Dear HBO,

I said this on Twitter too, so apologies is it is redundant.

I believe this is arguably one of the worst ideas that I have ever heard (and not just because two white guys, who famously have led a cast of 100’s with virtually no people of color for almost a decade).

Let’s say it has a progressive take on race, the premise still starts with people of color enslaved (again) only this time in a counterfactual timeline. It has to at least be considered that the never-ending string of projects that keep people of color in chains in art might have something to do with why inequality continues as a structural factor in our country. Why are so many of our “new” stories still slave stories?

Secondly, even if they have the best possible intentions, it is just another opportunity for white folks to paint lessons on the bodies of people of color. Yes, I get it, after the backlash you introduced some Black folks who will work on the project with you, cool.

Third, we are in a period in this country of scary nostalgia for the Confederacy. Do you really not get that there is a pretty huge possibility that, even in a perfect execution, your “Villains” become folk-heroes? That your merchandise gains traction for all the wrong reasons? Can you really not see how this has some real awful possibilities far beyond your control? In fact, how is this plot any different than the idea forwarded in a certain tweet by a certain President about what would have happened if Andrew Jackson had stayed President?

Fourth, people live racist terror everyday. Don’t you think the show might be just a bit offensive to communities of color no matter what your intentions are? We have black folks in this country getting shot for selling loose cigarettes, playing with toy guns, and for selling DVD’s. At least can you see how some people might not want to hear your take on race through the lens of a hypothetical state where slavery still exists?

I guess what I am saying is that even if you got Spike Lee to direct, I can’t see how this is going to go well for you.

Thanks for your time!