BET wrongly accussed of creating gangs in Monroe

There is no end to the things that I don't like about Black Entertainment Television. The music videos, the quality of most of the films shown on the cable network, the lack of news, the ghettofication (yes I just made that word up) of entertainment. The list goes on and on.

But there are some things that I'm not sure you can blame on BET. Just because Viacom is commoditizing Black culture does not mean that every wrong in the Black community is tied to them. That's something that needs to be proven because just making the statement is like throwing around the word racist (which is a popular thing to do these days).

The Monroe Free Press really needs to think about this. Today they published an article that blames BET for the increase in violence and gangs in their area. The article is More Shootouts as teens fight for "Respect" and Headlines. Obviously this article delves into the question of what is motivating teens to join gangs and kill each other.

It's not stated who wrote the piece, but I think they were seriously reaching when they decided to pick on BET. In fact I bet they were just looking to get more coverage, which they did succeed in doing.

The article states immediately

"They are young and out of control, but the arrests keep coming as neighborhood gangs bent on being famous like BET’s American Gangster, fight each other for what one has called “My Respect.”

“American Gangster” is a weekly television program on Black Entertainment Television which profiles gangs in the black community since the 1950’s with photos and storylines that lift the criminals to legendary status."

Now I have no argument that shows like American Gangster and Gangland glorify the criminal and mindless activities the dregs of society have chosen. I agree that such programs are counter-productive in a society that thinks everyone should have a Jackass or American Idol moment. The various Youtube videos of various people breaking the law (like giving babies drugs, or setting up fights to be taped) shows how stupid some can be, and how desperate some are for attention they don't deserve.

But to directly state that the gangs in Monroe are growing simply because of the actions of just this one show on BET is anything but a given. Which is proven by the fact that the article goes on to stop mentioning BET while discussing the problem with teen gang shootings. There is no proof that the BET show encouraged the gangs. There is nothing that connects the recent shootings in Monroe, or the gang growth, to BET.

Problems cannot be fixed by just scapegoating an individual or institution. The very argument that modern television and aspects of the internet promote the worst behavior in teens and some adults is weakened by such a baseless claim. Not once was there even so much as a quote by an accused shooter or gang member about BET. There wasn't even a made up stat or poll or reasonable connection.

Do I think the programming on BET is worthwhile, positive, or beneficial to the Black Community? No. I've stated that many times. I think that Sumner Redstone and the execs at Viacom are too busy cashing in on the commoditization of Black culture to care what they put on or what potential effect it may have. Until all of their kids act out and reference BET, or the other equally horrid programming featuring African Americans on other Viacom channels, they won't even notice.

Still my opinion, and my direct references to shows on BET and their link to stereotypes and negative connotations of African Americans, are not the same as trying to vaguely connect BET to crimes being actively committed. A publication that purports itself as a member of the press needs to have higher standards. Being a publication catering to African Americans does not mean standards are removed or lowered.

Can BET be improved? Only in as much as I am sure the sun will rise tomorrow. But is BET contributing to the rise in gang violence in Monroe? There is no way to be sure, especially considering the "reporting" by the Monroe Free Press. And the readers of Monroe, and the internet, deserve better. Even BET for all its faults deserves better than that.

Bob Johnson is at it again

Bob Johnson. The only Black male billionaire in the United States. The man that created Black Entertainment Television (no relation to this blog).

Bob Johnson is getting back to his roots. That is he is proposing a new Black-oriented television network to compete with his former BET and TV One. And I would equate that to a crack dealer finding religion and then going back out to sell more crack. If that doesn’t sound complementary, it isn’t meant to be.

Bob Johnson’s BET has more than a few comparisons for drug dealing. Its main adiction it sold were music videos so repulsive in the style and message that no other cable channel would dare play them. Not even the once rebellious MTV. These images of belittling women, and glorification of violence were not the initial programming but the end result. The big pay off. And he sold this to Black audiences because their only choice was to drink sand.

Bob Johnson had the opportunity to present an image of African Americans to the world that is not seen in other media. He could have emphasized the businesses we run, the educations we gain, the success we derive out of difficult and unbalanced situations. He could have promoted the achievements we make in the arts, and the advances we tread in politics. Instead he made a lot of money on the backs of the people he proposed to serve.

And now he plans to do it again.

According to an Ion and RLJ joint statement, the proposed share-time arrangement would allow Urban Television to operate “a continuous television program service aimed at serving the needs and interests of urban viewers and traditionally underserved minority communities. Urban Television will be a new addition to the current broadcast channel lineup, and Ion Media Networks will continue to operate its own broadcast networks.”

Urban Television is Bob Johnson’s new brand of crack so to speak. The goals sound lofty, but so did those at BET. The plea to the Government to back his venture are the same he stated before. And you can see the result right now, you might even be in time to see the movie Soul Plane.

Whether or not Bob Johnson launches Urban Television, he’s rich. He might be feeling remorse for the accusations he leveled at Barack Obama during the Democratic Primaries. He might be trying to make amends for the damage that BET has done over the years. He could even make a quality station that really does promote an image of African Americans as anything besides minstrels and pitbulls.

But I for one do not trust his intentions. I do not forget the high ideals he issued before diving to the gutter. I recall all to well his sell-out and escape to the fast lane. I don’t begrudge his money, just the way he got it. And I won’t help him get more.

Black Entertainment Television loses Procter & Gamble, but is it enough?

Viacom must be proud. I really have to believe that they are in a great mood today. If they aren’t all the better because I feel better. Why? Because Procter & Gamble and GM have pulled their ads from the network – specifically those found on Rap City and 106 & Park.

Both of these cable network programs are found on the infamous Black Entertainment Television (BET) [No relation], created by Bob Johnson based on the same theory as that of Marie Antoinette. But whereas Marie Antoinette was beheaded by the starving masses, the intellectually starving made Bob Johnson a billionaire. And Viacom was more than happy to jump on the bandwagon that Johnson started.

If television can be called the opiate of the masses, then gangsta rap and hip hop music videos are its crack. Bob Johnson figured out the formula and how to spread sales when he started his infamous late-night music video line-up. Viacom simply figured out how to sell this crack to schoolchildren during the day. Reginald Hudlin must be proud, because Sumner Redstone surely is.

But many others in the Black community, and those concerned about the welfare of children, were not pleased. Thus when the later re-named Hot Ghetto Mess was first imagined, we spoke out. While the changes were minor (program title was quickly altered, and some of the content it’s rumored) advertisers acted lest they stir the ire of the $1 trillion African American community. And again the voices were raised and that attention has caused action.

As most would agree, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Rap City and 106&Park promoted videos to kids just out of school that focused on sex, violence and profane language. But for those, like the advertising executives at GM and Procter & Gamble, that obviously never actually watch the program an April Parent Television Council study found the following:

“…among other things, that Rap City featured on average 31.6 instances of sex, 25.3 instances of explicit language and 11.7 instances of violence per hour.”

And Bob Johnson had the balls to allege that Senator Obama was a drug dealer.

Don’t get too happy though. While these 2 companies are in the top 5 of advertisers in the nation they have not made the impact that really would have made a difference to Viacom. GM did take their ads from these BET programs, but it moved them to other programs on this troubled network. Thus the financial slap in the face has become a tap on the wrists and BET continues in silence.

And what about the advertisers that have not changed their position? That would be McDonald’s, YUM! Brands (ie. KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and A&W root beer), and Verizon. Not one of these companies seems to be fazed by children being spoon-fed sex and violence. Yet not one of these companies would dare advertise on a program targeting White children with the same reported numbers. Obviously their opinion matches that of Sumner Redstone and Viacom. What great company to associate with.

And the Black community must be admonished for supporting these kinds of actions. With so much money being spent on keeping up with the Jones’, so much importance placed on style over substance we effectively beg for more intellectual crack and they whip it up on demand.

But until we act in the same manner as the poor French with Marie Antoinette, expect to eat more cake and have children more damaged every year. I have to wonder how well Debra Lee, Reginald Hudlin, and Bob Johnson sleep? I’d guess as well as the crack dealer on the corner.

Review of Jeff Johnson speech at Ithaca College - 2.28.2008.2

When I first noticed a piece of news about Jeff Johnson speaking at Ithaca College I honestly didn’t think much of it. I had never heard of the man. But after reflecting on the college, which was a mere hour or so away from me, I decided to really read the announcement. From that I learned that Mr. Johnson was more than just some entertainer but was a recognized influence on hip hop and youth activism.

