Mixed-ish (2019) s01e02 Episode Script
The Warrior
1 ["Take On Me" plays.]
BOW: They say 1985 was a simpler time.
But what I think they mean is that everything only had two options Reagan or Gorbachev "Dallas" or "Dynasty" Lakers or Celtics.
Take on me And this was true for everything.
You were either popular or you were a nerd.
You were either white or you were black.
I'm on my break.
You either did man's work, or you did woman's work.
Take on me But for those of us who didn't quite fit in on Take on me or those of us who couldn't easily check one of the two boxes I'm not sure we felt that way.
Have fun at school today.
Shine your true light on everyone you see.
I love you! Even though you're not yelling it back.
RAINBOW: I love you, Dad! It's late, but I'll take it.
[Chuckles.]
Hey, Paul! Nice apron! - It's a men's large.
- Whatever you say, Paul! - WOMAN: Bye! - - Bye, honey! - Bye, kids! - WOMAN #2: Bye, hon! So, for our family, who was fresh off the commune, 1985 wasn't such a simple time.
In the mix Oh, oh, oh, they keep trying But they can't stop us 'Cause we got a love That keeps rising up In the mix Life turns around 'Round and 'round it goes Ooh, it's a mixed-up world Ooh, it's a mixed-up And that's for sure Mixed-up In the mix Baby We're gonna get by We're gonna On our own, side by side Love's all we need to be free Lo-o-o-ve is all I got you, you got me Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix-ish There she is.
- [Chuckles.]
- Good morning.
- Hi.
- Mwah.
To celebrate your first day at work, I got you this African war goddess statue.
Oh.
Thank you.
What African country is it from? Uh - Taiwan? - Mm.
[Whistling.]
[Door closes.]
Ooh.
A father never forgets the first time he sees his son in an apron.
Grandpa Harrison wasn't the most progressive, but we loved him anyway.
You know, men don't have to be macho now, and we can hug.
- Whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
- Huh? You have to remember, in 1985, being a stay-at-home dad wasn't a thing.
Why aren't you dressed for work? I'm not going to work.
- So you're working from home.
- No, Dad.
I'm not working from home.
- Then you're calling in sick? - Dude, I don't have a job.
Alicia and I decided that I would stay home and take care of the kids.
Do the kids know you're gay? Keep in mind, it was 1985.
I brought the Ferrari.
So, do you need a ride to the office? In my Ferrari? - I have a Ferrari.
- ALICIA: No thanks.
I'm gonna take the bus.
We're trying to conserve gas.
[Scoffs.]
Okay, well, in case you haven't heard, you're allowed to sit in the front of the bus now.
- Congratulations.
- Ah, there's no better way to start the day than with some light racism.
"Light"? Hmm.
- Grandpa! - Hey, Grandpa.
Can a racist have brown grandchildren? Come here.
- Ah! - [Giggles.]
Who wants $5? - Me! Me! - Yeah.
I want $10! I want $10! For you.
For you.
And for you.
- Yeah.
- [Chuckles.]
Tough negotiator.
Alicia, see you at the office.
We start at a white 9:00.
Well, then I'll be there at a black 8:55, which is 8:55.
Don't be late.
PAUL: Is everybody excited about going to school? Duh.
Look at all my friendship bracelets.
Like, I'm so popular, I can barely even move my arm.
Yeah, well, I'm pretty popular, too.
The homies were buggin' when I peed in the high toilet.
I'm sorry.
The "high toilet"? Yeah, the thing in front of the mirror.
They were like, "Whoa, nobody's ever peed in there.
" How you like me now? You're gonna deal with this, right? It does save water.
How's school going for you, Bow? Bad.
I still haven't figured out where I fit in, but I'm staying positive.
I said hi to a girl yesterday, and she totally ignored me.
I guess she could be deaf, but I also waved.
Point is, I could have cried, and I didn't.
So, even though I haven't made any friends, I did make myself my own friendship bracelet.
SANTAMONICA: [Smacks table.]
She makes me sad.
PAUL: You'll get the hang of things soon enough.
You just have to put your mind to it.
Now, go out there, change the world.
ALICIA: Mwah.
Bye.
Love you.
PAUL: Love you.
Bow.
If anyone can do it, you can.
ALICIA: Grab your bag, Bow.
