some people say it’s because prison uniform is normally orange although not in the show funny enough and so very common in this show. Black is a very common if not the most common colour and is worn very often. Thus orange is the new common colour: orange is the new black."

A: So no not racist.

The assertion that the title is not racist is accurate. While prison uniforms might often be orange, the title OITNB does not intend to reference or perpetuate racism. The focus is on the prevalence of the color in the show's context rather than in a broader sense of racial implications. The show makes a point to highlight the uniformity and commonality of these colors, which represents a slice of life within the prison system rather than a commentary on racial disparities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the title 'Orange Is the New Black' is a creative and clever choice that has been misunderstood by some viewers. The title is not intended to be a commentary on race but rather a reflection of the color choices and commonalities within the prison setting. The color references make the title memorable and engaging, rather than offensive or racist. This understanding helps in viewing the show and its title in a more nuanced and informed light.