So That Is What You Call My Community:
BET and its misrepresentation of the African-American community
Following is what one would expect the language of the typical African-American male to be if they based their opinions on the programming of Black Entertainment Television (BET). If found difficult to read do not take it as a representation of your reading comprehension, but instead of what is being portrayed of the African-American community. At any time you can skip to the next section.
See dis be what da problem is. There’s mad b!tches with the bling-bling factor when on the reals that’s not what we niggas is all about. On the reals though that sh!t is hot shawty, but I’d rather be reading and sh!t. Ya can’t front though them niggas on Comic View be funny as a b!tch but we don’t talk like that all da time. Sh!t, I don’t think I have to cuss and sh!t.
This is disheartening to actually look back at the previous paragraph and realize that that could truly be heard in a five-minute segment of BET’s programming. BET has been looked at as a strong point of the community, a network that truly says who we are as black people. All too often there is integration into popular society, but what has happened to BET is a travesty. For this reason the nine members of the National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) discussed a formal boycott of BET and its sponsors. When one looks at a typical day of BET programming they would find eleven musical programs, two comedy programs, one talk-gossip program, and two news programs. There are also various blockbuster and first-run movies inserted in primetime slots. (TV Guide Magazine) Moreover the content of these programs are on the extreme side, with much that is seen to be obscene or vulgar. This is ridiculous when examing the ratio of informative programming to entertainment. In the past a good portion of BET’s programming consisted of sitcoms starring primarily African-American casts. This has been done away with instead for repeat runs of music video and standup comedy shows. The two programs that are of informative backing are placed in slots that are not that substantial. BET News plays at ten o’clock followed by BET Talk at eleven. There at one point in time was a complaint that the ratings of these two shows were falling. Now the question that must be asked is, was it because of the content or because of the time slots. There is almost a complete absence of programming for youth on the network. Following initial threats of boycott BET released the previously cancelled Teen Summit with a new format that would prove to be more of an entertainment format. Still the show only shows on Saturdays. This leaves six days a week with an absence of programming targeting youth. Recently BET and its holdings were sold to Viacom a media conglomerate that currently owns MTV and VH1 the networks top competition. The CBS network is also owned by this company which would lead one to expect a more professional approach to be taken to programming, instead a steady influx of Caucasian pop groups have hit the charts for the first time in the years of programming. Many of the existing programs have been altered or cancelled and replaced with shows almost identical to those of MTV or VH1. Seemingly BET is losing its identity and becoming something less of a representative for the community it was to serve. When the founder of BET, Robert Johnson, is asked about this he says that BET is not PBS or Fox News, instead they are in the business of entertainment. “The ‘E’ in BET stands for entertainment not education. In believing this Johnson saw success in the African-American community with the entertainment side of the business. Times are different now than they were in the late 80’s and early 90’s. “According to recent Census figures, poverty among African Americans has dropped to near record lows. African Americans now own more homes and businesses than ever. In the past two decades, they have made quantum leaps in the professions. The annual sales of the top 100 businesses listed in Black Enterprise magazine’s annual survey of Black businesses topped $2 billion in 2000. A private study estimates that Black buying power will soar to nearly $700 billion in the next five years.” (
http://www.urbanspectrum.net/archive...hutch.bet.html) In today’s black America there is room for more news and programming for the successful African-American community.
There are many advocates for BET besides Mr. Johnson, and they do have a point BET is not all bad. It does have a few good points.
“Black Entertainment Television, the largest national cable network serving African Americans, reaching 66 million U.S. households; BET on Jazz: The Jazz Channel, the country's only 24-hour network devoted to jazz music; BET International, which reaches 30 countries in Europe and 36 countries in Africa; BET's publishing unit, BET Books; BET Pictures, which produces made-for-TV movies and documentaries; and BET.com, the leading online destination for African Americans”. (
www.Viacom.com)
At no point in those areas listed was video making listed. BET is not the maker of the music videos that are voted upon by the audience. Why should the burden of censorship fall upon BET? The reason is that BET pushes for the more controversial videos. There is even a show, “Uncut”, which feature videos that are too obscene to be displayed on daytime or even primetime programming. This type of programming is quickly developed yet why not develop children’s programming in the mornings like many other networks. BET is taking some steps in the right direction, yet for every step they take in the right direction they take a huge hop in the other.
I am a child of BET. My Saturdays involved “Teen Summit” and “The Jackson 5 cartoon”. Today I am the godfather of a 4 year old and the uncle of a newborn. What will my children have to watch? Where is the programming for them? We must raise our voices to BET and let them know that we will not support this sambo-type programming. Leaders and role models don’t always enter the arena with that in mind but often it is something that is bestowed upon them. The real giants are those who accept the responsibility and with it do good.
I HATE BET!!!
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