Even though Dad loved it, I can't emphasize enough how weird it used to be for a man to stay at home.
That's why Aunt Dee-Dee was a little shocked when she came by on her lunch break to watch her stories.
- [Screams.]
- [Stun gun clicking.]
Oh! Hey, Denise, Denise! It's me.
Relax.
Oh, homeboy, you almost got got.
Why aren't you at work? - Are you sick? - No.
- Do you have hepatitis? - No.
- Duh! - No! Why is this so hard for people to understand? I don't have a traditional job.
[Scoffs.]
That's a waste of perfectly good whiteness.
It is not a waste.
My job is to take care of the kids.
Going through a tough transition right now, so I'm the, uh, stay-at-home dad.
Do you have any idea what your girl could do with all that Caucasian? I'd have a house, a boat, pay off all my layaway [Scoffs.]
Well, I get it.
You and everyone else thinks I should sell my soul to corporate America, but lucky for me, my wife doesn't have some caveman idea of what a man should be.
Okay, I'm-a be straight with you.
You trippin', all right? You can't help your black children get used to anything.
- [Sighs.]
- And as far as Alicia she won't tell you 'cause she don't want to hurt your little feelings, but black women don't get down with ashy men or men without jobs.
So, get it together, homeboy, 'cause right now, you both.
Time for my stories.
[Elevator bell dings.]
You smell like bus people.
And what exactly do bus people smell like? I'm just kidding.
I can't smell anything.
From all that jazz salt.
[Sniffs.]
[Sighs.]
I probably should have mentioned this before, but is it okay if we don't talk at work? Eh I'm scared people might think you hired me because you're my father-in-law.
Well, I'll do anything you want, but just so you know, people aren't going to assume nepotism.
They're going to assume affirmative action.
Right on.
Grandpa was right.
Although Mom only wanted to be seen as an attorney, all people could see when they looked at her was affirmative action.
[Sighs.]
Hmm.
Affirmative action is defined as the practice or policy of favoring individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously.
Everybody's talking about freedom JFK coined the term in 1961.
Even though the group of people that benefited from affirmative action the most were white women, many people still thought it was just a program that forced companies to hire incompetent black people - Black power - to fill quotas.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves That's why my Mom worked so hard so no one could question whether she deserved to be there.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves Hey, Jack? I just need to finish this work and then I'll come to the staff meeting.
Oh, we did it without you.
[Music stops.]
But I read your argument, and it is actually really good.
Today, we'd call this a micro-aggression.
"Actually.
" Hmm.
But in 1985, they just called it a compliment.
Coming to lunch? It's Martini Tuesday.
Uh, no, I need to keep working on this.
Sober.
Well, there's always Martini Wednesday.
[Laughter.]
And at school, there was so much pressure to choose.
Santamonica and Johan had made their choice, but I couldn't.
I was black and white.
But I was also hungry.
That's my Trapper Keeper! You stole it! Then how come it says "Tamika Brown," stupid? Oh, "Tamika Brown Stupid.
" So, that's your full name.
- Give me back my notebook! - It's mine! - Give it back! - It's mine! "Tamika"! - [Crowd chanting "Fight!".]
- "Tamika Brown.
" See? MRS.
COLLINS: Hey! Hey! Hey! - [Chanting stops.]
- What is going on here? She stole my notebook.
Nobody stole your little raggedy notebook.
Ladies.
You are cutting into my lunch break.
Who started it? There may have only been two options, but this was still one of the hardest choices of my life.
If I said Rebecca started the fight, it would be like choosing black.
She started it.
[Cheering.]
[Loudspeaker chimes.]
This is your President, Ronald Reagan.
From now on, Rainbow is no longer mixed.
She is a full black.
Enjoy your welfare.
[Cheering.]
BOW: But if I said Tamika started it, it would be like choosing white.
She started it.
[Cheering.]
[Loudspeaker chimes.]
JACKSON: I need everyone to take a break from their action.
This is the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Rainbow, you're now as white as can be.
I hope you like clapping on the one and the three.
BOW: So I did the only thing I could I choked.
I opt to take the Vow of Noble Silence.
MRS.
COLLINS: All right, Bunny DeBarge, I have a lit cigarette waiting for me in the teacher's lounge, so detention and detention.
Get out of here! Go! [Laughter.]
