Majerli Becker

So this movie came out 11 years ago. It’s crazy to think how far we’ve all come since then because I loved this movie when it first came out. I just rewatched it and it’s absolutely soaked with stereotypes and white privilege. Extremely cringey stereotypes that are actually offensive. I understand that everyone is one their own journey, but it’s impossible to feel bad for someone who has the opportunity to travel the world and “find themselves”. And if the intention was to find herself, why would the movie end with meeting another guy? I also understand wanting to learn about other cultures but... I think the intention was to show what Liz learned as a result of this year long venture and she ultimately ended up... falling in love with someone who wasnt ultimately herself. I realized I am more interested in the cinematography than the actual story. Also an important aspect that many people here have noted... every piece of “good” advice she receives is from a man. Just.... no.

While this show was entertaining, I found it problematic from the beginning. Please be advised I did not read the book so I can't compare what I've seen to the original story but from what I have read on here, most people who have read the book don't seem very pleased. I mean I don't ever expect the movie or film adaptations to be as good as the books are in any situation. first of all, I don't understand why this takes place in 1997. Maybe thats better explained in the book so that's not a huge deal. BUT, like many of you I did not understand why Mia was being so mean and cold to Elena from the very beginning. Like, they were strangers so I didn't understand what the reason was. I thought it would explain her hostility and I mean it KIND of did. Like I get her being resentful of Elena asking her to do house work and thinking that because she's black is the only reason she asked her, but she was being cold to Elena before that. And the series just doesn't give an explanation for Mia's hostility. And if things like Izzy being gay or Mia's co worker showing up at the party demanding her baby weren't things that actually happened in the book, then thats absolutely insane. Those are essential aspects of the story here so it just makes me wonder what actually happened. but what really gets me is doesn't Hollywood pick these books up for actual adaptations because they like the story that was written? why does it have to be changed if the story that exists is a best seller? Never makes sense to me. I can't stand how both mothers constantly make remarks in regards to the ownership of their children. Like "MY daughter would NEVER..." or when kerry washington is screaming out the window in a dream "SHE BELONGS TO ME" like I understand loving your children can be a profound feeling but I cant stand this narrative we STILL foster where we think having some kind of ownership over our children and what they do and how they dress and who they like is socially acceptable. Additionally, I don't know if its really even the character or if it's kerry washington over-acting... Her facial expression are just too much in this, like so over dramatic like anyone who looks at her would think shes just disgusted with them or hates them. Realistically. I just don't think anything about anyones interaction with anyone in this is even realistic to be honest. Just my opinions. I could go on honestly. I think the show tries to tackle topics on race and class and just completely fails to do so in a way thats practical...