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.

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?

The Black Entertainment Television PSA, insult or slap in the face - 8.13.2007.1

Some wondered why BET (Black Entertainment Television) caused so much animosity with the latest round of ‘original’ programming. Obviously the title of its headline program, Hot Ghetto Mess, was pretty bad. The content while less troubling than originally thought is no walk in sunshine either. But most expect nothing better from the executives, including Reginald Hudlin and Viacom head Philippe Dauman, as there is a consensus that they provide a program line-up that is less than positive towards African Americans.

Possibly proving this point is the recent addition to BET. It’s called a Public Service Announcement (PSA) though who it is serving, and how it’s a positive influence is beyond me. I will not say that this is a positive satire as I do not suffer from dementia. The concept is good on its surface, sadly the execution fails miserably. [I will not place this video on my site, but you can see it on YouTube.]

Of thee many things I could say about how insulting and wrong this supposed PSA is I will instead submit a conversation that I had with a friend on this subject. [Note that the conversation does include language that some will deem offensive. Curses are used occasionally, so children should not listen to this without a parent having first approved it. I am placing it here on the site because I feel that the language is not nearly as bad as most television programs or movies.]



I should also note that the video has one obvious omission. Did you notice that it says nothing about drugs? Was there no time left to say something about this? Was it more important to discuss hygiene (which I am unaware as being an issue) or to keep one more rousing chorus rendition?

I will add this. BET seems bent on providing programs that are as anti-African American as possible. The programs S.O.B. and We Got To Do Better are marginal in the quality and message they present. The caliber of movies found on this channel (such as Soul Plane – a bomb in the movie theaters and DVD markets) represent the best in bargain bin shopping, and virtually every other cable television network (not owned by Viacom) has numerous better quality films. The introduction of this PSA is not surprising, though it is sad.

We are not a mindless consumer that will accept anything thrown at us. Black culture is not a commodity up for sale to the highest bidder; no matter how sneaker, clothing, and who ever it is that creates the stupid money-wasting platinum teeth, companies try to make us believe we are for sale.

I don’t understand why any executive that has a concern about African Americans, beyond our available cashflow, would condone what this channel provides. Viacom does not understand its target audience, obviously. The degree to which it does not is amazing to me. I can’t wait until they pop up a PSA featuring a burning cross while a guy in a white hood raps about Blacks going to church and having a family with a mother and father.

BET, anything but black entertainment. And people say I’m a sellout because of the way I speak.

Oh, here are the lyrics (provided by Warner Todd Huston who also hated the PSA)

Read a book, read a book, read a motherf**kin’ book (pronounced mah f**kin' book in street fashion)

r-e-a-d-a-b-o–o-k

Not a sports page, not a magazine, but a book n*****, a f**kin’ book n*****

Read a book, read a book, read a motherf**kin’ book

r-e-a-d-a-b-o-o-k

Raise yo kids, raise yo kids, raise yo goddamn kids

Yo body needs water, so drink that shit

Buy some land, buy some land, what, f**k spinning rims

Brush yo teeth, brush yo teeth, brush yo goddamn teeth

Wear deodorant n*****, wear deodorant n*****

It’s called Speedstick, it’s not expensive

Read a book, read a book, read a motherf**kin’ book

r-e-a-d-a-b-o–o-k

This is what I think, what do you think?

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...

Comment about Jam Donaldson's Note to Editor - 7.22.2007.2

This is written to Ms. Jam Donaldson in response to her Note from the Editor found on her site.

I find your words quite interesting. Sadly I do not share you vision on how to air the laundry, nor to improve the situation. The television show being prepared to be shown on Black Entertainment Television (BET) is hardly an uplifting or critical view of African Americans. That may have been your intention, but I think a lot was lost in the translation.

You are correct, I feel, that as the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement become less directly connected to each new generation, the standards are falling in our communities. The glorification of drugs, overall lack of strong fathers, dependence on “keeping up with the jones,” and lack of self-discipline have ravaged our community. We have collectively reinforced our negatives while mocking our positives. The result is the current state of things.