- Is that - PAUL: It is.
Daddy's famous cauliflower casserole.
[Gasps.]
Yes! White broccoli! Why wait for a special occasion when I cherish every moment with all of you? So, everybody, help yourself to a big scoop of my love.
[Chuckles.]
So, tell me how did everyone change the world today? Honey, you want to start? Today was tough.
Uh, this guy at work said my argument was "actually" good, like he was surprised I could read and write.
How are people still racist in 1985? Well, I'm not even sure, but today, I exposed him to an educated queen.
- You're doing the goddess' work.
- Mm-hmm.
How about you guys? The music teacher heard me drumming on the lunch table.
[Drums on table.]
So, today, she taught rap in class.
[Imitates record scratching.]
Ah Good for you.
Yeah, well, Aileen Russell wouldn't stop repeating me, so today, I pushed her off the slide.
Oh.
Well, from now on, how about we change the world in a positive way? Yeah.
- I'll try.
- PAUL: Okay.
Well, I'm excited to hear what Rainbow has to say.
How did you change the world today? - I didn't really.
- Oh.
- Oh, I'm sure you did.
You always do.
- Well, I didn't.
- Can we just eat? - Oh, come on, Bow.
I'm sure you're just leaving something out.
Don't be modest.
How did you change the world today? When my dad looked at me like that, I knew all he saw was promise and potential.
School's not hard enough? You also expect me to change the world? I'm 12.
But sometimes those shoes were just too big to fill.
And it's not like you changed the world today.
You just made dinner.
[Door slams.]
Who does she think she's talking to? [Slurps.]
[Sighs.]
You can keep trying, but I promise people in the classifieds won't barter.
PAUL: Their loss.
But no, I'm I'm getting a job.
- Are you serious? - Mm-hmm.
I thought we agreed you'd stay home with the kids.
You heard Rainbow last night.
I mean, I can take other people judging me, - but when she said it - Babe, she's 12.
No, she's right.
I know it's hard, but you have purpose.
I don't even have that.
But you're gonna find purpose with - data processing? - Maybe.
You don't know what my hopes and dreams are.
As Dad set out to find purpose in his world, I was just trying to survive in mine.
TAMIKA: It's not like I'd let you, but how come you never tried to sit with us? You some kind of Oreo? - Some kind of what? - You know.
A black person that's white on the inside.
Well, I'm black and white on the inside.
And that's when I realized how I could change the world.
If I could just unite everyone, I wouldn't have to choose a side.
Just because I'm different doesn't mean you, me, and Rebecca can't all be friends.
Let's jump in the conflict puddle.
Excuse me? Conflict puddle.
Picture a conflict, all that anger, melting down our bodies, pooling into a puddle at our feet.
And then we just step out of it.
[Laughs.]
You're crazy.
Hey, Rebecca.
Come jump in the conflict puddle.
[Chuckles.]
[Laughter.]
Oops.
Turns out, I did manage to unite everyone.
It's just too bad they were all united against me.
[Door opens.]
DENISE: What did I tell you? There is a man at home in the middle of the day, not working.
Girl, I didn't believe you.
Well, I guess I'll see you back at our job.
- Mm-hmm.
- PAUL: That's very funny, but a staffing agency set me up with some interviews today.
I have to fix my résumé.
- What should I put for special skills? - [Door closes.]
Easy.
Put that you white.
- [Sighs.]
I'm serious.
- So am I.
Being white is all you need.
And you're crazy white.
I'm talking Duran Duran, orange-juice-with-the-pulp, curse-at-your-mom white.
You were right, okay? I-I can't help the kids the way I thought I could.
So, are you gonna help me get a job or not? I know you're nervous, but you have a degree.
You're gonna be fine.
Just don't go in there trying to change the world.
Okay.
Thank you.
Wow.
You're getting out the house, you're getting a job.
Now all you need is some lotion.
Ow.
I had a choice.
I could go back in the cafeteria and try to change the world again, or I could safely eat my sandwich alone.
[Latch clicks.]
Hey.
Sorry.
I didn't think anyone was in here.
My mom always gives me beans and rice, and I can't eat it out there because, well, you know how they are.
I know how you feel.
They're not exactly cool about my cucumber sandwiches.
