Why Did They Remove the Cosplay Episode from Community?

The removal of the DD episode from the beloved TV series Community has sparked a significant conversation about the entertainment industry's approach to revisiting and reevaluating older content. This decision reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry aimed at reassessing older content for potentially problematic themes or portrayals, with a focus on creating a more culturally sensitive viewing experience. While the episode is treasured by many fans for its humor and creativity, the decision to remove it highlights the complexities of addressing past content in today's cultural climate.

Who is "They"?

The episode in question has not been banned or removed by its creators or any governing body. You can still watch it on Amazon Prime or purchase it on DVD from retailers like Walmart. Minor streaming services like Netflix made the business decision not to carry the episode due to concerns that the portrayal of a character as a drow (a dark elf in Dungeons and Dragons) might be perceived as blackface by some viewers. The company believed that the potential confusion and backlash outweighed the benefits of including the episode on their service.

Why Was the Episode Removed?

The episode was removed from streaming services due to concerns over the portrayal of the Drow character, with the character's representation being key to the controversy. Drow elves, as depicted in the show, have literal black skin, not deep brown. Additionally, they are a fictional race. The actor portraying this race triggered controversy, with the use of black skin makeup raising issues of cultural appropriation and offensive representation.

One of the main reasons for the episode's removal is the inappropriate use of blackface makeup. Chang, a character in the episode, applied a significant amount of dark makeup to resemble a dark elf. This portrayal is viewed as cringe humor and embarrassment rather than comedy. The rest of the characters in the show react negatively, further emphasizing the inappropriateness of the scene.

The episode's removal came in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, a time when society is more acutely aware of issues related to racial sensitivity and representation. Some see the removal as a pragmatic decision that, while uncomfortable, could prevent further backlash and protect the brand's reputation.

Future of the Episode

It is unlikely that the episode will return to streaming services. If it does appear on DVD or in syndication, it will likely come with a content warning. The arrival of the episode on these platforms will also likely be low-key to minimize unnecessary controversy and focus on its artistic merit.

Conclusion

The removal of the DD episode from Community reflects the industry's ongoing efforts to address past content that may be considered problematic. While this decision may be seen as a setback for fans of the episode, it also represents an important step in creating a more culturally sensitive and inclusive media landscape.