Lupin is a master class in exposing race and class power structures

SFGate

The Omar Sy-led Netflix French heist series shows how his character Diop exploits racism time and time again, says Rod Benston. "It makes sense that this Black man would need to steal to make a life for himself because, well, racist society thinks of Black people as thieves," he says. "In reality, he uses his skin tone and the assumptions placed upon him to get away with so much more. The most wanted man in the country can walk through a packed symphony concert because he’s dressed as a the service staff. It becomes clear that all of these white people never look down, thus Diop can simply wear a wig and take off his Jordans and no one notices him. His most crucial skill is simply being Black."