The remake of the miniseries Roots was broadcast for the first time last night (May 30) on the History channel. With an all-star cast of talented actors such as Mekhi Phifer, Anika Noni Rose and Forrest Whitaker, the adaptation will breathe new life into the well-known story of Kunta Kinte.
However, one person is not here for the remake in any way, shape or form. Uncle Snoop Dogg took to Instagram to voice his disdain for the remake in a profanity-ridden video.
“I don’t understand America,” he said solemnly. His issue is that television shows and movies about slavery are not showing the progression that blacks have had since that time in history.
“They just want to keep showing the abuse that we took hundreds and hundreds of years ago. But guess what? We’re taking the same abuse,” he continues. “Think about that part. When you all going to make a mother f**kin’ series about the success that black folks is having? The only success we have is Roots and 12 Years A Slave?…Let’s create our own s**t based on today. How we live and how we inspire people today. Black is what’s real.”
LeVar Burton, who co-executive produced the remake and played Kunta Kinte in the original version, says that the remake is important for the national discussion.
“We are clearly engaged in the conversation in America and it’s one where everybody needs to be involved,” he told USA Today. “If you are living in America right now, then the story of slavery is relevant to you, because it’s shaped the country and the culture in which you live, whether you want to admit that or not.”
Do you agree with Snoop?