Addressing these issues is important, and needs to be discussed openly. We can no longer ignore the facts of what is happening every day. Ignoring the issues will not make them go away, and failing to educate ourselves on the solutions provides further downfalls.

That said, to promote a program that features the worst actions in our community can be a tool for change. But such a program must be carefully made and its tone extremely precise. The room for error is almost non-existent, as missing the mark only creates an impression (internationally and domestically) of foolishness, stupidity and mindlessness. In the worst cases, it can even lead to promoting the worst qualities as some would seek out the 5 minutes of fame this might provide, or take such a program as vindication of their actions.

Even more delicate is the issue of comedy to express these elements. Comedy is subjective at best, and when taken out of context completely lost. Comedy based on a specific community is a context that often eludes anyone outside of that community. It’s a narrow brush that cannot hope to cover a canvas.

It is for these reasons that I find issue with Hot Ghetto Mess, the television program. The description by BET, on their website, states clearly that something seems to have been lost in your translation. Every indication given leads to the conclusion that this program is exploitive and not in the best interest of the community. It’s emphasis on displaying “shaking booties, thug life, baby-mama drama and pimped-out high schoolers”, and being “like the traffic accident you can’t look away from” appears gratuitous at best.

The fact that BET, and it’s parent company Viacom, refuse to comment on the program and that they have denied all requests to review the program by critics and news organizations seems to suggest that exploitive and gratuitous may indeed be what the program is. The further fact that even mid- to high-level executives at BET have not seen the program (at least as of a week ago) implies that the program is less than beneficial. This feeling is further compounded by the programing BET has provided in the past (like College Hill and Uncut) and has removed (such as the news programming).

“Just because you are poor doesn’t mean you don’t have to support your children, respect women, live in a pig sty or you can have 5 kids by different fathers.”

This is true. It is also true that just because you have an opportunity to gain wealth, success, and fame it should be taken. Some things have a price that is too high. A controversial program that is hidden from critical review, on a subject matter that is sensitive and has potentially wide ramifications, that presents itself as exploitive in nature is too high a cost for me.

A program that features the quote I have included, in a comical and contextless manner, does not further the efforts of individuals like Dr. Bill Cosby. A program of that nature is validation of actions, much like we have seen recorded fights being shown on YouTube have validated and promoted such action in some uneducated minds.

“All we got is us people. We can’t afford to live like we’re living. From school, to clothing to music, to our children—where have our standards gone?”

Where are the standards indeed. Not only in the places you mentioned but also movies and television, and now the internet. In the mirror you are holding up, take a long look. Our community has problems, but in the manner it has been proposed and hidden to date, Hot Ghetto Mess appears to add to those problems and not detract from them.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass
President – M V Consulting, Inc.
Author – Black Entertainment USA
www.blackentertainmentblog.com

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 Part 2 - 7.17.2007.2

Continued from Mr. Reginald Hudlin of Black Entertainment Television speaks Part 1...

I submit that his television shows have been a constant statement on self-improvement and the rewards of education. In 1965 he was the FIRST Black actor to star in a dramatic series. His Cosby Show television program, that started in 1984 and lasted 8 years, was massively positive, well received, and a direct statement of success for Black families. Obviously the cartoon series Fat Albert has made a huge impact on generations of Americans, and children around the world. Non-violence, morality and humor featuring an All-Black cast that has lasted decades and was in first run production for roughly 15 years.

Mr. Hudlin would compare what BET describes as,

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

I have never heard any television show or public speaking event that Mr. Cosby has appeared at given a similar description. I do not know Mr. Charlie Murphy, but I am not aware of his collegiate degrees, positive public comments on the Black community (outside of comedy). Neither am I aware of Mr. Murphy receiving a Presidential Medal. I am not putting down Mr. Murphy, just stating that there is little similarity between him and Mr. Cosby.