Just once, I wish she would give me peanut butter and jelly, you know? I had only been weird for a few days, but she was a professional weirdo.
I'm Rainbow, by the way.
Micaela.
So, is this where you always eat? Yeah.
It takes a while, but you get used to it.
When you're different, sometimes you feel you have to hide who you really are, and while this wasn't my proudest moment, at least I didn't have to hide by myself anymore.
Meanwhile, my mom was out there trying to make a difference.
ALICIA: Hi, Jack.
Just so you know, Harrison actually liked my argument.
Well, it's not like it matters.
He can't fire you.
I mean, unless he wants Al Sharpton handcuffing himself to this coffee maker.
[Laughs.]
So, my mom had a choice.
She could tell him how she felt - Huh - Hey [bleep.]
! Ooh, no, he didn't! Your first little comment was for free.
But this one this one you gotta pay for.
- Oh, if you didn't start the static - [Glass shatters.]
wouldn't be no static.
But you ain't even hearing me, though! I'm-a have to put these paws on you! - What? - Ooh.
Kick him in the bozack! [Both scream.]
or she could choose to keep her job.
Lucky me.
[Clears throat.]
So, I was a llama shaver from 1975 to 1977.
That's a great tie.
It goes well with your hair.
Aunt Dee-Dee said all you needed to do to get a job was to be white.
I love cleaning, uh I was a chakra consultant Did I tell you that on my résumé I feel like this isn't going well.
But that wasn't the case for my dad.
You do realize your résumé says you were arrested? Oh.
Right.
But did you see that I'm white? Don't judge.
Dad was desperate.
In a time when everything only had two options, my parents were feeling like they didn't have a place.
You okay? You were a little quiet during dinner.
On the commune, we were all the same.
But when we brought the kids here, they felt different for the first time.
And for the first time, I felt different from them.
Mm.
They're going through stuff I haven't seen before, either.
The kids are on the frontline of two different kinds of racism, - and you're right there with them.
- [Sighs.]
It's not easy being the first, 'cause everyone acts like something's wrong with us.
But that's fine because if we cared a-about trying to be the same or if we cared what people think, then we would have never gotten married.
Hmm.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Baby, I am.
[Chuckles lightly.]
[Sighs.]
- Hey.
- Hi, Dad.
- [Water running.]
- How's it going? I meant to tell you I'm sorry about the other night.
Oh, it's fine, sweetheart.
I know you're growing up and you need your space.
[Sighs.]
Can I ask you a question? Of course.
Anytime.
Why is being different so hard? Well, seventh grade is tough.
It's even tougher when you're different.
[Inhales deeply.]
We come from a place where everyone was treated the same no matter what they looked like.
But that's not how it works here, for so many complicated reasons.
But we have a choice not to let that affect who we are.
You are different.
I am different.
So is your mom.
That's what makes us special.
And I promise you that one day you'll realize that being different is your superpower.
We built this city We built this city on rock and roll Built this city Come on.
Let's go.
We built this city on rock and roll MICAELA: Too bad there's nowhere to sit.
Yes, there is.
[Table scraping loudly.]
GIRL: It's so loud! - Okay.
- Just [Indistinct conversations.]
We built this city - Hi.
- Hi.
- We built this city - Hi.
- On rock and roll - Hi.
Built this city Santi.
- We built this city on rock and roll - Hey.
So, maybe my dad was right.
Being different was my superpower.
- [Laughter.]
- Yeah And Dad finally found his purpose.
[Laughs.]
JOHAN: It's your turn, Dad.
How did you change the world today? I don't know if I did anything RAINBOW: What are you talking about? Today, you helped me change the world.
And he found it in us.
So, today at lunch, I thought I was just gonna sit in the bathroom and cry, - like always.
But - Mm-hmm.
So, it turns out that 1985 wasn't the simple time that people thought.
But while things were still mostly black and white, my family was starting to get used to painting outside the lines and filling in colors for ourselves.
And that's how you change the world.
and it was really amazing.
[Vacuum whirring, indistinct talking on TV.]
Really? You can't do this any other time than when I'm watching my stories? Sorry, I can't hear you! I'm vacuuming! Fool, you about to make me miss Erica Kane's fourth wedding! - [Vacuum turns off.]
- Well, you know, this would go a whole lot faster if you helped.
Not a chance, homeboy.