I also found out that he had worked with Black Entertainment Television, on the program Rap City as Cousin Jeff, and then later in the Jeff Johnson Chronicles. In all honesty that lowered my still unclear opinion of the man, and drove me to go to the event in hopes of discussing the actions of BET with Hot Ghetto Mess (now called We Got To Do Better) and the less than positive representations of Blacks by the cable network (owned by Viacom) with him.

Prior to going to the event, I read through the biography of Jeff Johnson via the website of his management team. Again, in all honesty as an opponent of gangsta rap, I was not encouraged by the endorsement of Source Magazine or the BET collaboration. At the same time I was interested by the fact he had been the only American reporter to interview Africa’s first female head of state, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Liberia. Add to that the fact that he was a former National Youth Director for the NAACP and appointed by Russell Simmons as the Vice-President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network.

There was more to the man than what the association with rap and BET may make some 40 year olds conclude. And I’m happy to say that I miserably under-estimated the ability, sincerity, intelligence, and communication skills of this man. I was impressed not just because I had foolishly almost closed my mind to what he could be and was awoken to the fact that I nearly allowed my own prejudices to miss this event, but because of what he was imbuing the students at Ithaca with. He gave them more than hope or polispeak; he gave them a motivation to seek out their own purpose and the drive to make a difference.

I have already spoken about the students at this event. Let me tell you about Jeff Johnson’s speech.

First of all, Mr. Johnson is an excellent orator. He has a command of the stage that few I have heard have. And he isn’t shy. Not in the subjects he discusses, the message he wants to convey, the examples and images he draws upon, nor in the desire to get feedback from his audience as he talks to them. I want to be clear; he doesn’t talk at the audience but speaks to them.

The first clue to that came when Mr. Johnson bypassed the podium and stood before his audience and asked if we could all hear his voice. While the room was of decent size (easily holding over 200 people at a guess) there was no question that his voice filled the room. A good sign and more comforting than watching someone shielded by a podium.

Mr. Johnson started off with the Black community’s struggle with Black History Month. The fact that there are too few programs on people of color (the preference of Mr. Johnson when referring to Black Americans, being inclusive to all the heritages that make up what is the Black community but also used to include all non-whites) and noting that Black History Month currently exists on a superficial level, ignoring it’s inception as Negro History Week, why it was created and what it has evolved into.

As Mr. Johnson stated

“Blacks have been patriots longer than citizens.”

And that the Civil Rights Movement was ‘gangsta’ because never had so much changed without violence and revolution, and Civil Rights purpose was the change of Laws and Policy in this nation. Only a true gangster could effect so much change without rising up arms to do so. And they raised a generation of children that couldn’t fight.

Yet one of the problems in 2008 was that the children of the Civil Rights Movement have an identity crisis that is separate of civil rights or BET. It was because of 2 things, the ending messages of Civil Rights. I will try to paraphrase it

“First, I don’t want you to fight like I did – go to school, get an education (and lose your minds).

Second – [in a whisper] If you don’t tell people you are Black they might not know.

Both of these things can be found in the personifying an image of Blackness connected to hip hop rooted to Africa that doesn’t reflect Africa and has nothing to do with being Black.”

Read that again. It’s very powerful, and I fully admit I do not give justice to the way and full scope of what Mr. Johnson said on this. I’m giving you a paltry couple of seconds’ summary of at least 10 minutes of conversation that was far more intense. But the point is there I believe.

From this point the speech went on to discuss the split that occurred in hip hop and the emergence of rap. Like many recognize, prior to 1992 the rap industry was about social commentary. That not only included groups like Public Enemy but also much of the tracks from N.W.A. Right up until the album, The Chronic.

At that point a new model for rap was created, funded by White people while Black people (or people of color) danced to it, and had record companies saying ‘Pimp stuff sells thus we sell it’. And that was the first time, after the last track of the Chronic album was out, that people started to say ‘I don’t listen to what they say, I listen to the beat.’

Jumping forward a bit Mr. Johnson then went on to discuss how the grandchildren of Civil Rights Movement have less power than the parents of the Civil Rights Movements (meaning slaves) and how we buy into the lie that Dr. Marin Luther King would have had the same dream from 1965 to 2008.

Another point that I agreed with and struck the audience was the thought that there is $100 million dollars being spent on a statue of Dr. King that ½ of Black America can’t afford to go see. Or that less could be spent, or a matching funds campaign could be made, to fund schools across America.

At a later point Mr. Johnson stated

“Black History is a time where our obligation is to share with the world our history. And if we don’t know it, it’s just a party celebrating our ignorance.”

As I mentioned Mr. Johnson is hardly reserved in the points he makes. And that is a good thing as the comments are needed. The impact and repercussions of what he is discussing are real events and inaction that is in the Black community today.

By confronting the youth of today, especially those that are people of color, with these realities, and reminding them of the ability and power they have to change the world around them he helps to improve America for us all. We can play chess as if it were checker and wonder at our repeated losses, or we can plan and act and win. And often those that are just entering the adult world can have the biggest and longest lasting impact. Because they shape the future and present, and live with the consequences.

I will not claim to do justice for the speech of Jeff Johnson. There are many elements that I have not covered, and others I have paraphrased, perhaps poorly. But I will say that my understanding of his message, and the ability that he has to positively impact the youth of the nation is more than just a pleasant surprise.

I may not agree with every aspect of what he said, that is not important. But I will say that many would find benefit in hearing or reading a speech by him. Even better to be there as he give his words the power of his voice.

I look forward to speaking with Jeff Johnson in the future, if possible, and passing that conversation on to you. But until that time I suggest that you look into him via his website at jeffsnation.com

Bob Johnson of BET and Clinton supporter apologizes to Senator Obama - 1.17.2008.1

So Bob Johnson has apologized to Senator Barack Obama for attacking the Democratic Presidential candidates past, for the express benefit of Senator Hillary Clinton. Isn’t that nice.

I have no doubt that virtually everyone has heard the comments made on Sunday, but if for some reason you missed it here it is:

[NOTE - This video contains material that young readers should not see. It is the very same material that Bob Johnson promoted on BET daily.]



That’s what Bob Johnson said. The implication was clear and his denials were disingenuous. And as has been done repeatedly by the Clinton campaign, it was an attack on Senator Obama with several desired results.

It was meant to insist the thought and stereotype that Black men are drug users. That we are untrustworthy and dangerous. These themes are not new to Bob Johnson as he was critical in placing that portrayal front and center on national cable via Black Entertainment Television.

The second thought was to split Whites from Blacks in their voting. It was a direct play on the race card, issued by the Clinton campaign. He was speaking on her behalf, and given the Clinton’s penchant for micromanagement of every aspect of the campaign I would have to believe it was cleared before Johnson spoke. It was meant as a means to imply that White America should avoid an African American.

Third it was meant as a means to divert attention from any positive message Senator Obama might have and any new support he might have gained from Iowa. It was meant to distract from the fact that 40% of Michigan voters came out to vote with only one goal, to deny Hillary Clinton a sweeping unchallenged win. The implication being that she is weak and disliked.

It has succeeded in each point.

But I must ask, how important is it that a man responsible for damaging the image of Black men, and the value of Black women wants to attack an African American that has spent decades serving the public and has voluntarily admitted his own failures long before he ever had an aspiration for the Presidency.

Obviously very little since Bob Johnson has now apologized, though far less publicly, and in a vague manner.



At least he admits the attack was uncalled for and underhanded. Similar to the music videos that degraded Black women, especially popular at BET when Bob Johnson was at the helm. Similar to the Clinton staffer that was promoting a false and derogatory email about Obama being Islamic and an undercover terrorist. A dirty political attack that the Clinton campaign loves to use. Or so it would seem as the do this constantly.

Johnson goes on to mention that the comments were ‘inappropriate’. I disagree, they were perfect to weaken the chances of the first viable Black Presidential candidate. They were timed and planned, and he knew it. His apology, after the effect has taken hold, is hollow and pitiful.

But I expect no more from a man that has proliferated the worst images and commentary on African Americans in decades. He sought out music videos and programming, that no other cable network would dare play. And the reason he got away with it was because he is Black.

And his legacy continues to insult and inflame millions of African Americans. Hot Ghetto Mess (or whatever name has been given to it now), College Hill, Read-A-Book, and so much more are still spewing forth. This has even lead to equally offensive material like the various Flava of Love television shows and spin-offs. All justified by what Bob Johnson created and promoted.

I don’t know which is worse. The fact that the Clinton campaign must resort to personal attacks and lies, or that Bob Johnson would dare to try to take a moral stance above anyone.

So I say to Bob Johnson, your apology is as without merit as Read-A-Book was without class, good taste, or a message.