For Mr. Hudlin to compare the program to the social commentary of Mr. Bill Cosby there must be similarities. They don’t appear to be in the host, a basis in education, or breaking ground in television history.

The comparison of Mr. Cosby’s social commentary – stating don’t shake your booty for a camera, or be a pimped-out high schooler – seems diametrically opposed to videoclips of exactly that. Mr. Cosby’s comments to seek out education seem to not be conveyed, as I am befuddled how a car accident is educational. So I ask Mr. Reginald Hudlin, where is the connection?

Mr. Hudlin appears to be a good corporate leader. His comments are rare, brief and sound great as a soundbite. Sadly they have no substance. These are the kinds of comments that as a stockbroker listening to earnings reports for a decade, caused me to drop a stock – and caused financial institutions to lower ratings. The comments don’t hold up to review.

I pose the same questions I asked Mr. Sumner Redstone and Mr. Phillippe Dauman to Mr. Hudlin. Perhaps, if BET is as independent as is claimed, he can answer the questions that his bosses will not. I again invite Mr. Hudlin to explain why my conclusions based on his comments, and those on the BET website are “an erroneous presumption” or how they can be considered based on “absolutely zero information.”

I have not seen the show, but I can only hope that it will not be what has been promoted. But if it is, there will be a reaction and I guarantee I will hold Mr. Hudlin, Mr. Dauman, and Mr. Redstone accountable.

To these men, and you my readers, I state – even if the major news media refuses to comment or acknowledge this subject, the blogosphere is. We are more powerful than traditional media believe. We are a voice of the people, and our influence (via you our readers) is immense. To ignore us is to dabble with peril.

This is what I think, what do you think?

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...

The power of Black bloggers - 7.6.2007.1

I am amazed at the response that has been pouring out across the blogosphere, particularly among many of the prominent and not so prominent African American blogs. There is a rally cry going on and I can’t imagine that BET, and its owner Viacom, can’t hear it. I am so glad to see this occurring and I hope other television networks, on cable and broadcast, stand up and take note. It wouldn’t hurt if the Presidential candidates take some notice too.

What has happened is that on Monday, July 2nd, C21media.net mentioned that BET (Black Entertainment Television) will be coming out with a new line of programming for the touted 84 million households it claims to have. Now the news might have been out prior, but that was when I got my first chance to read about this. In reading the description of Hot Ghetto Mess, I had no clue what was really happening. I just thought the title of the show was horrible, but so was most of the programming on BET. Thus I don’t watch the channel.

The next day I noticed that What About Our Daughters had run a campaign to force advertisers away from the above mentioned show. Their protest seemed to be a complete success. That got me wondering. I had to see why they were upset.

Obviously I understood it and had to write on the subject as well. I had a lot to say, and my anger was not just limited to the program, but extended to Black Entertainment Television and the executives that program the channel at Viacom. To me that is the true source of the problem with BET. As I’ve stated before,

“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 may not be the largest blog yet, but there is no question that both of the blogs just mentioned, and African American Opinion where we both post excerpts to, get attention in large numbers. The word was out and Race Wire was next to speak on this.

Continued in Part 2...

BET and it's new program line-up Part 3 - 7.4.2007.3

Continued from BET and it's new program line-up Part 2...

There are 2 types of humor, they type that makes fun of situations and generalities and the type that attacks people. Of all the comedians I am aware of only Mr. Don Rickles comes to mind as someone who could repeatedly attack individuals and make crowds laugh, including the people attacked. If Mr. Charlie Murphy has half the talent of his famous brother I still do not believe he could pull that off consistently, and there is questions as to whether he is half as good.

As I said before I have to wonder if there is a single Black executive that is involved with BET over at Viacom. I cannot imagine the individual that would find the proposed garbage this show portends to be, laughing because of the humor. I can imagine many executives laughing because of what they have gotten away with, and how much money it generates for them.