That's man's work.
BOW: They say 1985 was a simpler time.
But what I think they mean is that everything only had two options Reagan or Gorbachev "Dallas" or "Dynasty" Lakers or Celtics.
Take on me And this was true for everything.
You were either popular or you were a nerd.
You were either white or you were black.
I'm on my break.
You either did man's work, or you did woman's work.
Take on me But for those of us who didn't quite fit in on Take on me or those of us who couldn't easily check one of the two boxes I'm not sure we felt that way.
Have fun at school today.
Shine your true light on everyone you see.
I love you! Even though you're not yelling it back.
RAINBOW: I love you, Dad! It's late, but I'll take it.
[Chuckles.]
Hey, Paul! Nice apron! - It's a men's large.
- Whatever you say, Paul! - WOMAN: Bye! - - Bye, honey! - Bye, kids! - WOMAN #2: Bye, hon! So, for our family, who was fresh off the commune, 1985 wasn't such a simple time.
In the mix Oh, oh, oh, they keep trying But they can't stop us 'Cause we got a love That keeps rising up In the mix Life turns around 'Round and 'round it goes Ooh, it's a mixed-up world Ooh, it's a mixed-up And that's for sure Mixed-up In the mix Baby We're gonna get by We're gonna On our own, side by side Love's all we need to be free Lo-o-o-ve is all I got you, you got me Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix Yaaaaay us! I-I-In the mix-ish There she is.
- [Chuckles.]
- Good morning.
- Hi.
- Mwah.
To celebrate your first day at work, I got you this African war goddess statue.
Oh.
Thank you.
What African country is it from? Uh - Taiwan? - Mm.
[Whistling.]
[Door closes.]
Ooh.
A father never forgets the first time he sees his son in an apron.
Grandpa Harrison wasn't the most progressive, but we loved him anyway.
You know, men don't have to be macho now, and we can hug.
- Whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
- Huh? You have to remember, in 1985, being a stay-at-home dad wasn't a thing.
Why aren't you dressed for work? I'm not going to work.
- So you're working from home.
- No, Dad.
I'm not working from home.
- Then you're calling in sick? - Dude, I don't have a job.
Alicia and I decided that I would stay home and take care of the kids.
Do the kids know you're gay? Keep in mind, it was 1985.
I brought the Ferrari.
So, do you need a ride to the office? In my Ferrari? - I have a Ferrari.
- ALICIA: No thanks.
I'm gonna take the bus.
We're trying to conserve gas.
[Scoffs.]
Okay, well, in case you haven't heard, you're allowed to sit in the front of the bus now.
- Congratulations.
- Ah, there's no better way to start the day than with some light racism.
"Light"? Hmm.
- Grandpa! - Hey, Grandpa.
Can a racist have brown grandchildren? Come here.
- Ah! - [Giggles.]
Who wants $5? - Me! Me! - Yeah.
I want $10! I want $10! For you.
For you.
And for you.
- Yeah.
- [Chuckles.]
Tough negotiator.
Alicia, see you at the office.
We start at a white 9:00.
Well, then I'll be there at a black 8:55, which is 8:55.
Don't be late.
PAUL: Is everybody excited about going to school? Duh.
Look at all my friendship bracelets.
Like, I'm so popular, I can barely even move my arm.
Yeah, well, I'm pretty popular, too.
The homies were buggin' when I peed in the high toilet.
I'm sorry.
The "high toilet"? Yeah, the thing in front of the mirror.
They were like, "Whoa, nobody's ever peed in there.
" How you like me now? You're gonna deal with this, right? It does save water.
How's school going for you, Bow? Bad.
I still haven't figured out where I fit in, but I'm staying positive.
I said hi to a girl yesterday, and she totally ignored me.
I guess she could be deaf, but I also waved.
Point is, I could have cried, and I didn't.
So, even though I haven't made any friends, I did make myself my own friendship bracelet.
SANTAMONICA: [Smacks table.]
She makes me sad.
PAUL: You'll get the hang of things soon enough.
You just have to put your mind to it.
Now, go out there, change the world.
ALICIA: Mwah.
Bye.
Love you.
PAUL: Love you.
Bow.
If anyone can do it, you can.
ALICIA: Grab your bag, Bow.
Even though Dad loved it, I can't emphasize enough how weird it used to be for a man to stay at home.
