*Hyuck, Hyuck* Goofy with a Purpose: The Blackest Job Ever & It's Profound Impact; A Palate Pleaser
Inspired by Alex Lewis's piece titled, A Study in Showing Up.
Welcome to "Palette Pleaser," the corner of "THE BLK PRSPCTV (BLACK PERSPECTIVE with no vowels), formerly BLACK ART BITES, where I explore all things creative and cool. This segment is part exercise, part working my writing muscle, and part a personal diary. Join me as I share my insights, reflections, and musings on the brilliance that shapes our culture.
Let’s Get It
I posted a note saying I need to rewatch “the goofy” episode of Atlanta, as I like to call it after someone tweeted a photo of “Thomas Washington” as a joke about “Black Jobs.” We all have the orange man (The Trumpster) to thank for uttering this nonsense statement because what the hell is a Black Job??!?!?
You know how Black people do, though: We take things and turn them into comedy. After reading and watching TikToks about our Black Jobs, I laughed for a good hour.
My Why:
After reading ’ “A Study in Showing Up,” a couple of weeks ago. I was inspired to give my LIKKLE TWO CENTS on “The Goof Who Sat By The Door,” one of the best episodes (in my opinion) of the show Atlanta.
Alex’s piece centers around The Bear and highlights one of the show's episodes focusing on Marcus (played by Loiter Squad’s own Lionel Boyce). Alex uses Marcus’s episode to discuss getting lost in your art and what the episode also taught him about openness.
After saying I would rewatch the goofy episode of Atlanta, I decided to jot down some thoughts. Below are bits and pieces of what I thought while rewatching the episode.
Also, read “A Study in Showing Up;” it’s really good!
A Head Nod to History
First, the title, "The Goof Who Sat by the Door," is a tongue-in-cheek take on the name of Sam Greenlee's novel turned movie, The Spook Who Sat by the Door. The Spook Who Sat by the Door is a book about a Black man, Dan Freeman, who was recruited as the first Black CIA agent. He soaks up all the knowledge and techniques that he can and then resigns to return to his hometown.
His goal? He intends to apply the knowledge he learned to help Black communities fight their oppression. It's an action-social commentary hybrid in which Freeman turns his covert skills into a revolutionary movement for Black empowerment.
Do You Want A Revolution?
The book is considered a revolutionary novel on race relations and Black empowerment, and Atlanta paid respect to it by sprinkling the struggles of Black people into its narrative.
It's almost like a love note to the movement for civil rights, which was covered in insane antics, as one would find in a mockumentary.
Thomas Washington: The Ultimate Fake-Out
As is usual for Atlanta, this episode is our first time meeting the legendary Thomas Washington, America's first Black CEO of Disney, and LORD LORD I was fooled. I Googled this man, thinking he was real.
Washington's satire-dripped story perfectly combines the ridiculous with the serious.
Additionally, Washington was on a quest to make the "Blackest movie ever made," a Goofy Movie. The most important part isn't just about animation; it's about resistance, at its very core; in other words, giving the man the middle finger.
Why Thomas Washington's Job is the "Blackest Job Ever"
What is wild about this episode is that Washington only gets this job because of a name mix-up (they mix him up with a WHITE man named Thompson “Tom” Washington). Despite the error (lol, which also highlights another issue regarding HR, not knowing staff. I could go on and on about this), he does not waste this opportunity once he gets his foot in the door.
1. Breaking Stereotypes:
Once he gains access to the kingdom, Washington is like a kid in a candy store. Disney's executive suite historically lacks seasoning. Whatever the case, Washington kicks the door open and takes names.
Yes, Black folks can run the House of Mouse.
2. For the Culture
Making A Goofy Movie the "Blackest movie of all time" is peak Black excellence (I am trying hard to stop saying this; I need a new phrase). Washington gives us soul food animatedly, with Goofy and Max repping the culture right.
3. Representation Matters:
Washington isn’t just the CEO; he's the MVP of visibility. As if it weren't enough to be the face of Disney, it says: "Y'all see this? We're here, we're in charge, and we're fabulous." It shows Black people that the top isn't for a few chosen people; it's for anyone who dares to dream big.
4. Y’all Don’t Hear Me, Though:
This episode of Atlanta is not just about satire; it is a statement: "Hey, Hollywood, wake up!" Who better to show that than a man determined to make Disney's goofiest movie the Blackest one too?
The Weight of Change: A Cautionary Tale
Now, let me be real for a second. The ending of "The Goof Who Sat by the Door" gives you a glimpse into the other side of being at the forefront of change. It warns us about the immense burden on the person attempting to change the world. Thomas Washington's journey shows us how, while making groundbreaking strides is powerful, it's also incredibly straining. An entire community of hopes and dreams is riding on his shoulders, which is a lot of pressure.
It reminds us once again that, for a trailblazer, there is a price to pay: carrying on his or her back those who come before and leading the way for those coming afterward. Sure enough, this is not an easy task.
Systemic change requires courage, resilience, a support system, and recognition of the toll on people at the forefront of change.
Final Thoughts:
"The Goof Who Sat by the Door" is more than just an episode; it's a statement. It speaks boldly of race, identity, and resistance. It challenges one to view truth critically, reflect upon the world as it is, and see things from that vantage point.
This is art at its finest in social commentary form.
*Hyuck, Hyuck*
Until next time,
Stay bold, stay brilliant, and remember, as Jay-Z says, You could be anywhere in the world, but you're here with me. I appreciate that!
With love & creativity
-Shadé
I’m still trippin over how dope this is. Thank you for shouting me out. I love that episode so much. Now, I gotta go back and rewatch it.
🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽.