On the season finale of Sleepy Hollow, the talented and loved Nicole Beharie’s character was killed. Understandably, these things happen in television shows, death is a device that can serve great purpose to advance the plot, create suspense for the viewer, and change the circumstances of the other people on screen. However, die hard fandom members were of the opinion that this character death was motivated by something very different.

In the defense of this character and actress, that on a large scale is a representation of all black and PoC characters that shows decide to erase due to perceived expendability instead of in the name of good storytelling.  started #IAmAbbieMills. The point of the hashtag is for black women and others that connected with Beharie’s character to share how being represented on screen is about more than fandom, or vanity, but about worth.

Because black women are more than props

Because they are complex, multifaceted people deserving of respect

Because Black women inspire other Black women to be great

Because great characters tell stories, not premises

Responsible representation is no longer an option, it’s a necessity

#IAmAbbieMills could be written off as just another overreacting fandom, and the character’s death as a part of the way network television goes. But from the fan reaction, the behavior of the show’s executive office, and the quotes from the actress herself, it has to do with more than that. The argument has also been made that representation is not a real problem with little, to no, damaging effects on us as people. However, art imitates life, and vice versa. And the ideas/concepts portrayed on screen resonate with everyone, especially the youth. If television is just another place where black people and PoC’s get to hear and see that their lives mean less than others, the repercussions will matter whether you believe it or not. Rightfully so, Sleepy Hollow will have considerably less viewers should they come back for another season, hopefully they understand our value then.

What do you think about the hashtag #IAmAbbieMills and Fox’s Sleepy Hollow? Let us know in the comments.

Photo: Tumblr
Photo: Tumblr

READ NEXT: Sciences says Superman should be black and Twitter reacts