The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
Your fingernails indicate that inflammation, organ failure, or even death are all possibilities.
Your fingernails harbor essential clues about your overall health. Observing them closely can uncover valuable insights and provide early warnings of potential health issues.
Examine your nails for breakage, chipping, variations in thickness, ridges, grooves, dips, and curves. Pay attention to the color beneath the nail, the surrounding skin, and the nail itself.
Changes in your nails can be indicative of various diseases. Typically, healthy nails are pink with a pinkish-white base. Conversely, discolored or lackluster nails may signal underlying health problems. For example, green nails might suggest bacterial presence, while red streaks in the nail bed could indicate a heart valve infection. Blueish nails may imply low blood oxygen, and dull nails might hint at a vitamin deficiency. White nails might be a sign of liver disorders. Monitoring nail color can yield valuable insights into potential health concerns.
Thickened Nails: Excessive thickness, resembling talons, might be a sign of lung or fungal infections, thyroid disease, or psoriasis. It’s also wise to consider possible allergic reactions to medications.
Broken or Split Nails: Nails that split or break, peeling in layers, could indicate nutritional deficiencies or psoriasis. Split nails might also signal chronic malnutrition.
To bolster your health:
– Maintain a balanced diet.
– Investigate potential links to psoriasis.
Spoon-Shaped Nails: Soft, curved, water-holding nails may hint at anemia, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or liver disorders.
Pitted Nails: Dips or holes could result from trauma or indicate the need for closer health monitoring. Pitting has been linked to various conditions.
Ridge Lines: Ideally, nails should have flat surfaces with barely noticeable lines. Thick ridge lines may be associated with lupus, iron deficiency, or inflammatory arthritis.
Brittle, Dry Nails: Dry, brittle nails may indicate fungal infections, hormonal imbalances, or thyroid issues.
Clubbed Nails: Swelling over the nail bed may point to lung problems, IBS, AIDS, or liver disease.
Don’t underestimate the messages your hands and fingernails convey about your health. Regular nail inspections allow you to proactively safeguard your well-being.
Remember to compare any changes to potential health risks listed. By staying vigilant, you can unravel the intricate link between your fingernails and overall health, leading to a healthier, more informed life.
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