That's why Aunt Dee-Dee was a little shocked when she came by on her lunch break to watch her stories.
- [Screams.]
- [Stun gun clicking.]
Oh! Hey, Denise, Denise! It's me.
Relax.
Oh, homeboy, you almost got got.
Why aren't you at work? - Are you sick? - No.
- Do you have hepatitis? - No.
- Duh! - No! Why is this so hard for people to understand? I don't have a traditional job.
[Scoffs.]
That's a waste of perfectly good whiteness.
It is not a waste.
My job is to take care of the kids.
Going through a tough transition right now, so I'm the, uh, stay-at-home dad.
Do you have any idea what your girl could do with all that Caucasian? I'd have a house, a boat, pay off all my layaway [Scoffs.]
Well, I get it.
You and everyone else thinks I should sell my soul to corporate America, but lucky for me, my wife doesn't have some caveman idea of what a man should be.
Okay, I'm-a be straight with you.
You trippin', all right? You can't help your black children get used to anything.
- [Sighs.]
- And as far as Alicia she won't tell you 'cause she don't want to hurt your little feelings, but black women don't get down with ashy men or men without jobs.
So, get it together, homeboy, 'cause right now, you both.
Time for my stories.
[Elevator bell dings.]
You smell like bus people.
And what exactly do bus people smell like? I'm just kidding.
I can't smell anything.
From all that jazz salt.
[Sniffs.]
[Sighs.]
I probably should have mentioned this before, but is it okay if we don't talk at work? Eh I'm scared people might think you hired me because you're my father-in-law.
Well, I'll do anything you want, but just so you know, people aren't going to assume nepotism.
They're going to assume affirmative action.
Right on.
Grandpa was right.
Although Mom only wanted to be seen as an attorney, all people could see when they looked at her was affirmative action.
[Sighs.]
Hmm.
Affirmative action is defined as the practice or policy of favoring individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously.
Everybody's talking about freedom JFK coined the term in 1961.
Even though the group of people that benefited from affirmative action the most were white women, many people still thought it was just a program that forced companies to hire incompetent black people - Black power - to fill quotas.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves That's why my Mom worked so hard so no one could question whether she deserved to be there.
Sisters are doin' it for themselves Hey, Jack? I just need to finish this work and then I'll come to the staff meeting.
Oh, we did it without you.
[Music stops.]
But I read your argument, and it is actually really good.
Today, we'd call this a micro-aggression.
"Actually.
" Hmm.
But in 1985, they just called it a compliment.
Coming to lunch? It's Martini Tuesday.
Uh, no, I need to keep working on this.
Sober.
Well, there's always Martini Wednesday.
[Laughter.]
And at school, there was so much pressure to choose.
Santamonica and Johan had made their choice, but I couldn't.
I was black and white.
But I was also hungry.
That's my Trapper Keeper! You stole it! Then how come it says "Tamika Brown," stupid? Oh, "Tamika Brown Stupid.
" So, that's your full name.
- Give me back my notebook! - It's mine! - Give it back! - It's mine! "Tamika"! - [Crowd chanting "Fight!".]
- "Tamika Brown.
" See? MRS.
COLLINS: Hey! Hey! Hey! - [Chanting stops.]
- What is going on here? She stole my notebook.
Nobody stole your little raggedy notebook.
Ladies.
You are cutting into my lunch break.
Who started it? There may have only been two options, but this was still one of the hardest choices of my life.
If I said Rebecca started the fight, it would be like choosing black.
She started it.
[Cheering.]
[Loudspeaker chimes.]
This is your President, Ronald Reagan.
From now on, Rainbow is no longer mixed.
She is a full black.
Enjoy your welfare.
[Cheering.]
BOW: But if I said Tamika started it, it would be like choosing white.
She started it.
[Cheering.]
[Loudspeaker chimes.]
JACKSON: I need everyone to take a break from their action.
This is the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Rainbow, you're now as white as can be.
I hope you like clapping on the one and the three.
BOW: So I did the only thing I could I choked.
I opt to take the Vow of Noble Silence.
MRS.
COLLINS: All right, Bunny DeBarge, I have a lit cigarette waiting for me in the teacher's lounge, so detention and detention.
Get out of here! Go! [Laughter.]
