Breaking Stereotypes with Abbott Elementary

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By Thean Sargeant

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the TV show Abbott Elementary.

In 2021, Quinta Brunson’s award-winning mockumentary Abbott Elementary graced the air. What started as an homage to Brunson’s mother, quickly expanded into a network show that doesn’t rely on Black stereotypes. Four of the show’s main characters are quite different, just like how Black people in real life vary. Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), Ava Coleman (Janelle James), and Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) each have unique problems that are resolved throughout the show.

Janine is the most optimistic of the bunch. Her personality is that of an awkward adult who makes her way through personal relationships the best way she knows how. She is a college-trained teacher who ended her long-term relationship towards the end of the first season. She also has awkward relationships within her family, namely with her mom and sister. We, as the audience, get the feeling that Janine wants everything to fall in line and work out perfectly. We see her reel back from her perfectionism as she gains wisdom from those around her, mostly Barbara, who she looks up to.

Gregory is a no-nonsense, nonchalant character. However, as the show progresses, he eases away from the tough Black man trope, and instead proves to be someone who can stick to his morals without seeming unapproachable. Audiences learn that his dad has a huge influence in his life (especially, since his mom passed). Sometimes, this influence is not so good, because it makes Gregory feel like he can’t stray from the path that has been mapped out in his head. His character is realistic, as he deals with heavy parental pressure, even into adulthood.

Ava is a peppy, quick-witted, and selfish person who only does things to benefit herself. However, her character develops into someone who is slightly more willing to help others, even if it has almost little to no benefits for her. A college graduate who was the step class master for her sorority, Ava is an educated sassy lady who knows when to take situations seriously. While Ava’s character is hilarious, she is more than just a comedic relief. She is a character with flaws that she addresses as the show progresses.

Barbara is an upbeat, older Christian woman who has been teaching at Abbott for years. Her character is based on Quinta’s actual mom who was a kindergarten teacher herself. Barbara can be seen as a stereotype, but there is some nuisance to her character that goes beyond reading the Bible and constantly talking about God. She is accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. This acceptance has caused strife between her and her church choir members who aren’t too accepting of the community. She also has moments when she doesn’t readily accept someone for being different from her. In season 2, episode 8, Barbara encounters a parent who has a profane word tattooed across her chest and a derogatory term on her jacket, which is seen after Barbara asks the mother to cover up. The problem grows as Barbara essentially assumes that the mom is an unwed single mother — she is not. When Ava suggests that the mother’s attire is okay as long as her child is okay, Barbara realizes that she should look at the situation differently. While she still doesn’t completely condone the mom, she accepts that people are different. She learns to let certain things slide.

Abbott Elementary’s success proves that audiences have been looking for something that isn’t just overplayed stereotypes. The show has wrapped up its third season and is preparing for its fourth. Many stories are still to be told in it, so hopefully ABC continues to see the vision behind it for years to come.