Since its inception, Orange is the New Black has captivated viewers and challenged many stereotypes and generalizations. In fact, it has even received the distinction of being one of the most popular series on Netflix. This can be attributed to the show’s incorporation of certain key elements.

One component that serves the show quite well is its willingness to include secondary characters in major plots. Although this frequently occurs throughout the show, this characteristic does not divert the audience’s attention away from the show’s protagonist, Piper. In the first few episodes of the opening season, Piper engages in a conflict with Red, a character of a lesser role. Throughout this dilemma, several flashbacks of Red are depicted , and she also appears more often in the aforementioned stretch of shows than in latter ones. In like manner, the show gives the audience the opportunity to better comprehend the personalities of such figures. With the amount and variety of secondary characters that are highlighted, the chances of viewers becoming attached to specific characters increases significantly.

In addition to giving supporting figures large platforms, the show also connects the audience to its characters by employing a somewhat diverse cast. Although the show features women heavily, it does make an effort to portray characters belonging to other minority groups. Some of the represented groups include the Hispanic, African American, and the LGBTQIA communities. Through these groups, the show evokes a sense of inclusion for those that identify with them, and thus speaks to a wider range of viewers.

Perhaps, the most instrumental aspect in the show’s success is its use of realistic plots. Often, these plots expound upon occurrences in society that are currently relevant. One particular instance of this is displayed in the storyline where Daya, a female inmate develops an intimate relationship with one of the corrections officers. Although events such as these are rarely discussed, they have become more common in recent years with the rise in prison populations across the country. Additionally, the show addresses the experience that some individuals endure when transitioning into prison for the first time. This is mainly seen through the lens of the featured protagonist Piper, who struggles with this reality in the show’s first season but adjusts to it in subsequent seasons. Lastly, the sentiments and emotions that families go through when a loved one is incarcerated is also displayed, especially with Piper’s family. This is shown effectively during earlier episodes, with some of Piper’s family members, who surround themselves with objects that bring her to their memory.

Piper and her Fiance getting used to seeing each other in a prison setting

For the last few years, Orange is the New Black has cemented its stance within the minds of its followers and even popular culture. The vast number of viewers that Orange is the New Black attracts suggests that there are some components within it that keep people captivated. With the trajectory that Orange is the New Black seems to be on, it is almost inevitable that the show will have a large cult following after its conclusion.

For this free blog post, I am going to evaluate how Fresh Off the Boat deals with issues regarding sexual harassment because this episode revolves around sexual harassment.

Eddie, who is Asian, is often excluded from things at school by the other kids. He is finally invited to a sleepover when the other kids heard about he touched the butt of an attractive woman (without her permission). At the sleepover, they plan on looking at a dirty magazine. Eddie, when he is unable to go to the sleepover because his mom wants him to have it at their house, tells the boys that he has a dirty movie. This instance shows how women are sexualized very early on by boys. Their social status revolves around their ability to do so. When Eddie is unable to steal a dirty movie, he ends up asking a girl to film her while she washes a car. This is another instance where he sexual harasses a girl in order for social status. Instead he uses a sexual harassment video that his parents use for the restaurant as a dirty video. This starts a sexual harassment epidemic at school. The principle calls in Eddie’s parents to tell them that they need to have a talk with their son. Without proper education children can have wrong ideas about what sex, consent, and sexual harassment is exactly. The only thing his dad told him that was educational was that he need to “wrap it up”. His mom then wanted to make sure he understand that rape is wrong.

While Eddie struggles with trying to climb the social ladder, his parents deal with how to have a sexual harassment seminar at work. When Jessica first tries to have the seminar, she insults and sexually harasses the employees at the restaurant instead by objectifying the women and giving examples of dirty jokes which leave people offended.

Jessica and her Dirty Jokes

Overall this episode did carry a message about sexual harassment, but not quite as educational as one might assume. Their attempt at a sexual harassment seminar was one similar to what Michael Scott might do on the Office.