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Entertainment July 6, 2017
Because it's having us reevaluate everything.
Photo by Rachel_Zane_Suits via InstagramMeghan Markle’s role in “Suits” is been one of the main reasons people still watch the show today. Her character, Rachel Zane, gives the episodes a calmness and a nuanced break from Mike, Harvey and Louis’s constant, fast-paced banter. And with her character’s admirable tenacity and intelligence, it seems a bit strange that “Suits” was cancelled in the U.K.
The U.K. network, Dave, has decided to stop airing the TV show after season six, and we’re wondering why.
It’s important to note, however, that this isn’t an indictment on the channel. Rather, it’s a breakdown of why Meghan Markle and her role on “Suits” act as positive statements for women and people of color in both the U.S. and the U.K.
Basically, this is what our TVs would be missing without the show.
First, it’s important to point out that Great Britain is in the U.K., but it does not represent the U.K. in its entirety. In no way am I equating one with the other. However, Prince Harry is a large part of Great Britain’s culture as a prince and Great Britain is a large part of the U.K. So, it would make sense that one would significantly influence the other.
But the most relevant thing to our conversation right now is that Meghan Markle is well-known in these areas. Aside from her relationship to Prince Harry, her family has publicly expressed mixed opinions about her character.
Samantha Grant, Meghan Markle’s infamous half-sister, has spoken out about how “disappointing” the actress apparently is. She’s a “social climber,” Grant told The Sun in an interview. “Her behavior is certainly not befitting of a Royal Family member.”
The 52-year-old ex model has also Tweeted about her excitement for her “The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister,” a tell-all book about Markle’s supposed secrets. “Maybe when she is more mature and she reads the book she’ll understand some of it,” Grant wrote. “Whistleblowers are not negative; they’re just honest. I believe in calling it like I see it.”
Most of this hate, however, probably comes from a place of jealousy or neglect. And since she moved out when Meghan was born, it’s hard to believe that the two grew up close to begin with.
“[Grant] didn’t want to listen to any squalling babies,” Grant’s mother, Roslyn, explained to Daily Mail, “I am very serious when I say she has dogged on Meghan forever. She has never liked Meghan and she’s always been jealous of her.”
The rest of Meghan’s family have also come out to support her. Thomas Markle, Meghan’s half-brother, rejected Grant’s claims. “The one thing that she’s saying about Meghan ditching everybody in the family is not true,” he told Daily Mail. “Meghan didn’t turn her back on everybody in the family, and it’s not her responsibility to take care of everyone. She’s worked very hard to get where she’s at.”
Not to mention, Markle’s actions have also proven that the actress has always been beyond reproach, lowkey and all about love.
And because of all this support, it was hard to understand the hate mail she received when she first started dating Prince Harry.
From their romantic getaways to his regular visits to Canada, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are arguably the cutest couple ever. But many people didn’t feel the same way when she began dating him.
Some of Meghan’s hate mail was racially motivated and others were misogynistic. The only good thing that came out of the entire situation was the Prince’s response. He shut down the hatred and misogyny in a way that was befitting of a prince for the woman he loves.
It’s not that Meghan must be immediately respected and loved because she’s dating the prince. It’s actually the opposite. She should be respected for what she’s done outside of her relationship. Meghan has gained success in a society that pushes against two of her identities.
Meghan Markle is a biracial woman and not many biracial women in her age bracket can say they were on a long-running show that has the same depth and complexity as “Suits.”
The U.K.’s recent vote for Brexit and their push for conservatism mirrors the U.S.’s push for conservatism with the alt-right movement. These movements represent an intolerance to POC and women, which is why Meghan and her character Rachel are so important.
And if you still need convincing, this article about why Meghan Markle is one of the Women That Do goes into detail about how “Suits” writers and Meghan understand the importance of Rachel Zane.
Both women, live and fictional, are strong and thriving in a society that doesn’t support them. This highlights their perseverance. Furthermore, the relationship between Rachel and Jessica holds its own message to POC and female audiences: Let’s support one another.
It’s hard enough in today’s world for both groups. We should be mentoring and uplifting one another, not trying to tear each other down.
Meghan Markle and the message she brings as Rachel and as herself are beneficial for both countries, so it’s very disheartening to hear that Dave won’t be continuing the show.
Her presence acts as a beacon of hope in so many ways. Hopefully, another U.K. channel can pick up on this chance to air the show.