A great example of this is the logo for the show. I will give Mr. Murphy the benefit of doubt that he had no idea what image would be used for this program. How ANYONE could find the image of a ‘Mammie blackface’ as a positive, regardless of other imagery used with it, is hard to imagine. Given the context that BET has stated the show will have, the image is even more disturbing.

For those that are unfamiliar with the image, it goes back to early film cartoons, like the original Mickey Mouse clips, that portray African Americans and the performance of Mr. Al Jolson. To give Mr. Jolson his credit, at that time (the early 20th century) blackface was not considered an insult. Then again neither was calling an African American the N-word. (And there is no positive context in that meaning)

The blackface image today only evokes the anger of the hardships and insults, and lynching that routinely occurred to African Americans for horrifying acts such as looking at a white person, walking on the wrong side of the street, living in the wrong part of town, or taking pride in themselves. There are reported cases where Black Americans were killed just because they were successful, or were there – which was the cause of the destruction of Rosewood. I find no humor in blackface, I wonder who could?

But there is no other option I suppose for African Americans to watch a channel that focuses on the culture and interests specific to the community. Unless you count TV ONE.

But BET is the one plastering the airwaves and getting the attention in the media. They are out there sponsoring town hall meetings to address the language and message of gangsta rap. And they should know what it is since they have roughly 20% of their line-up focused on presenting that daily. Because this is what African Americans want. Or so their executives, in collaboration with the executives that run music entertainment companies and movie studios say we want.

I know McDonald’s agrees. You can tell a McD’s commercial targeting minorities, especially Blacks in the first 3 seconds. The music, clothing, words and backgrounds are so different that a blind man could tell the difference. Maybe they will be one of the sponsors of HOT GHETTO MESS.

Continued in Part 4...

BET and it's new program line-up Part 2 - 7.4.2007.2

Continued from BET and it's new program line-up Part 1...

*Note: Ghetto – usually meaning low class, bottom of the barrel. Equivalent to White trash. EXCEPT when used as ‘ghettofabulous’. When used as an oxymoron it is implied to be something desirable.

If you think ANYTHING is ghettofabulous and mean it as a positive, why are you still reading my blog? You obviously will not agree with what I have to say.*

As I was saying, the title is supposed to be enticing or of interest. I find it insulting. But that is just icing, the cake is what the program will be about.

“Utilizing comedy, man-on-the-street interviews, video clips, pictures and music, “Hot Ghetto Mess” aims to shine a spotlight on prevalent images in pop culture and examine what role they play in American lifestyle. “Hot Ghetto Mess” goes where most shows fear to tread.

As host Charlie Murphy guides viewers through shaking booties, thug life, baby-mama drama and pimped-out high schoolers, “Hot Ghetto Mess” will explore what these images really mean to all of us.

Cutting edge, original, relevant and irreverent, “Hot Ghetto Mess” is like the traffic accident you can’t look away from. Viewers will laugh. They'll cry. They'll think. They'll learn, and hopefully they'll recognize they've GOT to do better."

I honestly thought more of Mr. Charlie Murphy.

Now you may think, what’s wrong with this. It’s Candid Camera for Black people. No I think not. The title states its intention. This is Punk’d meets Candid Camera without the class of either.

Shaking booties? Beyond the fact that this seems to be a staple that Viacom insists that African Americans must desire to see, what does that have to do with Black culture in America? How does seeing a booty, which will likely be more exposed than not, promote an intelligent debate about getting young Black men to stay in school?

Thug life? You mean the same lifestyle that got Tupac Shakur and Biggie shot dead. A lifestyle that has killed so many African Americans that every Black person in America today knows at least one person who has died from it, regardless of their age or location.

I won’t even bother trying to delve into the minds of the people who thought that baby-mama drama and pimped-out high schoolers could be irreverent or funny. The fact that they tout this program as an accident is both accurate and tragic.

Continued in Part 3...