How ‘Moesha’ Reinforces Capitalistic Ideology
Hakeem’s story illuminates how the Mitchells turn a blind eye to the root of systemic poverty and racism
In the weeks since Netflix released all six seasons of Moesha, there has been a collective reckoning of sorts with how certain characters were treated, and how their depictions worked to reinforce or perpetuate harm in the real world. This includes a critical reassessment of the fatphobia, desexualization, and depictions of low intelligence that hounded Countess Vaughn during — and after — her run as Kim Parker on Moesha, as well as the frighteningly patriarchal and controlling approach that Moesha’s father, Frank Mitchell, took to parenting. But what’s struck me most is just how much the Mitchell family — avatars of the Black middle class — was complicit in reinforcing capitalistic ideology and anti-Black assimilationist politics against impoverished and working-class Blacks.
Season one, episode three is a prime example.
It begins with Moesha making a big show of unfurling cash from a secret hiding place to lend $20 to Hakeem, her 15-year-old friend and neighbor who, along with his single mother, is constantly struggling to make ends meet. Soon, we learn that two weeks have passed without him repaying her, and Moesha is pissed.
