Adolescence is one of the most moving and impactful series we’ve seen this year.
It is raw, features stellar acting by Owen Cooper, and boasts a gripping narrative. However, Adolescence has now found itself at the centre of a polarizing online debate.
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The controversy arose when Elon Musk responded with a simple “Wow” to an X post claiming that Adolescence, a four-part drama centered on a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a young girl, was based on a real crime committed by a Black child.
However, the show allegedly cast a white actor to push an “anti-white” agenda.
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The post quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from both fans and detractors.
Jack Thorne, who co-created the series alongside actor Stephen Graham, firmly stated that no part of the story draws from real events. He also added that the intent of the show shouldn’t be misinterpreted.
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Addressing the accusations, Thorne argued that linking knife crime solely to Black youth is a flawed and reductive stereotype. He added that it is absurd to say knife crime is only committed by Black boys because it is not true, citing historical data that shows such incidents occur across all racial backgrounds.
He emphasized that Adolescence aims to explore the pressures of masculinity on young boys, rather than making a statement about race.
The series, lauded for its raw performances and innovative single-take episodes, has been widely praised by critics as a poignant social commentary since its release.
Ultimately, Adolescence is a fictional portrayal of societal horrors, and rather than accusing it of being propaganda, audiences should focus on its deeper message.