And I have to question Senator Clinton. If your campaign has taken for granted the support of Blacks, and neither you nor your husband can point to any actual law (that I can recall or an aware of) that directly and specifically benefited African Americans, what would make you think that gaining the support of the man responsible for more negative imagery and content against Blacks would improve your support? Perhaps this person, and his obvious venom-spitting proves one thing, that you may not have the best interest of African Americans in mind.

At least that is what I conclude, how about you?

Can the Wayans make it on VH1

**This post can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

Do we need another celebrity reality series? Is there any reason for another ‘reality’ program of any sort? Obviously network television executives think so. And one of the upcoming programs has potential. That is the potential to by abysmally bad, or astoundingly good. My bet is towards the bad, and mark my words, there is no middle ground.

Why are there so many ‘reality’ programs? They are cheap. They are dumb. They embarrass, in general, individuals and more commonly these days’ celebrities. The first 2 reasons are attractive to networks because it means they are easy to profit off of. No real sets, smaller crews, no writers (sort of), and no debates on renewing contracts. But all the profits of a successful show even if it’s only in the lower half of all programs on television.

The last reason is self-defining. The public loves to watch entertainers and celebrities fall. Add into the mix the fact that these shows tend to emphasize the bottom tier of notables, those with lesser or barely existent talents and the envy gives way to mean spirited laughter at their expense. That’s the honest answer why most watch these things. It’s not humor with, but at those on the program. It’s the most base and scraping the bottom of the barrel common denominator in television since it was invented.

This reminds me of what Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams used to call television, ITV. Meaning idiot television. 20 years after the fact he is more correct than ever before.

But there are moments of real human interest. Like when Flava Flav would up in a relationship with Bridgette Nielsen, who would have guessed that? Or that Christopher Knight would wind up marrying model Adrianne Curry. But such real and warm moments are fleeting.

Then there are the programs made to emulate the reality of life, with a twist. Like the show Entourage. I’ve never seen it, so I have no clue on its appeal or quality. But I trust the multiple sources that state it’s wonderful. Even moreso because it seems that the Wayans’ family will be involved with a similar (possibly rip-off) version of the program. You know you are doing well in Hollywood when others copy what you are doing.

Now the word is that this will be on VH1. And thus we see how it could be great or horrendous and nothing in-between. VH1 LOVES celebrity ‘reality’ programs. They love to talk about anything involving un-scripted celebrity life. Entourage is right in that vain. And as one blogger mentioned (Whudat.com) if it’s about the lives of the various Wayans clan that could be interesting.

But on the other side are the issues. VH1 is owned by Viacom, the company responsible for the programming at Black Entertainment Television (BET) for years. VH1 is home of the various Flava Flav programs like Flava of Love. To say it succinctly, Viacom has shown a repeated, company wide, ideology of portraying African Americans in the worst light possible.

Add to that that the last several project headed by Shawn Wayans, Lil Man and White Chicks, have neither been the most successful or highest quality to come out of the family. While there is a relationship with Viacom (the old WB program headed by Shawn and Marlon is shown regularly on BET) that is not to say it’s a great one. And if this Entourage-esque program is just their written work, given the standards and expectations of Viacom, horror seems a big potential.

Now I have nothing against the probably most successful Black family in television and movies. I like the work that Keenan and Damon have done, generally. There’s even been one or 2 things that Shawn and Marlon have done that was of some interest. And I love the fact that they provide more work for more African Americans and minorities than roughly a dozen other programs or films, in front of the camera and behind it.

But I still have reservations. Will I see what the program is like when it’s announced? Surely. Will I be happy to know that they are employing so many that every other studio and Production Company seems to be oblivious to, definitely. Would I look at the minor characters and sideline people for up and coming stars? Without doubt, as the family has a knack for finding and developing talent everyone else ignores. [Where did Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Davidson, and Jamie Foxx all come from?]

So I will wait and see what VH1 goes with. I hope for a great show, which is quite possible. But I also will steady myself if Viacom is true to its unspoken corporate policy and the program is horrendous. At least we know what the odds are.

The honesty only the Boondocks provides - 10.16.2007.1

I just love the Boondocks cartoon on Adult Swim. The honesty that is contained in that is more than what is seen in a dozen programs throughout all television right now. Live action could never get away with the obvious facts one half hour of this program provides.

From the R. Kelly trial (which in real life has waited 5 years and still has yet to occur), to pimps, Oprah and Dr. Martin Luther King there is a direct honesty that would cause an uproar in another format. In the caricatures of the lead and recurring characters we get to see multiple aspects of Black Americans. That’s a diversity that is only approached by combining characters from the Shield, CSI, Eureka, Blade: the series and Mind of Mencia all into one program. It’s also interesting to note that that’s almost all the leading and major supporting African American characters on television (combining cable and broadcast) at this time.

I don’t know what is more alarming. That the Boondocks is not the most watched program by African Americans, that BET (Black Entertainment Television) was incapable of securing this program themselves, or that my allusion that the diversity in this program exceeds virtually all other programs with African Americans combined is almost accurate. And yet so few see the program while that most don’t get it.

Often social commentary is best stated in formats that are seen as the least confrontational. That’s why, when done by the best performers like Mr. Richard Pryor or Mr. Lenny Bruce, the greatest impact occurs without the direct confrontation a discussion often brings.

As Huey states in one episode, [I paraphrase]

“America has done a multitude of injustice to Blacks, but that does not mean everything is an injustice, or that this makes every African American a hero.”

R Kelly is not a hero, OJ is culpable, and Dr. Martin Luther King would be appalled with the state of the Black community today. It may seem funny when a cartoon character says it, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s the truth. And it’s a shame the greatest honesty and diversity can only occur in an animated program in the year 2007.

Congress discusses gangsta rap music Part 2 - 9.26.2007.4

Continued from Congress discusses gangsta rap music Part 1...

Perhaps the funniest part of the Congressional hearings is the arguments made by corporations. I don’t mean funny ha-ha. Executives constantly like to say that they don’t control the content that gets out their. ‘It’s the other guys fault.’ Yet they spend millions to promote this exclusive form of rap music. The spend tens of thousands to create music videos of a particular style only. They flood airwaves with this singular format since 1992, and they have reaped tens of billions of dollars if not hundreds.

The other common excuses are that this is no different than the outrage against Elvis in the 50’s and the Beatles in the 60’s. What crap. Elvis may have wiggled his hips (which they found suggestive and objectionable back then) but you never saw him smoking a crack pipe. Elvis had bodyguards, but you never heard of shoot-outs between him and say Frank Sinatra. For all the wives, women and possible affairs Elvis may have had, you never heard him speak disparagingly about any woman. The only similarity was that when Elvis started, like rap, he was shunned because he was different. 15 years later he was treated as the norm, and some considered him conservative. Rap started out being called a fad, and until the emergence of gansta rap stayed that way. 15 years after gansta rap started it is not a fad, but it is nothing like Elvis either.

Executives like to say they maintain standards and support the community. I say where? Philippe Dauman believes

“We have a responsibility to speak authentically to our viewers”

His manner of authentic speech? Read-a-Book. Music videos of the most graphic nature – shown on BET - that are so extreme the other music video cable channels his corporation owns would not play them. Programming of such a poor quality it’s insulting to think anyone would watch it. When was the last time you saw a movie by Lawrence Fishburne, Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman on BET? How many times have you seen a movie about rappers, drugs, violence and women barely clothed only seeking sex – like Soul Plane – on BET? I mean it’s not like BET own Paramount Pictures and has an entire movie library that they can access to provide quality movies with. It’s not like they are a multi-billion dollar international corporation that could afford to create original programming that stars or prominently features African Americans that are not drug dealers and rappers (Like the Blade series on Spike, Eureka on SciFi, or the Shield on FX).

Oh thank you Philippe Dauman and Viacom for deciding that the only original programming that should target African Americans are College Hill (laden with profanity and violence), Hot Ghetto Mess (I don’t care that they changed the name it’s still exploitative), and a never ending variations on ‘Flava Flav needs a ho.’ [I should apologize for calling some of the women involved in the various Flav programs ho’s – but I won’t.]

Continued in part 3...

Democrat and Chronicle editorial response - 9.24.2007.3

Wow. I’ve heard various reasons why some defend gansta rap, but never one quite like this.

At issue is the editorial by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. In this they comment on the public pressure that has been placed on this genre of rap music, and commercial organizations (such as Black Entertainment Television) that profit off the promotion of this genre.

“While speaking with one's wallet is a powerful tool, it doesn't mean society should abdicate its responsibility to hold rappers and music executives responsible for much of the junk that passes for hip-hop music these days.

