5 Things You Need To Know About HBO's Confederate

HBO has announced their newest show, an alternative history in which the Confederate States of America won the American Civil War and became a legitimate nation. In this universe, slavery is a modern institution of Confederate life and tensions between the CSA and the USA are high for a third time, as two civil wars have already been fought. Leading the show will be Game of Thrones directors, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.

The announcement of Confederate brought an immediate reaction online with widespread dissatisfaction on Twitter. Many complained that it would be profiting off the trauma of real experiences, while other activists worried a show created and directed by two white men would have trouble corroborating a world in which African Americans are still widely enslaved. Another worry is that imagery in the show may be stolen and used as propaganda for white supremacist groups, as well as providing extremists with inspiration and glorification.

Benioff and Weiss recently spoke to Vulture, admitting that they anticipated the backlash, but insisted critics wait for the show's premiere to form final a final judgement.

Shrouded by backlash and controversy, it may be hard to actually understand what Confederate will be about. Let's look through the controversy to reveal the most pertinent facts.

For Confederate, HBO promises a wide array of characters that will include abolitionists, journalists, freedom fighters, slave hunters, and leaders of a slave owning corporation. These characters will provide takes on all aspects of life in both nations - the CSA and United States.

This should give Confederate the flexibility it needs to explain the many complications and issues that this world will obviously have. Benioff and Weiss should use their talent to create characters which we can both empathize with and despise, much as they have in Game of Thrones.

The content of the show's material will be very controversial, but could be rewarding. If done right, Confederate could provide viewers with a realistic and chilling view of what might have happened if the US failed to win the Civil War and put an end to the horrors of slavery. A number of views on this will help. We could witness the destruction and tragedy slaves endure, the passion of rebellious heroes, the rage of citizens of both nations who wish the end of slavery, and the many divides along race, class, and now nationality in the formerly united country.