I've been watching this show casually for the nostalgia and was really surprised that only 6 episodes in they tackled racism and white privilege/ignorance. This was a gentle episode to begin introducing children to the idea of personal experience and racism in America; it's not scary, they manage to avoid making Janie seem 'othered', and it ends the episode on a note that allows parents to continue the conversation in their own way.
In this episode, the kids all fall in love with a song by a (white) artist, Vic. Harriet's dad gets them backstage tickets to a show where they discover that Vic's song was actually written by his black guitarist, Redd. Harriet wants to tell Vic off for how unfair that is and how Redd deserves more credit (and money) for his work. Janie intervenes, pointing out that this aggressive tactic could have negative consequences for Redd. Harriet can't understand this line of thinking and is sure that wouldn't happen, resulting in her and Janie getting into an argument and parting ways.
In the end, Harriet goes to talk to her dad who supports Janie's conclusion. He goes one step further and he tells Harriet it's her job as Janie's friend to listen when Janie talks about her feelings and experiences. That Harriet should be open and believe her and Janie is the only one who can speak to her own experiences.
The episode ends with the two girls listening to Redd's self released album and saying there will be a lot more to talk about later but for now (ect friendship). It leaves the door open for parents to continue the discussion with their kids in the way that works best for them and their experience.
Overall a solid episode on introducing social issues to kids.
In this episode, the kids all fall in love with a song by a (white) artist, Vic. Harriet's dad gets them backstage tickets to a show where they discover that Vic's song was actually written by his black guitarist, Redd. Harriet wants to tell Vic off for how unfair that is and how Redd deserves more credit (and money) for his work. Janie intervenes, pointing out that this aggressive tactic could have negative consequences for Redd. Harriet can't understand this line of thinking and is sure that wouldn't happen, resulting in her and Janie getting into an argument and parting ways.
In the end, Harriet goes to talk to her dad who supports Janie's conclusion. He goes one step further and he tells Harriet it's her job as Janie's friend to listen when Janie talks about her feelings and experiences. That Harriet should be open and believe her and Janie is the only one who can speak to her own experiences.
The episode ends with the two girls listening to Redd's self released album and saying there will be a lot more to talk about later but for now (ect friendship). It leaves the door open for parents to continue the discussion with their kids in the way that works best for them and their experience.
Overall a solid episode on introducing social issues to kids.