The fact that Black Entertainment Television, one of the major enablers of violent and misogynistic music, has decided to put together a three-part series, Hip-Hop vs. America, is another telling sign of what public pressure can do.”

The response by JWilliams at 5:04am is what struck me. Somehow JWilliams felt that this is a non-issue. Specifically

“…what consequences there are of gangster rap's prevalence, you certainly cannot quantify them; you in essence have no idea about how bad or good gangster rap is, only your pre-conceived dubious notions…”

I wish to provide some of those quantified consequences. Some of my reasons are based in the facts that have been widely reported, others just my personal observations. I’m sure most will be qualified as ‘dubious notions’.

The emergence of gangsta rap began in 1992 with N.W.A. This form of rap promoted the use of drugs and the violence found in that lifestyle. That is not to say that police violence and injustice in the legal system was not also addressed, but the preference was to these issues.

It can be noted that the growth of gangs, such as the Bloods and Crips went lock and step with the growth of this music format. It is accepted that the primary income from these gangs is drugs and violent crimes.

It has been stated for over a decade that gangsta rap denigrates women. It promotes the image that women are a commodity, without souls or a purpose greater than the sexual gratification of a man. View any current rap video and you can see that. This constant barrage of worthlessness creates an environment where women can have a lowered sense of self-esteem. That can result in a multitude of issues, from eating disorders, to lack of education and beyond.

One aspect of the lowered self-esteem is the perception that education is not a positive in a woman. This goes hand in hand with the thoughts that a man is above a woman, and that a woman should not be more educated than a man. That is one factor in the current 50% or greater dropout rate today, I believe.

Continued in Part 2...

Viacom just doesn't stop Part 2 - 8.21.2007.3

Continued from Viacom just doesn't stop Part 1...

In looking at, and not watching, a rap video we see the violence, drugs and abuse of women that is being promoted. Many have mentioned that. And each of the channels that are abovementioned dedicate time to promote the most sexual and derogative videos, even if they claim that the programming places the worst of it after 10pm or it is focused on the one channel targeted solely to Black people. What is also being promoted is criminal activity (can you name all the rappers and hip hop artists that have not been arrested on drug, gun, or violence related charges? Are there any?) lack of education (name any current rapper that has graduated college? Gone to college? Graduated high school?) and base materialism (unless you can explain a need for spinning rims and platinum teeth beyond wasting money).

What about the ever so educational Flava of Love programs, and its spin-off. Can anyone name the benefit of that program? Is there any reason that this has to be the only presentation of Black people to millions internationally?

How about the movies on these channels? When was the last time you saw a movie that starred an A-list Black actor? When was the last time that a film, made for more than 15 million, that did well in the movie theaters was on? Have you ever seen a single film starring Mr. Denzel Washington, or Mr. Lawrence Fishburne, or Mr. Wesley Snipes? Have you seen a single film that did not feature primarily Black-on-Black violence?

It seems quite obvious that Viacom believes that African Americans are mindless, poverty-stricken, fools that will accept drinking sand because that is what they are offering. Why else would a public service announcement be featured that is as vulgar, crass, and crude as the subjects it is supposed to be combating. (It even creates questions of issues I have never heard used against Blacks)

Given this, can anyone be surprised that a program that might feature Black women, or men, that have intelligence and successful careers would be cancelled? I’m surprised the concept was allowed to progress far enough that news about it could be written.

If Nike were to have an ad, with a bunch of Black guys playing basketball, with rap music in the background, and a hoochie with a baby in her hands and a stroller walks up to a drug dealer asking for crack offering a pair of new Nike sneakers as payment; there would be outrage. Yet Viacom does this same thing, just in separate parts and sometimes using separate channels.

I have mentioned my contempt for Viacom head Philippe Dauman, and real power Sumner Redstone. These 2 men control the publicly traded company. It is their vision that shapes the programming on their cable network, and motion picture empire. They ultimately determine what images of African Americans are broadcast to the world via their media.

Concluded in Part 3...

Viacom just doesn't stop - 8.21.2007.2

I noticed something today at one of the blogs of a fellow blogger I know, Miss J author of La Femme Américaine Noire. It was a post on VH-1 and the story was something I missed completely. At issue was the cancellation of a planned VH-1 program featuring interracial dating. A topical issue and one that raises the ire of quite a few Black women.

What I learned was both troubling and inflammatory, though not terribly surprising. Here are Miss J’s words on the subject.

What I was NOT happy about was their reason behind doing it. Supposedly, the REAL reason was because they didn't feel a show with "educated" sounding black women would get ratings. Comments from the site that featured the story about this show being shelved included a few from black employees of VH-1.

Here is one quote: "I am the employee that leaked the information about the reason Vh1 turned down this reality show Interracial Love. It was told to the creators that this was not something Vh1 was looking to do right now and it did not fit with their network. The truth is that we was told to tell the creators this however that is not what was said behind closed doors. The truth is that this show does not fit the mold just as they said however they left out the part what also was said. This is word for word what was said, 'This is not a good fit for us here at Vh1 we are not interested in showing this family or black women in the positive light this show wants to. It is our thoughts that the viewers are more interested in seeing black people in a ghetto role. This show will not sell. Black women are looked at as being ghetto and not educated so we need to pass on this project.'”

I have always found Miss J to be a credible blogger, with insight and attention to detail. I have no doubt that the information on the VH-1 program is as reliable as is possible to determine. That is where I find a sadness and irritation. Not with Miss J, but VH-1 and Viacom it’s parent company.

Viacom seems to have the least understanding of and interest in African Americans, while at the same time a dedicated interest in profiting from this same target group. We are just a means of exploitation, as concluded by the actions of this public corporation. I don’t mean exploited like Nike targeting $150 sneakers to inner city teenagers with the concept that they will allow the kids to become professional basketball players or other athlete entertainers. I mean exploited as in the proliferation of gangsta rap music as the only option in the music genre, promoting drugs and violence.

Viacom owns VH-1 in addition to MTV and Black Entertainment Television (no connection to this blog). At each cable channel the main attempts to provide programming that directly attracts African Americans involves gansta rap, music video hoochies, drugs, violence, materialism, misogyny, lack of education, alcohol, and poverty. You might say where are those things happening? You didn’t see that, where did I?

Continued in Part 2...

Further thoughts on the Black Entertainment Television PSA Part 3 - 8.13.2007.4

Submitted from Further thoughts on the Black Entertainment Television PSA Part 2...

I want to mention something for Mr. Williams, it’s an old saying. A mind that must use a vulgarity to express something where words are common and available is a small mind. Words are merely the vocalization of thought, and those small words reflect a small closed mind.

I would also like to remind Mr. Williams something else. Being a bit older than I think he is I actually remember what rap music was when it first started, when it first got placed on albums (vinyl not a CD or cassette tape), and when MTV created the concept of a music video. I can say based on growing up and watching the phases rap music has gone through, that Mr. Williams seems to have no idea what rap music intended or was capable of.

If you want to know what rap music was about, listen to Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5. If you want to know what rap music is capable of being, listen to Public Enemy or KRS-One. To say that the mindless, money-grubbing, record company driven, commoditized, lateral sales targeted, repetitive, lyrical vomit that is gansta rap (originally a mere sub-genre of rap pre-1992) today is all that rap can attain is both narrow-minded and insulting.

But staying focused on my original point, this Public Service Announcement that Black Entertainment Television has on its cable network airwaves sickens me.

Now I know some may read this and say, ‘well you just don’t get it. You aren’t Black enough. You are too busy trying to be White.’

Time to wake up and stop hiding from the truth. I was born in the Bronx with a tan that never fades, summer or winter, in the sun or not. My color of skin is dark enough to have gotten me lynched in the 1600’s, the 1800’s, and in 1965. I have been called N-word too many times to count, and as recently as 2 weeks ago. That wasn’t the rose colored glasses view of a salutation some hope it is, but meant as the word is defined.

I’m Black enough to have been denied jobs, and have women held their purses tight in an elevator. I’m Black enough to have police draw guns on me for a simple traffic stop. I’m Black enough to watch some people smirk and deny that I own a business, just because they don’t.

If the fact that I earned my education instead of buying the latest overpriced sneaker offends, be offended. If the fact that I have never been to jail and prefer to wear suits as opposed to platinum teeth intimidates weaker minds, be intimidated. If I use a vocabulary that doesn’t include words found on a rap album, don’t feel bad because they are the same words that the executives that own the record company you are funding use everyday.

