Why the world would be better if President Trump watched "This is Us"

(Photo: TIU Instagram)

It occurred to me after watching the season two premiere of the mega hit "This is Us," that my day was looking up. Sure, I had the ugly cry complete with mascara on my shirt (a rookie mistake without a doubt), a nose that was plugged more than 100 cotton balls pushed into a single prescription pill bottle, and eyes so puffy you would have thought I had just taken on Mayweather, but the day could only get better.

Then the thought, a ridiculously simple one, popped into my noggin. What if we could get our Commander in Chief to watch the show? Yes, he has more pressing things to do. But, we have all heard about the hours of television he watches right? I have even read that he views more than me (a certified TV critic). And then it occurred to me how much could be improved by the leader of the free country simply binging on TIU.

"This is Us" does something better than most shows have done as of late and that is tug on the heartstrings and make empathy pour from the souls of the darkest of humans. And I should know, I am about as dead inside as a person can get. Even my 5 year old great niece knows that black is my favorite color because it's the same hue as my heart.

But, hear me out. If President Trump were to spend any time with The Pearson family he could potentially get a glimpse into humanity and the struggles of the American people.

Let's start with healthcare. The TIU audience has seen since the beginning the struggle that the patriarch of the family Jack Pearson (played brilliantly by Milo Ventimiglia) has had with the disease of alcoholism. And, the obesity of Kate Pearson (Chrissy Metz), as well as the anxiety crippling condition that takes hold of Randall (Sterling K. Brown). Can you imagine any one of them not being able to see their longtime doctor that we all fantasize they have (in my head it was Dr.Nathan Katowski, Gerald McRaney, who delivered the original 'big 3' but later died). Or, worse yet, not seeing a doctor at all?

But... we all know too well that this is the case for an estimated 20-40 million Americans depending on which statistic you accept. That is a hell of a lot of Jack, Kate, and Randall Pearson's. And don't even get me started on what would have become of William Hill (Ron Cephas Jones) without his late in life care. The thought of he and Randall not connecting (in this fantasy world that lives on my DVR) simply cannot compute for me, But, it happens in our country's reality.

Moving on to a matter that has been plaguing our society since its birth - racism. The show has dealt with this issue in small doses since the beginning. Whether it is Rebecca's ignorance on how to do her sons hair, or a young Randall checking off on a piece of paper the number of black people he has met, the tv family has dealt with Randall being 'different'. And, gone to extraordinary lengths to make him not feel that way.

But is he? From all appearances he seems to be a tax paying, law abiding member of society who is just a dad and a husband trying to make a life. How is that different from any other dad? Spoiler Alert, it isn't. What the show has so ingeniously accomplished is that even though we may look different, we are all the same. If any one of us is wounded, we will bleed. Color knows no difference when it comes to anger, sadness, or, dare I say it... love.

tiu family pic

tiu isnsta

pearson and son

(Photos: This is Us Facebook)

And let's talk about Miguel. What is the deal with Miguel? How do he and Rebecca end up together? What is his last name? These are questions that I wonder about while walking my dog. A quick look at the shows IMDB page doesn't even have a last name listed. Is he Cuban, Puerto Rican, or even Mexican?

Does Miguel have family back home in Puerto Rico that are devastated by the recent hurricanes? Or, perhaps, is he here illegally, only marrying Rebecca to stay here in this country? While I am with most fans in that I kinda wish he and Rebecca were never together (because it means that Jack is dead) I still have come to love him and respect him as a fake step father. The point is, he puts a face to deep concerns our country has with our neighbors.

How would we, the audience, feel if Miguel were to be detained illegally because of the brown tone of his skin? Angry as hell I'll tell you. Or, what if he were back home rebuilding his homeland from a catastrophic hurricane when another one comes marching in? Folks, this isn't a possibility for some - it's a reality.

Whether I want Miguel to exist on the show or not, the fact of the matter is that he does. Just as millions of people exist in our country that many do not want. And as a viewer of the show it would pain me to see him in despair. I can't help but believe the same would happen to President Donald Trump if he were to see the show and bond with Miguel and the Pearson Family as so many of us have.

TV can be entertaining yes. But, it can also be enlightening. So, if it's big matters of healthcare or racism.... the nuanced smaller relationships of gay rights (I am still wrecked over the relationship of William and Jessie), or small business (Big 3 Homes), "This is Us," could do a lot to teach our President a thing or two about being human.

As a critic I implore someone to get our President on the bandwagon if for no other reason to be proud of the work our country is doing in entertainment. As an American I beg this so that he can see the trials and tribulations of his people.

And in case you are reading this Mr. President, you can start your binge right here.

Signed,

Toni Gonzales

An American