Jerrod Carmichael's Beautiful Life

Although The Master’s is consuming most of my time and thoughts this week, I wanted to write about a new show I’ve started watching that I think everyone could learn a good lesson from. There are only two episodes out right now, but the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is really amazing. Episodes come out every Friday at eleven o'clock at night, so the newest episode is out today. I’m excited to watch it for a multitude of reasons, but one in particular stands out. Jerrod Carmichael is honest, real and not afraid to be himself. The show really dives into Jerrod’s life and shows off some of the most intimate moments of his life. Jerrod recently came out of the closet as a gay man after living a public life in the closet. He’s from North Carolina and from a very religious family. His mother isn’t accepting of his sexuality, but he isn’t afraid anymore. Although I don’t have very much in common with him, I have so much respect for him. He is so open and out there about who he is. It is extremely admirable and something I hope to emulate. I started watching the show because I saw clips of Tyler, The Creator and Jerrod having an uncomfortable conversation. I knew they were friends because of Jerrod’s work on Tyler’s album, Igor. I wasn’t aware that Jerrod had deep feelings for Tyler. The first episode spotlights this hidden love and how Jerrod exposed his feelings for Tyler to him and Tyler just laughed it off. They had a very awkward sit down talk about the changes in their relationship due to Jerrod’s honesty. Tyler didn’t reciprocate the feelings, but he didn’t want to lose Jerrod’s friendship. Tyler even refers to him as a brother or a family figure. It is really hard to describe if you haven’t watched it. The episodes are only thirty minutes long, so I suggest you watch it after reading this. I have to admit, this show is definitely uncomfortable and has graphic scenes. Jerrod is constantly hooking up with random guys off the internet and the camera crew doesn’t leave when they arrive for the hookup. I think what draws my interest into this show is how uncomfortable it makes me. The way it makes me feel so much empathy for Jerrod. The second episode focuses on one of Jerrod’s long term relationships and how he is unable to be monogamous with his boyfriend. The whole episode makes you think “How the fuck are you so honest about cheating on your boyfriend on national television?”. He is so unbelievably honest and open. I can’t say enough how impressive he is. One thing I am very proud of in my own life is my ability to be who I am. I think it's a very important part of life to be you, whoever you are. I try to live an honest life, but Jerrod Carmichael makes me envious. Although I feel open and honest, am I anywhere near where he is? Could I do what he is doing with his new show? I don’t think I could. I wish and hope I can get there one day because I believe it is a beautiful way to go about things. Not hiding anything, what a way to live! I’m sure it comes with some downsides because I know it does for me at my level. I’m sure Jerrod is uncomfortable, but he still does it. I love it! I wish everyone had no curtains and I wish I had no curtains myself. If you do end up watching this, let me know your thoughts. I feel like I should give the disclaimer. It is certainly uncomfortable knowing so much about someone’s intimate life, but don’t look at it that way. Look at Jerrod with a deep respect that he certainly deserves. Happy Friday and have a great weekend!