So perhaps someone who has been around long enough to know what things were like before the internet, and gangsta rap, can be Black. And that same person can see when a television network is using the people it claims to serve. It’s not a unique vision. But as long as some cow-tow and praise actions that degrade the people it supposedly represents, things won’t get better.

Here is perhaps the most obvious point on how “classic” or “ironically positive” this PSA may be. Every other network, especially the national broadcast television networks, will not play this PSA. Viacom, which owns BET, won’t play this PSA on any of its other channels. This isn’t quiet because it won’t be played; it isn’t being played because of the embarrassment and insult it is.

If that isn’t an example of exploitation and insult, I can’t wait to hear what is.

This is what I think; I want to hear what you think.

Further thoughts on the Black Entertainment Television PSA - 8.13.2007.2

‘You are an ignorant, smelly, toothless, drunk, Black person that is incapable of caring for your children. Thank you. – This has been a Public Service Announcement from Black Entertainment Television, because we care.’

That is not an actual PSA, and I will remind readers I have nothing to do with BET. Yet that is the feeling I think BET is trying to convey with its recent PSA Read A Book. I have already commented on the initial reactions I had from viewing the PSA, and time for reflection has not improved my outlook.

But I decided that perhaps I was too old to understand the PSA. I wondered if my friend who saw the PSA when I did was perhaps viewing the video with eyes of nearly my same age and also a mother of 3 children. So I have sought out a couple of different individuals of different ages and sex. I even made sure to ask non-Black people to see their thoughts. In each case I got the first thoughts right after viewing the supposed PSA.

In order of age:

16 year old Black male –

I was very insulted, and it sucks. I think that most regular people already do these things, and it was towards the negative. I don’t like rap anyway, it’s useless and annoying. It’s all about drugs or having sex.

19 year old Black male –

Before I knew it was a PSA I thought it was unique, but I thought it sucks. For anyone that’s ghettofabulous and not intelligent – it may mean something to them. You just can’t tell them [a person into ghettofabulous lifestyle] something. If you said ‘read a book’, they would say ‘Stop being so White’.

The PSA is targeting inner city Black people it looks like. I wouldn’t let my kid watch that, the language. But I know people with kids that have grown up listening to [gangsta] rap all the time, all day. I can see them letting their kid hear it.

19 year old White female –

I want to kill someone. It’s ridiculous and racist. It’s horrible. The swearing is the worst part, all the N-word. I would never let my son see this.

Continued in part 2...

Comment on article by Victoria Tang at The Daily Californian - 7.26.2007.3

I want to reply to an opinion piece by Victoria Tang at The Daily Californian. Ms. Tang is commenting on the nature of the First Amendment and how the virus of political correctness (PC) has affected it. As many long-term readers of this site are aware, I am a strong supporter of the 1st Amendment. But the reason I wish to reply is that Ms. Tang is addressing the concerns I and many bloggers had on the We Got To Do Better (formerly Hot Ghetto Mess) program.

I, among others, strongly criticized Black Entertainment Television for the program prior to it’s airing on cable television. We were lead to believe, through the choice of logo, title, BET’s description, and lack of critical review or corporate reply to requests or previews that the program would not adhere to a standard worth of broadcasting. The program aired on cable television last night, and I subsequently replied about it, happily proven wrong in my criticism.

That is not to say that the attention placed on BET and Viacom was misplaced. Anyone who thinks that the program merely changed its title and logo does not understand the nature of film or television production. Many changes were occurring behind the scenes prior to the debut. The much heralded self-description of the program (since pulled of the BET website) was offensive, that was proven by the departure of 2 advertisers – State Farm and Home Depot. The focus of the program was stated to feature “booty-shakin” and “pimped-out high schoolers.” They were described as a “car wreck.” The actual program featured none of these in its video clips or show.

While few, even within BET, knew what the program was supposed to look like it is hardly difficult to understand that the make up of the program was changed. Why else would BET deny critics a chance to preview the program and dispel the bloggers that assailed the company? Why else were advertisers not shown the program to assuage their concerns?

And I will correct something that Ms. Tang stated.

“After a public relations squabble last Tuesday, Black Entertainment Television decided to scrap the original name “Hot Ghetto Mess” for a show depicting mostly young African Americans displaying what is deemed to be unpleasant behavior (mainly related to hip hop culture) less than 48 hours before its debut. What’s the new name? It’s called “We Got to Do Better.” Even gumdrops are less sugarcoated than that.”

The “public relations squabble” was started on July 4th for me and a day or so earlier at What About Our Daughters. This was not a sudden fly-by-night issue that caught on among bloggers, but a serious debate over concerns on how African Americans were being portrayed.

The title of the show is not so much “sugarcoated” as an accurate social commentary that is often stated in the Black community. Young or old, this has been said for a long time and it’s implication is far deeper than the words themselves. Ms. Tang is not African American so I can understand that she may not see the impact that this title means, but to call it sugarcoated is to belittle it’s meaning too much.

Continued in Part 2...

I was wrong about We Got To Do Better Part 3 - 7.26.2007.2

Concluded from I was wrong about We Got To Do Better Part 2...

Obviously there were changes made in the program before it aired in this form. Some we can see directly. The change in the logo graphic was a very obvious example that the program was revamped after the negative attention. The changes in content are unknown, but it is worth noting that the promised booty-shakin, and pimped-out high schoolers were not shown.

I will say to Jam Donaldson, you did better than I had expected. Your vision as it was presented does prove my suspicions wrong. Next time talk about it.

To Mr. Reginald Hudlin I state, while you have provided a good first program you could have done better of the show. Speaking to the media, as you have with all your other programs, helps you not hurts. I still believe you re-worked the program massively. That’s something I will never know.

But you should know that your commentary could have helped the show. Perhaps the negative publicity was intended to pump up rating, but it really cost you in advertisers. Out of 13 spots for commercials, you only had 3 advertisers. The main was for Whose Your Caddy? appearing 3 times, once per break. The other 2 were the American Red Cross and a local spot for Resort & Residence. You lost out horribly. Perhaps if you had provided advertisers and critics with an advanced view there would have been more and you wouldn’t have the need to plug your own programming 8 times.

Then again, perhaps if I and other, predominately Black, bloggers didn’t press you we would not have the final version we have.

I was wrong about We Got To Do Better - 7.25.2007.3

I stand corrected. I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. I am pleasantly surprised. Very pleasantly surprised.

I have harshly criticized Black Entertainment Television about what this program could be about. The lack of commentary by BET or it’s parent Viacom, coupled with the nature of the original name of the show and the logo for it led me to a very negative conclusion. Based on those facts, and the history of the programming found on BET, I and others sought to have the program removed.

I stand by my posts I have written since July 4th on this subject. Every attempt I made to investigate this issue was rebuffed. In a vacuum conclusions stand firm.

But I have always stated I hoped I would be wrong. In effect I am. As publicly and strongly as I commented on what I was lead to believe about this program, I will stand here and state that I had my wishes fulfilled.

I mentioned that there was no similarity between the message of the stated description of We Got To Do Better (formerly Hot Ghetto Mess) and the efforts of Dr. Bill Cosby. That is not entirely true. I also questioned the ability of Mr. Charlie Murphy to convey a more intellectual message than a comedic one. Mr. Murphy was critical in getting the correct message across and did so strongly at several points in the program.

The introduction was a solid description of how the program is meant to be social commentary AGAINST the images that were to be shown. Mr. Murphy made direct comments on improvement within the community such as his comment after the first set of video clips. I paraphrase

‘These people look like the ones that didn’t make it past the American Idol audition. And a good thing to. People, there are other professions out there besides being a singer or entertainer. Remember that, we got to do better.'

Well stated.

It was the commentary by Mr. Murphy that made the difference in the program. As I have commented previously, the context of this program was absolutely critical. Missed by even a little it fails to do what it was intended to do. Mr. Murphy did not miss a beat.

Further, I found the ‘Man on the Street’ portion of the show most telling and important. The questions asked of random people on the street were intelligent and critical to everyday life of African Americans.

I stand amazed at the number of people that thought Mr. Bill Gates was poorer than Jay-Z. Even scarier is that several of them felt that both men were so close as that if Jay-Z had one more successful albulm he could surpass Mr. Gates. The fact is that while Jay-Z is successful, he is merely a multi-millionaire. Mr. Gates is a multi-billioniare, larger than Jay-Z by a factor of roughly 10.

Continued in Part 2...

Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 3 - 7.24.2007.3

Conclusion from Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 2...

I hope, sincerely, to find that this entire post is moot. That the program does live up to the statements of Ms. Jam Donaldson and Mr. Reginald Hudlin. Improvement in the Black community is more than worthwhile, and my shoulders via this blog are wide enough to carry being wrong. But in my decades of life and many years in the stock market, I have learned to value something my father told me back when I was about 10.

