black-ish season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
Andre Johnson, a successful black man, navigates the complexities of maintaining his cultural identity while living in a predominantly white neighborhood and working at Stevens & Lido, where he's promoted to SVP of the "urban division." At home, he grapples with his children's cultural assimilation and his own role in a corporate world that may stereotype him. After enforcing a strict cultural policy at home, he realizes the importance of authentic representation and blends his family's heritage with their modern lifestyle, culminating in a unique "Hip-Hop Bro Mitzvah" for his son.
Full Episode S01E01 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andre Johnson?
Andre Johnson is a successful black man, living with his mixed-race wife Rainbow, four kids, and his father.
What is Andre's perception of his neighborhood?
Andre feels cultural dissonance in his affluent, predominantly white neighborhood, feeling like black culture is being appropriated and renamed as "urban."
What is Andre's professional aspiration?
Andre aspires to become the first black Senior Vice President (SVP) at his company, Stevens & Lido.
How does Junior's choice of sport lead to a discussion about cultural identity?
Junior's choice to play field hockey, a sport perceived as atypical for his background, sparks a discussion about cultural expectations and identity within the family.
What unique position is Andre promoted to at work?
Andre is promoted to the new SVP of the "urban division" at Stevens & Lido.
What concerns does Andre have about his promotion?
Andre is concerned that his promotion to head the "urban division" is a form of stereotyping or pigeonholing, limiting him to "black stuff."
How does the family react to Andre's promotion?
The family celebrates Andre's promotion, but the discussion quickly turns to the implications of achieving success in a corporate environment and the potential loss of cultural identity.
What policy does Andre enforce at home regarding cultural identity?
Andre enforces a "keeping it real" policy, demanding his family embrace their black identity more strongly.
How does Andre's attempt to "keep it real" at work turn out?
Andre's attempt to "keep it real" at work backfires, potentially jeopardizing his job.
What does Rainbow confront Andre about?
Rainbow confronts Andre about the extremes he's going to in order to enforce black culture, highlighting the impracticality of his approach.
How does the family resolve the tension about cultural identity?
The family hosts a "Hip-Hop Bro Mitzvah" for Junior, blending their cultural heritage with their current lifestyle, and Andre realizes the importance of authenticity over forced cultural adherence.