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The first episode opens with Robinsons character buying emergency contraception at a drugstore.
Vanessa Clifton via Getty Images
A lot of times when you do see sex-positive Black characters, theyre tragic for some reason.
Or they hate themselves, and thats why they have a robust sex life.
With the Plan B scene I wanted to saynoto that.
This is a 30-something woman.
This isnt a unique experience.
So many people, both men and women, want emergency contraception available for situations just like this.
And it was important to me that she didnt feel shame about it too.
But TV Phoebe is just like, Listen, this thing happened.
I want to handle it quickly and appropriately.
In that sense, the Plan B sceneokay, a condom broke, lets fix the situationseems almost revolutionary.
Entertainment is a way to start conversations and have discussions about divisive topics in a way that breeds empathy.
Were living in a time where theres a culture of, Im right.
The way that I choose to live is the only correct way to live.
But I want to challenge that by asking questions: What about this?
What are you not considering?
Were all in some way contributing to it, whether that be big ways or small ways.
And while the work is important, we should alsomake room for joy.
For Black women, in particular, I know how tough life can be for us.
How society has a very limiting understanding of what it means to be a Black woman.
How were not respected and treated as equals, yet were expected to save the day.
And were also expected to represent all Black women.
Can she have some fun?
Can she feel good?
The onus shouldnt be on us to just fix everything.
Is it okay for me to laugh for 30 minutes?
Am I not helping if Im feeling happy?
Because if you cant feel it, how are you going to spread it?
How are you going to create it?
In other words, everything may be extra trashy right now, but it really is okay.