“Believe half of what you see and nothing you hear.”

Those are sage words. So until I see We Got To Do Better, I will tend to remain fixed in my views gained by the run-a-round BET and Viacom lead me in on a 2 day attempt to gain a comment. I will brace myself, because the history of programming at BET includes Uncut and College Hill. I will trust my understanding of what BET, and Viacom, thought were acceptable statements and images to lure me into viewing their programming.

And I stand ready with a stick of my own, just in case my fears, BET’s history, the vacuous words and deafening silence are all justified, and African Americans are shown in a lite that a colleague and friend of mine mentioned today,

“A show like that, in the eyes of some people, justifies every negative thing said about Black people. I would never let a show like that be made about me. It’s bad and the world gets the wrong image.”

Mr. Dauman, Mr. Redstone, shareholders of Viacom, be alert. Bloggers pay attention to details, and people pay attention to us. We won’t drink sand because you give it to us, we can affect your profits. You want us to accept your services, and we want proper service. The scale must balance or there is hell to pay if they don’t.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 2 - 7.24.2007.2

Continued from Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? Part 1...

While many believe the victory has been won, many more are still cautious and I count myself in that group. My misgivings were not based on the name of the program but it’s content. The description that I found troubling remains. Without the ability to review the program, just as all critics have been denied, I cannot say anything has changed. Almost.

Viacom knows one thing clearly. Black bloggers, and by extension all bloggers don’t play. There were plans for protests of every advertiser of the program, and regardless of the name, there still could be. Several blogs, including my own, featured information concerning the real decision makers at Black Entertainment Television, Viacom. Several detailed questions for the President of Viacom Mr. Philippe Dauman and majority shareholder Mr. Sumner Redstone, and addressed the means by which the rest of the shareholders of the public corporation could be called to task for the programming. The other hand of protests, addressing the shareholders and their profits, came to bear such that Viacom could not ignore the probable outcome.

They should keep that in mind. It can still happen.

I am unconvinced by the platitudes that have come from the corporate public relations machine of Viacom. This has not assuaged my fears. Changing 3 words to 5 does not change the meaning of the content, nor does it provide a new context for that content to be understood internationally. That takes real change, not a new coat of paint. I hope, as I always have, that such change has occurred. But I am leery.

The press release seeks to deflect attention from the real issues. Like the rare comment from Mr. Reginald Hudlin who sought to, in my opinion, poorly compare the stated description of this program to the efforts of Dr. Bill Cosby and others. While that sounds nice, examination of what was presented about this program failed to hold up such a comparison. For Viacom to imply that there were misconceptions on behalf of bloggers and myself is to blame a wall for being flat. You cannot fault a conclusion that is based on information you (VIACOM and BET) have provided the public, and denied all sources further details. When a snake rattles it’s tail you don’t assume it’s not poisonous because you can’t see the venom.

The further attempt by BET to show their open palm while hiding their closed fist are the statements made in the press release about the future programming BET states they will have. A carrot to the stick that Hot Ghetto Mess, or We Got To Do Better if you prefer, is does not change how it may strike you. Public relations statements are great tools of obfuscation at times, but for those skilled at reading them they are not as powerful.

Comncluded in Part 3...

Does a name change make BET and Viacom good guys? - 7.24.2007.1

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
--From Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Of course a mess might smell the same too. The news is out that Black Entertainment Television, and its Parent company Viacom, have reacted to the massive and growing negative attention that has come from, predominantly black, bloggers. The groundswell had grown to include several news media sources, each wondering why Viacom via BET would not reveal any information on the proposed Hot Ghetto Mess. As I had posted previously, even executives within the company had not seen the show, it was a dirty little secret, or so everyone was left to conclude.

But, like a thief in the night, BET changed things in a last minute attempt to salvage a quickly deteriorating situation. The title of the program has been changed to We Got To Do Better, and BET release the following information:

“This week, BET will be launching a new series called WE GOT TO DO BETTER, a half-hour video clip show that, at its core, is pure social commentary.

The show’s original title was HOT GHETTO MESS: WE GOT TO DO BETTER. We’ve decided to change the name because we want to highlight the show’s real intent, which is to offer social commentary in a context that sparks dialogue, debate, and most importantly, change.

Additionally, the early misperceptions about the show and its title were diverting attention from the overall original programming strategy we’ve begun implementing at BET Networks – which is to deliver smart, creative shows that explore the full range of the Black experience. Our 2007 slate is the most ambitious and diverse aggregation of Black programming in television history, and it features a wide range of genres – from inspirational shows like EXALTED!, to animated comedy shows like BUFU, to family entertainment like SUNDAY BEST. As we move into the fall season and 2008, you’ll continue to see the increase in the quality, quantity and breadth of shows that we have to offer at BET.”

If you look on the BET website, you won’t find any of the links to the show. Gone is the blackface character, and the page highlighting the new program. Looking at the schedule of BET, you will see that tomorrow at 10:30 the newly titled program is mentioned. The description of the program has not changed though. Other than replacing the title it remains the same.

So the question remains. Has BET been working furiously behind the scenes to revamp and change the nature of this program or is it still the same content with a new name and no conection to the insulting blackface. In about 24 hours, we will know.

Continued in Part 2...

Even Bill O'Reilly hates Hot Ghetto Mess - 7.19.2007.3

I don’t know how many saw this yesterday, but at 8:51pm Mr. Bill O’Reilly took time on his show to highlight the BET Hot Ghetto Mess situation. While there was a guest (I forget her name but believe it was Mary Katherine Ham) that was trying to explain the position BET has taken, even Mr. O’Reilly realized that this was sensationalism and exploitation for the benefit of gaining money.

Even he was able to note that a television show of this nature was an “inner city freak show” on display. I’m sure some are too liberal to accept anything Mr. O’Reilly states, but I am not. And even if that is how you may feel, it has to make an extreme point when he sees what this show is.

The executives at Viacom should take note. Even conservative White Americans disagree with this proposed program. They can see the exploitive and greedy nature of this program. African Americans have seen this nature in the programming at BET for years.

It is a matter that will cost Viacom profit and shareholders. If nothing else will get their attention, not dozens of bloggers, huge amounts of negative internet attention, the loss of at least 2 advertisers (BET is keeping the name of the advertisers for this program quiet), and now a respected (mostly) television pundit with international reach, then it will have to be the shareholders. Loss of revenues from advertisers that WILL be protested will hit the bottom line in the next earnings release, and the one after that. A reduced earnings to price ratio drops a stock haeavily. Missing earnings forecasts will kill a stock.

Viacom executives be warned, this isn’t going away. This will affect more than just one division of your company. It will affect your stock and the shareholders. The best thing that can be done is to remove the program. There is no corner of America that I am aware of that agrees with you on this. That’s why no one, including television critics and advertisers, have been able to see the program. You know what will happen. Just be proactive and stop now.

Mr. Reginald Hudlin of Black Entertainment Television speaks - 7.17.2007.1

As the largest event that no major national news media will bother to cover continues to mount steam as the proposed launch of Black Entertainment Television’s Hot Ghetto Mess approaches, Mr. Reginald Hudlin has finally commented.
Mr. Hudlin didn’t comment to me, though I have described the efforts I have made to contact BET’s legal and public relations departments. [For that matter it seems that Mr. Sumner Redstone and Mr. Phillippe Dauman are without comment on the matter as well.] Rather he was besieged at the Television Critics Association Press Tour on Sunday.

I think most in the blogosphere are familiar at this point with the ongoing commentary on the proposed program Hot Ghetto Mess. To sum up for those less familiar, BET has a new show that features

“…shaking booties, thug life, baby-mama drama and pimped-out high schoolers…”

They also use a logo which features a blackface character. The public, and the blogosphere has reacted with outrage, and already State Farms and Home Depot have backed away from advertising on this program. Yet, the response to date from those at BET and Viacom (the company that owns BET) has either been no comment or surprise. Mr. Hudlin states,

“It's unfortunate that people are making an erroneous presumption based on absolutely zero information.”

Nice corporate response, except it’s not exactly true. While there is a presumption being made (as BET has not aired the show yet, nor have they allowed anyone outside the company – and many within the company – to review the program yet) it is based on information they have provided. The question not asked, or not answered to my knowledge, is how a video clip showing a Black woman shaking her bootie – hopefully at a club – would help anyone improve their lives? How would doing a segment featuring a “pimped-out high schooler[s]’ will do anything to prevent more of that, in an age of YouTube arranged fighting (not by YouTube, but the youth having fights just to present them on YouTube to gain attention).

