Intro to Atlanta Revisited: Trash & Theory Issue No. 9
A Love Letter, A Side-Eye, and a Cultural Rewatch Party; Shout out to Donald Glover
Grab your popcorn, pour your drink, spark your sage—or your blunt if that’s your ministry—and get comfortable. We’re heading back to Atlanta!
No, not Hartsfield-Jackson or the AUC homecoming, I'm talking about Donald Glover’s surreal, sharp, sometimes shady, always conversation-starting FX series that made us laugh, side-eye, rewind, and Google “was that really based on a true story?”
Let me start this off by keeping it real: I’ve been very critical of Donald Glover and his ongoing “Where the Black women at?” cinematic universe. Specifically, I’ve long clocked the absence, or worse, the occasional convenient erasure, of phenotypically Black women in his creative world. Also, it seems that his real-life views on Black women have played a major role in how he chooses to depict Black women, overall.
Either way, I said what I said, and apparently, many agreed. That piece was one of my first big essays on Medium, and the response told me two things: 1) I wasn't the only one who noticed, and 2) y’all were ready for a little sociological smoke. Anyhow, if you haven’t yet read “Addressing Donald Glover and His ‘Fear’ of Black Women,” now is as good a time as any!
Now, being a Black woman who is unapologetically pro-Black woman means I live in a constant state of cultural negotiation. Separating the art from the artist isn’t just a hobby; it’s a survival skill. Because if I only consumed media from people who loved us loudly, consistently, and without condition? I'd be left with...maybe Queen Sugar reruns and Solange music videos.
Forever I Love Atlanta
But here’s the twist: I still love Atlanta.
As a storyteller, the series has inspired me deeply. Glover’s willingness to get weird, to make you laugh one second and stare into the existential void the next, is part of what makes Atlanta such a uniquely Black, uniquely brilliant piece of television.
It’s a show that isn’t afraid to ask the strange questions or take the scenic route to the point, and I respect the hell out of that! So, in true Trash & Theory fashion, I figured it’s time to run it back.
Not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because Atlanta is layered. In my humble opinion, it all but demands a revisit. From the invisible car at the club (yes, we’ll talk about it) to the "Teddy Perkins" horror show that had us clutching our pearls and Googling Michael Jackson theories, there’s so much to unpack.
Not to mention the FUBU episode that cracked open every Black millennial's middle school trauma and the “White Fashion House Race Workshop” arc that had me screaming, crying, and cackling in equal measure.
This series is for those of us who love mess and meaning, those who want to laugh but also need to process, and those who can praise an episode’s genius while still clocking who’s missing from the room.
Some Quick Theory
Now, I don’t want to get too in-depth in terms of theory in this issue, as I’m really just trying to get you guys hyped to watch Atlanta with me. But, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out why such campaigns are so important.
🎥 Cultivation Theory (Gerbner, 1970s)
Core Idea:
Over time, long-term exposure to television (and by extension, all media) subtly "cultivates" viewers' perceptions of reality. The more people consume media, the more likely they are to adopt the media's portrayals of the world as their own worldview.
In Sociological Terms:
Cultivation Theory explains how media becomes an agent of socialization, shaping norms, beliefs, values, and even moral judgments. It's especially powerful in how it constructs perceptions of race, gender, violence, success, and "normal" behavior.
🧠 Key Concepts:
Mean World Syndrome: Heavy TV watchers may start to believe the world is more dangerous than it actually is because of overexposure to violent or sensational content.
Mainstreaming: The Media reduces cultural diversity by homogenizing viewpoints across social groups.
Resonance: If someone’s real-life experiences mirror media depictions (e.g., violence), the media’s message hits harder and reinforces that perception.
✨ Why It Matters for Pop Culture Commentary:
If you’re writing about shows like Atlanta, Euphoria, or The Bachelor, Cultivation Theory can help explain why audiences start internalizing certain stereotypes or romanticizing dysfunction. It also helps you explore why representation matters because repetition shapes reality.
Let’s Binge, Baby!
So yes, consider this your official invite to the Atlanta Revisited binge-a-thon. [If you haven’t yet watched it or are ready to re-binge, Amazon has entire seasons for sale for $9.99. Click the link and start watching right now!]
Whether it’s your first time watching or your fourth time decoding Van’s solo adventures in Europe, this is a judgment-free zone. Well...unless you're still defending Teddy Perkins. Then we might need to have a sidebar.
Oh yeah, and let me not forget to plug my Atlanta Binge-a-thon Prep Kit! I scoured Amazon for the most Atlanta-friendly products to make this experience unforgettable. I added everything from relevant books to alligator slippers—IYKYK!
The vibes are intellectual meets internet after dark. Come for the pop culture, stay for the theory. Pull up a seat, bring a snack, and let’s revisit this show that gave us everything from absurdity to authenticity. I promise to bring the jokes, the receipts, and the reminders of who gets centered (and who doesn’t) in the stories we call iconic.
We’re going back to Atlanta, baby. You in?
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