- Is that - PAUL: It is.
Daddy's famous cauliflower casserole.
[Gasps.]
Yes! White broccoli! Why wait for a special occasion when I cherish every moment with all of you? So, everybody, help yourself to a big scoop of my love.
[Chuckles.]
So, tell me how did everyone change the world today? Honey, you want to start? Today was tough.
Uh, this guy at work said my argument was "actually" good, like he was surprised I could read and write.
How are people still racist in 1985? Well, I'm not even sure, but today, I exposed him to an educated queen.
- You're doing the goddess' work.
- Mm-hmm.
How about you guys? The music teacher heard me drumming on the lunch table.
[Drums on table.]
So, today, she taught rap in class.
[Imitates record scratching.]
Ah Good for you.
Yeah, well, Aileen Russell wouldn't stop repeating me, so today, I pushed her off the slide.
Oh.
Well, from now on, how about we change the world in a positive way? Yeah.
- I'll try.
- PAUL: Okay.
Well, I'm excited to hear what Rainbow has to say.
How did you change the world today? - I didn't really.
- Oh.
- Oh, I'm sure you did.
You always do.
- Well, I didn't.
- Can we just eat? - Oh, come on, Bow.
I'm sure you're just leaving something out.
Don't be modest.
How did you change the world today? When my dad looked at me like that, I knew all he saw was promise and potential.
School's not hard enough? You also expect me to change the world? I'm 12.
But sometimes those shoes were just too big to fill.
And it's not like you changed the world today.
You just made dinner.
[Door slams.]
Who does she think she's talking to? [Slurps.]
[Sighs.]
You can keep trying, but I promise people in the classifieds won't barter.
PAUL: Their loss.
But no, I'm I'm getting a job.
- Are you serious? - Mm-hmm.
I thought we agreed you'd stay home with the kids.
You heard Rainbow last night.
I mean, I can take other people judging me, - but when she said it - Babe, she's 12.
No, she's right.
I know it's hard, but you have purpose.
I don't even have that.
But you're gonna find purpose with - data processing? - Maybe.
You don't know what my hopes and dreams are.
As Dad set out to find purpose in his world, I was just trying to survive in mine.
TAMIKA: It's not like I'd let you, but how come you never tried to sit with us? You some kind of Oreo? - Some kind of what? - You know.
A black person that's white on the inside.
Well, I'm black and white on the inside.
And that's when I realized how I could change the world.
If I could just unite everyone, I wouldn't have to choose a side.
Just because I'm different doesn't mean you, me, and Rebecca can't all be friends.
Let's jump in the conflict puddle.
Excuse me? Conflict puddle.
Picture a conflict, all that anger, melting down our bodies, pooling into a puddle at our feet.
And then we just step out of it.
[Laughs.]
You're crazy.
Hey, Rebecca.
Come jump in the conflict puddle.
[Chuckles.]
[Laughter.]
Oops.
Turns out, I did manage to unite everyone.
It's just too bad they were all united against me.
[Door opens.]
DENISE: What did I tell you? There is a man at home in the middle of the day, not working.
Girl, I didn't believe you.
Well, I guess I'll see you back at our job.
- Mm-hmm.
- PAUL: That's very funny, but a staffing agency set me up with some interviews today.
I have to fix my résumé.
- What should I put for special skills? - [Door closes.]
Easy.
Put that you white.
- [Sighs.]
I'm serious.
- So am I.
Being white is all you need.
And you're crazy white.
I'm talking Duran Duran, orange-juice-with-the-pulp, curse-at-your-mom white.
You were right, okay? I-I can't help the kids the way I thought I could.
So, are you gonna help me get a job or not? I know you're nervous, but you have a degree.
You're gonna be fine.
Just don't go in there trying to change the world.
Okay.
Thank you.
Wow.
You're getting out the house, you're getting a job.
Now all you need is some lotion.
Ow.
I had a choice.
I could go back in the cafeteria and try to change the world again, or I could safely eat my sandwich alone.
[Latch clicks.]
Hey.
Sorry.
I didn't think anyone was in here.
My mom always gives me beans and rice, and I can't eat it out there because, well, you know how they are.
I know how you feel.
They're not exactly cool about my cucumber sandwiches.
Just once, I wish she would give me peanut butter and jelly, you know? I had only been weird for a few days, but she was a professional weirdo.
