calls for civility, moderation, and calm rational discourse are a part of white supremacy and patriarchy. the white ‘feminists’ who write for #theboldtype recognize this when it’s men telling white women to calm down, etc. a whole brand is made out of unapologetic white feminism.

but the racism in these ideals is never dealt with and instead pushed onto women of color. both Kat and Adena become the women who are too loud in their identities and politics, too passionate about things that effect them deeply, too unaccommodating.

these views have circulated and snuck up in the writing here and there for a while, but are now blatantly personified in the character of Ava and how Kat is forced to interact with her, as Ava sets the terms and is portrayed positively while doing so.

Kat, the Black lead, is portrayed as too passionate, angry, and impulsive—something she’s been for a while and now finally needs to learn a lesson and mature. this is violent. this is not ‘feel good’ tv for people who identify with Kat.

and then Ava stands against everything that Adena stood for, in her politics and how she expresses herself in the world. and Adena hasn’t even been mentioned for 4 episodes. after being sidelined and villianized in the first half of the season.

and now Kat is portrayed as attracted to Ava, the white conservative. and Adena, the Persian immigrant Muslim woman and Kat’s first love, is nowhere to be seen or heard of. the message to fans is loud and clear. so yes, we’re gonna be angry and shout down this story.