Episode 1 ('The Word') revolves around the N-word's use and generational ownership after Jack sings it at a talent show, with Dre and Bow debating who has the right to say it. Episode 16 ('Hope') places the family in direct conflict over a real-world police brutality case involving an African-American teenager, pitting Dre and Pops's realism against Bow's hope.

Episode 20 ('Johnson & Johnson') features Dre's sister Rhonda marrying her girlfriend Sharon, sparking family debate on patriarchal traditions and same-sex marriage norms. Episode 14 ('Sink or Swim') has Dre assuming racial stereotyping by a neighbor over swimming ability and confronting her directly. These are not incidental but core conflicts in at least four of 24 episodes.