I'm Rainbow, by the way.
Micaela.
So, is this where you always eat? Yeah.
It takes a while, but you get used to it.
When you're different, sometimes you feel you have to hide who you really are, and while this wasn't my proudest moment, at least I didn't have to hide by myself anymore.
Meanwhile, my mom was out there trying to make a difference.
ALICIA: Hi, Jack.
Just so you know, Harrison actually liked my argument.
Well, it's not like it matters.
He can't fire you.
I mean, unless he wants Al Sharpton handcuffing himself to this coffee maker.
[Laughs.]
So, my mom had a choice.
She could tell him how she felt - Huh - Hey [bleep.]
! Ooh, no, he didn't! Your first little comment was for free.
But this one this one you gotta pay for.
- Oh, if you didn't start the static - [Glass shatters.]
wouldn't be no static.
But you ain't even hearing me, though! I'm-a have to put these paws on you! - What? - Ooh.
Kick him in the bozack! [Both scream.]
or she could choose to keep her job.
Lucky me.
[Clears throat.]
So, I was a llama shaver from 1975 to 1977.
That's a great tie.
It goes well with your hair.
Aunt Dee-Dee said all you needed to do to get a job was to be white.
I love cleaning, uh I was a chakra consultant Did I tell you that on my résumé I feel like this isn't going well.
But that wasn't the case for my dad.
You do realize your résumé says you were arrested? Oh.
Right.
But did you see that I'm white? Don't judge.
Dad was desperate.
In a time when everything only had two options, my parents were feeling like they didn't have a place.
You okay? You were a little quiet during dinner.
On the commune, we were all the same.
But when we brought the kids here, they felt different for the first time.
And for the first time, I felt different from them.
Mm.
They're going through stuff I haven't seen before, either.
The kids are on the frontline of two different kinds of racism, - and you're right there with them.
- [Sighs.]
It's not easy being the first, 'cause everyone acts like something's wrong with us.
But that's fine because if we cared a-about trying to be the same or if we cared what people think, then we would have never gotten married.
Hmm.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
Baby, I am.
[Chuckles lightly.]
[Sighs.]
- Hey.
- Hi, Dad.
- [Water running.]
- How's it going? I meant to tell you I'm sorry about the other night.
Oh, it's fine, sweetheart.
I know you're growing up and you need your space.
[Sighs.]
Can I ask you a question? Of course.
Anytime.
Why is being different so hard? Well, seventh grade is tough.
It's even tougher when you're different.
[Inhales deeply.]
We come from a place where everyone was treated the same no matter what they looked like.
But that's not how it works here, for so many complicated reasons.
But we have a choice not to let that affect who we are.
You are different.
I am different.
So is your mom.
That's what makes us special.
And I promise you that one day you'll realize that being different is your superpower.
We built this city We built this city on rock and roll Built this city Come on.
Let's go.
We built this city on rock and roll MICAELA: Too bad there's nowhere to sit.
Yes, there is.
[Table scraping loudly.]
GIRL: It's so loud! - Okay.
- Just [Indistinct conversations.]
We built this city - Hi.
- Hi.
- We built this city - Hi.
- On rock and roll - Hi.
Built this city Santi.
- We built this city on rock and roll - Hey.
So, maybe my dad was right.
Being different was my superpower.
- [Laughter.]
- Yeah And Dad finally found his purpose.
[Laughs.]
JOHAN: It's your turn, Dad.
How did you change the world today? I don't know if I did anything RAINBOW: What are you talking about? Today, you helped me change the world.
And he found it in us.
So, today at lunch, I thought I was just gonna sit in the bathroom and cry, - like always.
But - Mm-hmm.
So, it turns out that 1985 wasn't the simple time that people thought.
But while things were still mostly black and white, my family was starting to get used to painting outside the lines and filling in colors for ourselves.
And that's how you change the world.
and it was really amazing.
[Vacuum whirring, indistinct talking on TV.]
Really? You can't do this any other time than when I'm watching my stories? Sorry, I can't hear you! I'm vacuuming! Fool, you about to make me miss Erica Kane's fourth wedding! - [Vacuum turns off.]
- Well, you know, this would go a whole lot faster if you helped.
Not a chance, homeboy.
That's man's work.