Mr. Hudlin furthers his seemingly fallacious logic with this comment,

“The intent of the show is no different than what Bill Cosby is doing as he's going across the country and lecturing as he talks about the problems of the (black) community that we need to address.”

I must take this to task. Mr. Cosby hold a Masters in Education, at least 5 Honorary Doctorates, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, served in the Navy and has been constant over decades in his efforts to promote the best for African American children and the community. Mr. Cosby has not suddenly started to highlight his belief that the Black culture needs to be improved, he has just recently changed the manner and attention he receives on it.

Continued in Part 2...

Contact with Viacom and Black Entertainment Television Part 2 - 7.11.2007.2

Continued from Contact with Viacom and Black Entertainment Television Part 1...

• 4. Why do several divisions of the company promote programs that display little or no positive benefit in the portrayal of African Americans? I submit as examples VH1 – Flava of Love and all it’s spin-offs, BET – the abovementioned Hot Ghetto Mess, Uncut.
  
• 5. Given that African Americans, directly or indirectly have contributed to the positive earnings of Viacom, which in the Media networks division (of which BET is a part) was an increase of 10% to $1.73 billion, why has Viacom not used it huge network of resources to provide original or re-run programming the equivalent of other divisions of the company?
  
• 6. Considering that 1/3 of the movies released in the first quarter of 2007 seem to directly target African Americans (Norbit and Black Snake Moan), and that these same movies contributed to the 62% increase in revenues vs. 2006, without including the positive contribution of other movies release prior to 2007 (Dreamgirls), it can be surmised that African Americans are a strong source of a portion of the revenues for Viacom. Why then would this revenue source be seemingly neglected in a division that directly targets African Americans? I site the strong dependence of the programming on music videos, discussion of music videos, and B or less quality movies (ie. Soul Plane, Leprechaun: in the Hood) on BET.
  
• 7. Why is a division that seeks to target a seemingly lucrative consumer segment of the company, dedicated to programming that is and may be considered insulting to that audience. I cite the large number of African Americans that have crusaded (for over a decade) against the violence, misogyny, and promotion of drugs that music videos (particularly hip hop and gangsta rap) focus on. In addition I site the over a dozen blog sites and articles written denouncing the proposed Hot Ghetto Mess program, its logo, its stated content, the description of that content, and the loss of advertisers to the BET website page promoting this program.
  
• 8. I ask Mr. Redstone, Mr. Dauman, and all other executives responsible for programming at BET and the other divisions of Viacom, why there is such a vast difference in programming when comparing BET to any other divisions. I state that there is no comparable program to the Blade series, as an example, on BET.
  

I hope we can get a response to these questions from BET and Viacom. I feel we have been neglected and used for the monetary gain of Viacom. I believe that Viacom can provide quality programs that do not infer or actively promote insult to African Americans. I further accept that they chose not to do so with the one division of the company that solely targets us.

Whether that is due to the inefficient nature of the corporate structure of the company, as observed by my attempts to get comment from BET and/or Viacom, or because of the seemingly laissez faire attitude of executives responsible for programming (those executives ultimately being Mr. Redstone and Mr. Dauman) I do not know. But I do know that it can be changed. I submit that if shareholders of Viacom are holding onto a stock that is losing profits because of protests against the actions of the company, change will be swift. Protests may happen, especially if Hot Ghetto Mess is the insult that is inferred by the description provided on BET’s website and the logo chosen to symbolize the program.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Contact with Viacom and Black Entertainment Television - 7.11.2007.1

I tried to be fair. I tried to hear both sides. But there is a limit to what can be done. I am referring to my attempts to contact Black Entertainment Television for a comment on the massive and growing displeasure with [to say the least], and potential boycott of sponsors for, Hot Ghetto Mess.

Let me be clear. On Monday the 9th I started the process. I called Viacom and was directed to CBS. CBS stated that they no longer have anything to do with BET and then forwarded me to individuals at BET that could not comment due to company policy. I respect that they could not comment on the record. I was then directed to speak with the public relations department for BET. It turns out that it was for CBS. I was then directed to another person, who was also for CBS. Then I finally get BET to give me a number for their legal/corporate communications department. That’s in DC as opposed to NYC where their offices are. When I called that number I waited 4 minutes to get a human operator on the phone. I never got a human being to pick up. The call to DC was today, the second day in my efforts. I think I have been more than fair.


So let me state that I feel Mr. Sumner M. Redstone, who has controlling voting interest in Viacom according to the most recent 10Q, needs to fix his company. To be clear, while Mr. Phillippe P. Dauman is the CEO of Viacom (which owns BET) the voting rights and thus ultimate control lay with Mr. Sumner Redstone via his NAI company.

The fun part of this is I was a stockbroker and can read a 10Q. For those less familiar, essentially that is a document that public companies (ie. traded on the stock market) must file every 3 months, is available to the public, and states how much money was made, from where, how it was spent, and who is in charge. So when I stated previously that Viacom was ultimately responsible for Hot Ghetto Mess, and the general state of BET, I was incorrect. Ultimately it would be NAI and Mr. Redstone.

So I ask Mr. Redstone and Mr. Dauman a couple of questions. [Feel free to copy this post in part or whole and send it to Viacom, Mr. Redstone and/or Mr. Dauman]

• 1. Why is it that Black Entertainment Television (BET) is not allowed to comment except through its corporate communications which there seems no way to contact directly or with ease? Is there a reason that out of several people I have spoken with in 3 companies over 2 days no one can give me a number or name that can comment?
  
• 2. Why is it that Viacom owns MTV, VH1, Nick at Nite, Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks, among other properties and working relationships yet programming at BET fails to consistently provide diversity, quality, and/or positive content?
  
• 3. Why is it that divisions of the company are able to provide quality programs/content and BET promotes what I and other believe are caricatures of African Americans? I submit these examples: Spike TV – The original program The Blade Series, Comedy Central – The Dave Chappelle Show, Dreamworks – Hustle&Flow, Paramount Pictures – Dreamgirls.
  

Continued in Part 2...

BET Programming - 7.9.2007.1

Audrey B. is a contributing author. for Black Entertainment USA, and writes posts from time to time. In addition she is working on a book that will be published soon


I have been disappointed to say the least over BET programming not just recently but over the past few years. It started with the cancellation or removal of the news from its regular programming. What’s the assumption- that African- Americans do not have a need to be informed of current events? In addition the shows that are aired do not provide a balance. The majority of programs either portrays African –Americans in a stereotypical manner or shows those who fit the stereotype. Why are there so many shows that portray our girls and women as “houchie mamas and ghetto queens?” Even the video’s frequently show females in inappropriate attire and places the emphasis on their physical attributes and not their mental capabilities.

Out ancestors endured too much and struggled too long to give us the freedom we have today. With that comes the responsibility of up-holding and not degrading our people. It hurts to see our young ladies portrayed in such a degrading manner. BET should refuse to play these videos. And I know that we are in an era of reality show mania, but must we continually be exposed to the drama- girls cursing each other out and fighting over a man?

BET is in a position to be a powerful medium to reach the world. With much power, comes great responsibility. I hope that the executives and decision-makers take that responsibility more seriously. This would, in my opinion, be demonstrated by providing a balance in programming. The news should become a daily program. If you want to use reality shows, highlight the problems that our people deal with on a daily basis, unemployment, homelessness, lack of access to healthcare, health disparities, the need to adopt children of color, etc. I’m not suggesting that all reality shows should be doom and gloom, but a balance would be a good thing. I have not given up hope on BET. I think if enough people keep talking about it, maybe someone will hear. BET executives, you can make a change and make a difference.

The power of Black bloggers Part 2 - 7.6.2007.2

Continued from The power of Black bloggers Part 1...

In virtually no time after that commentary about this cable network program, and BET, appeared at Too Sense, Jack and Jill Politics, Intelligentaindigena Novajoservo , and lastly today at Three Brothers and a Sister.

No matter what was exactly said, or who said it, or where it happened first, the fact is that the executives at Viacom need to wake up. If each of these blogs only reaches 50,000 readers (which I know for a fact some reach far more) then that means at least 400,000 people across the world are aware of the potential negatives of this show and BET. If we guess that 70% of those reading are in, from, or know people in the United States then that means 280,000 people (not counting Canada or Mexico) in the Viacom run channels viewership. According to simple laws of numbers if each reader knows and tells just 5 people, who then tell 5… well let’s just say that right now somewhere between 1.4 and 35 million people are aware of the negative sentiment about this cable television program.

