Speaking from my background as a producer, director, and communication professional...here are my thoughts
I don't know how much research you have done on Sambos, uncle toms, bucks, mammies and coons...suggested viewing for those interested is a piece called "Ethnic Notions". But, to infer the stepping was a form of samboism in this arena is grossly inaccurate.
Let's be fair here. 106th and Park is an entertainment program. Nothing more. Nothing less. It is not their responsibility to paint the picture of societal values for the viewing audience. That is NOT their interests. PERIOD. They had no intention of changing their programming format to accomodate the interests of the D9. Why would they? They did not drop the countdown from their programming. Where would the additional time come to have a show about greek life. ANSWER...there was no time for that, without changing the format. And that was NOT going to happen. That is the BUSINESS of television. You do not change the format of your show to accomodate a small viewing audience. BTW, the 106th and Park demographic consist of PRE-COLLEGE students.
If a sitcom shows a D9 team stepping in the natural ambience of a scene, do you think they are going to write into the storyline the orgin of stepping and the purpose behind the D9? NO, absolutely not. THATS OUR JOB...NOT theirs.
If we choose to participate, thats another story. At the end of the day, I think BET's 106th and Park did about as much as they could to allow the representatives an opportunity to highlight what the organizations felt were important, BET.com provided links on their website to D9 sites for more information about each organization. And hopefully what 106th and Park got in turn was increased viewership and online participation through what was only for their purposes added entertainment...(stepping).
And hopefully what the D9 got in turn was an opportunity to speak favorably about our organizations and put on a show that represented each organization.
PLUG...
My Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated represented truly as Finer Women on both occasions! You made us very proud! I could not ask for anything more!
5 for you!