"Keepin' it real!" (what does THAT mean?)

[the411]

Sorors and friends,

I just received an e-mail about the possible cancellation of City of Angels. Most blacks seem to be irate that the show is being cancelled, but I admit that I can really understand why. In my opinion, the show is a victim of bad timing-- ER and Chicago Hope are running thangs and I like them both. Had City of Angels aired first, I doubt I would have even considered watching one of the other 2 (granted they were on at the same time). But, to me, City of Angels lacks originality. Good casting and acting-- YES! Good story lines and uniqueness-- NO! I hate to see a black show go down, but I can't understand why it's a race issue. Why can't it simply be that it's not a good show? Again, we already have 2 hospital dramas on the air (3 if you count those Trapper John MD re-runs).

And, while I agree that the Neilson Ratings System is racially biased, I have to wonder: If every black household with a TV had a ratings box, how many would be tuned in to City of Angels? I feel strongly that the show would still be cancelled for low ratings because, for some reason we (as a people) seem more interested in trash like Ricki Lake, Jerry, Real World/Road Rules, court shows, Lyricist Lounge and music videos (particulary that d*@!, Cita, on BET). We are simply NOT supporting good quality black TV shows! Many of us criticized The Cosby Show because we felt the family members were "sell-outs", but we break our necks watching re-runs of Good Times in which poverty and low/no education are inevitable, because shows like that are "keeping it real". What does that ("keeping it real") mean, exactly?!?!?! Am I not keeping it real because I am intelligent, educated, well-spoken, career-oriented and successful? Weren't these the same attributes of the Huxtables????? Our ancestors and forefathers faught for us to be able to live like the Huxtables, but it seems we're only "keeping it real" when we are just the opposite. What are your thoughts? Help me out here!

PS: PLEASE don't take anything I've said personally because I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. I am speaking very generally here.

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Pi Kappa
#3 SPR97
QUINTESSENCE