That’s damn impressive. Just 8 blogs and we have probably reached 41% of BET’s audience. And that’s in just 4 days. I have no doubt that each blog I mentioned can reach at least the 70 countries I do. Considering that, what advertiser would ever consider backing this show and engendering the negative opinion among that many consumers across the world?

The word is out. The attention is growing and it’s not good. Let’s follow it up with something special. I suggest that if this program airs, and it is exactly what we think it will be (which I have no doubt of) we remind the sponsors and Viacom the power of the Black community in America.

They want our money. They seem to want to laugh at us while they take our money. How about we send a letter to each and every sponsor of the program letting them know that is they continue to support this kind of show, they can count on us not purchasing their products or services.

African Americans spend billions every year. We drive industries with our purchases. I think it’s time we let them know not to take us for granted, or to insult us in one hand and take our money in the other.

This is what I think, what do you think?

BET and it's new program line-up Part 4 - 7.4.2007.4

Continued from BET and it's new program line-up Part 3...

Am I angry? HELL YES. BET is apparently using the guise of comedy to insult us and profit from that insult. It’s exactly what has happened with the promotion of gangsta rap over any other form of the music genre. It’s finding a way to get someone to call me the N-word, which they can’t do without an issue, and get paid for it. And the meaning is exactly the same one that has been used in this nation for 400 years. Doesn’t that get you upset?

Now I could be wrong. This may be a serious program, addressing the issue in a serious manner. Of course I don’t know why they couldn’t get a Dr. Cornelius West or other noted figure to host a serious program discussing the issues affecting African Americans. Then again to say this is serious kind of flies in the face of their own description of

“…like the traffic accident you can’t look away from. Viewers will laugh.”

I could be wrong, it might be funny. I’m sure someone will find the booty shaking they promise to provide to be funny. Very likely those that like the music videos made by rappers. Then again it’s been stated often that for rap music today 4 out of 5 buyers of rap are reportedly white suburban males. So the question might be who is Viacom trying to entertain?

So as I sit and think about this whole post I have to wonder something. Who watches BET. I don’t, and I’m unaware of anyone that does. Well that’s not true, I am aware of 3 people. Each of them are ultra-African Americans. I know this will piss some off, but here me out.

When I say Ultra-Balck I’m speaking about the caricature that you can see in Mr. Chris Rocks film CB-4. The character that sings the song, I’m Blacker Than Black. I am refering to those peole that want to prove they are so African American that anything that relates to Black culture is a must. They will see every film starring a African American entertainer 3x, no matter if it is bad or not. They will support anything that has to do with Africa and African Americans, even if they have no idea what it is. They criticize anyone who speaks without slang, who doesn’t own and can recite every recent rap song, who wears anything but FUBU as a sell-out. I mean people who are so polar opposites of sell-outs that they are so Black a blackhole in space looks like a shining star against their ass.

That doesn’t mean everyone who watches BET is like that. This is the experience I have had. It’s not universal. Neither is being Black, or a Black Puerto Rican. African Americans run the gamut from one extreme to the other with everything inbetween.

But I can’t escape the seeming fact that Viacom doesn’t recognize that diversity. That they believe there is only one type of African American consumer, and that they need to feed the lowest forms of entertainment down our throats. Viacom, especially with this new program – HOT GHETTO MESS (do you think they were making a play on hot ‘ghettoness’ and figured it was close enough? Black enough?), seems to believe that people will drink sand if you don’t offer them a choice.

I disagree. I’d rather buy a DVD of Passenger 57, or play a CD of Mr. Lenny Kravitz, or read Ms. Robin Roberts book From the Heart. There is no starvation for good entertainment. There is no reason to bolster a corporation that wants to say they want to improve the community and culture, yet profits from it’s deterioration.

Maybe I’m not black enough. But when I wake up every morning, that Black Puerto Rican man looks back at me. When I go out and deal with society, I’m as Black as anyone else. When a cop or anyone else calls me the N-word, I’m definitely Black. But I’m not African American enough to accept the sand Viacom is offering. I’ll find water instead.

This is what I think, what do you think?

**To be fair I will be contacting BET to find out their thoughts and justification for this program. I will be writting back shortly on this matter.

BET and it's new program line-up - 7.4.2007.1

I was speaking about the 2 faces of Black Entertainment Television (BET) the other day, and I mentioned that I wanted to go over their new television line up. This seems like a good time to discuss it.

BET is known for its late night music videos. I don’t mean the ones on MTV or VH1. No we are talking about serious booty shaking, barely clothed, derogatory images that even the MTV network won’t touch. This is kind of funny since I recall that MTV and VH1 are owned by the same company that owns BET.

Isn’t it odd that a channel that is supposed to provide programming to African Americans that targets the needs and desires of this community also leads the cable television industry in proliferating content that espouses violence, drug addition, misogyny or in other words the self-destruction of the people it ‘serves’. That’s something you just can’t get on any other channel. And people have to pay to get it. Nice trick.

But to say that is all the channel provides would be a lie. Of the wealth of information available on the internet, DVD’s, and the vaults of entertainment companies, Viacom believes that a steady diet of Soul Plane (possibly a step below the Toxic Avenger series of movies), the Wayans Brothers (that never worked for me), 106 and Park (discussing rap and hip hop predominantly), The Jamie Foxx Show, In Livin Color, interviews with rappers and hip hop entertainers (like 50 cent – the admitted drug dealer that was shot several times, nice role model), and gospel. That is essentially the best that can be provided for African Americans. Bunches of UPN reject shows and one of the worst films ever.

It’s not like there were ever shows staring black entertainers before UPN, you know like Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, A Different World, Cosby, Sanford & Son, The Jefferson’s, or I Spy. Not even any where an intelligent, important supporting character was on every week, like Mission Impossible. Nor any with women like say Star Trek.

Not like anyone at Viacom could go to Blockbuster or Amazon.com and get a DVD of a movie staring African American actors above the D-list. You know, if there were movies like Blade, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Tyler Perry’s Madea, or Malcolm X. Since this is the line up for the Fourth of July I wish there was a movie starring black actors that had to do with something heroic in American history, maybe like Glory, or The Tuskegee Airmen. Hell I’d even settle for a movie about African Americans in the military, like A Soldier’s Story or Platoon.

But Viacom knows there aren’t things like that available. Does it sound like there are no Black executives at Viacom?

Well if you were wondering, here is one of the highlights of the NEW line-up coming to BET this month. HOT GHETTO MESS. Doesn’t that title sound black? Just makes you want to get a 40 and watch the network with your stolen cable.

Continued in Part 2...

Comments on Stanley Crouch's Opinion - 7.2.2007.1

In today’s opinion in the New York Daily News, there is a piece by Mr. Stanley Crouch. It deals with the recent town hall meeting sponsored by Black Entertainment Television (BET), and the matter at hand was hip-hop/gangsta rap. This is a subject I have followed and discussed for over a decade. Since the corporate decision to promote, mold and profit off of the gangsta rap sub-genre I have felt it is too important to ignore.

It seems that the members of the panel have that feeling as well. From the claims of Nelly stating that he does more good than bad, to the realization of Master P that, as Mr. Crouch states he said

“It is time to lead the younger generation with all of the knowledge beyond crime and hustling that rappers like himself have gained since their early popularity.”

Yes it is well past that time. No matter what the proponents of the current gangsta rap mainstream may say, the fact that 4 out of 5 buyers of rap are reportedly white suburban males seems to confirm how derogatory this genre is. But to say this is a surprise would be a lie.

As early rap stars have gained wealth, had families, moved from the lower income areas that was the home of their youth, and gained maturity their has also come an understanding of what they have promoted and the damage it has done to the community and culture. Black culture today is a commodity. On sale at a discount so low it sells like crack. And with about as many virtues as that drug.

Not everyone will agree with me. But to those that don’t I ask why no one, including the abovenamed entertainers, could question the description provided about rappers

“too many of them are high on drugs, suffer sexual confusion, do what they are told and are plagued by enormous insecurities.”

While this introspection is gaining in popularity, and those of us who have made these comments, among friends and in public forums such as blogs and newspaper articles, are no longer looked upon as ‘haters’ we have far to go. Part of that process is to recognize that the current trends are not positive. Another is to recognize that the cause of this proliferation are executives at media companies that have litterally flooded us with this one image that they wished to exploit for their immense profit. Yet another is the fact that we have bought that image and fed into it. Be honest, if we did not buy the records initially, if we did not emulate the clothing styles, and incorporate the demeanor and lack of language gansta rap would still just be a sub-genre.

Continued in part 2...