Last week, on The Young and the Restless, we got to see Amanda go off on Devon about cheating on her with Abby, while Y&R spoilers tease that Nate is preparing to have sex on Victoria’s desk…with Victoria. We have no problem with Amanda calling Devon out. Goodness knows, he deserves it. Just like we intend to be cheering Elena on when she finally confronts her cheating boyfriend. Our issue is a bit more nuanced. In an obvious sort of way.
Young and the Restless: Color Me Mine
Yes, we know that, technically, Devon (Bryton James) is Tucker’s (Trevor St. John) son and Kay’s (Jeanne Cooper) grandson. But he identifies as Black, and we are not going to challenge him on that. Amanda (Mishael Morgan) also identifies as Black, and the actress became the first Black woman to win the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress. Nate (Sean Dominic) identifies as Black. So does Elena (Brytni Sarpy). And then there are Abby (Melissa Ordway) and Victoria (Amelia Heinle).
Y&R: Bigger Than That
I do not have a problem with interracial relationships. I am IN an interracial relationship (25 years married this January). But it is because I am in an interracial relationship and have a daughter who identifies as African-American, that I am not…thrilled…with the message that Y&R has sent Black women over the past few weeks.
Two Black men cheat on two Black women with two White women, almost back to back. What conclusion are we supposed to draw from that about who is desirable, who is attractive, and who isn’t?
Young and the Restless Story Purposes
We understand that the story comes first. And cheating is a soap opera staple that predated Y&R’s 50th anniversary. Of course, all soap characters cheat. Victor (Eric Braeden) and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) have cheated on each other too many times to count. Nick (Joshua Morrow) is a serial cheater. So is Billy (Jason Thompson). So is Lily (Christel Khalil) and Sharon (Sharon Case) and Jill (Jess Walton).
It’s not the What. It’s the With Whom. And the How Often. And what it suggests. Y&R is setting up a pattern that doesn’t make anyone look good, especially the #1 show in daytime, which is only #1 due to its very diverse audience.
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. For an in-depth look at the show’s history, click here.
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