Los Angeles, California – Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time due to her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. Premiering in early March, the lifestyle program follows Meghan as she shares homemaking tips and hosts celebrity guests at a luxurious California estate. Despite Netflix renewing the show for a second season set to stream in the fall, the debut season faced significant criticism.
Critics and internet users alike have taken to social media platforms to express their displeasure with With Love, Meghan. Some reviews have labeled the show as out of touch, while memes and TikToks have poked fun at the actress-turned-royalty’s on-screen persona. The backlash raises questions about the underlying reasons behind the negative response to Meghan’s show.
In a recent column for The Baltimore Banner, Leslie Gray Streeter delves into what she believes is driving the criticism of Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle show. Streeter argues that racism, jealousy cloaked in racism, and a hint of classism may be fueling the backlash against Meghan and her show. The column has sparked discussions about societal attitudes towards successful women, particularly women of color like Meghan.
During an interview with Morning Edition host Michel Martin, Streeter elaborated on her views, highlighting the racial undertones in the criticism directed at Meghan. Streeter pointed out that societal expectations around black femininity may be influencing the negative reactions to Meghan’s display of wealth and leisure on With Love, Meghan. The conversation delves into broader issues of race, gender, and societal expectations placed on women in the public eye.
Streeter’s commentary challenges the notion that Meghan should conform to traditional expectations of femininity and humility. The idea that Meghan’s refusal to make herself smaller is a source of discomfort for some observers raises questions about societal norms and biases. The conversation underscores the complexities of navigating fame, wealth, and identity in a world where expectations of women, particularly women of color, are often unfairly restrictive.
Overall, the backlash against Meghan and With Love, Meghan prompts broader discussions about race, gender, and representation in the media. Streeter’s analysis offers a thoughtful exploration of the underlying factors driving the criticism of Meghan’s show and sheds light on the complexities of public perceptions of successful women in the public eye.