Ralph Angel's character on Queen Sugar helps to humanize a certain type of Black man. The type of Black man who isn't represented in the media as a human being with any real layers or depth. Black men like Ralph Angel-who are former felons, with no degrees, traditional work experiences or skills are often scrutinized and usually depicted as angry, barbaric, unintelligent, one dimensional, emotionally inept creatures.

What Ava DuVernay so beautifully captures with Ralph Angel's character is his ability to dream and want the same things most of us (both men and women) desire for our lives as part of this American Dream we're all so desperately in search of. She brilliantly highlights Ralph Angel's evolution as he challenges his own ability to restore the relationships in his life and improve upon them. The first of those relationships being the one with his son. His compassion and love for his son is the very first thing that humanizes him. In a society where we are often socialized or conditioned to believe that most Black men cannot or will not commit to loving and supporting their children as fiercely as the Black woman- we see just the opposite with Ralph Angel. As the custodial parent in Season 1 we watch him evolve as a father, inserting himself in Blue's life not only as a provider and protector but also as a supporter of Blue's potential exploration with self identity, through his attachment to a Barbie doll named Kenya. Ralph Angel does not project his own feelings or judgments onto Blue, instead he provides Blue with support and love and he fights fiercely to maintain a shield of protection for Blue as he navigates through the world.

We see the first real example of this support and protection during a scene in season two when Ralph orders two ice cream sundaes for Blue and his doll Kenya during a family outing. When a waiter confidently suggests that Blue play with a Transformer instead of his beloved doll, Ralph Angel instinctively orders the ice cream for both Blue and Kenya which reaffirms Blue and silently challenges the waiter's ideals. We watch as Ralph treats Blue with gentleness and respects his decision to play with Kenya and most importantly, we watch him challenge anyone who disrespects or dismisses Blue's choice of playmate even when it's Blue's own mother.

This isn't something we see typically of Black men and their interactions with their sons- specifically on screen. What we tend to see, is the perpetuation of hyper masculinity, an emphasis on physical strength and "toughness," a lack of vulnerability and emotional intelligence but most commonly, we see disappointment and shame in the eyes of fathers who discover that their sons would prefer to play with dolls instead of trucks. "I just want to let him do what he wants to do- be who he wants to be" were the words Ralph Angel so passionately uttered as he discussed Blue with an old neighborhood friend in a more recent episode. We then learn that said friend is a transgender male turned police officer who Ralph Angel also "protected and defended" throughout their youth. This is the type of compassion and open mindedness that we don't often see portrayed of black men. Ralph Angel is an imperfect being, but what he represents is a multidimensional person with very deep layers and complexities that force him to be more introspective. And as he tries to be better for himself and his family, we see him stumble and can't help but wonder how DuVernay will continue to build onto his storyline. His character on television is extremely necessary and important, we're excited to see how he evolves.

Aminathegreat

Writing since July 2017 · 2 stories contributed