By Lisa Angelo
Chicago Public Radio Host Richard Steele moderated a heated discussion on the portrayal of blacks in the media at a Sept. 19 meeting of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
"Images of Blacks in the Media: The Good, the Bad, the Inexcusable" featured five panelists, including an academic, local writers, a veteran actor and an outspoken media critic. The discussion highlighted the low points and triumphs of well-known black images in the media.
The panelists offered mixed opinions on Black Entertainment Television, which was given a “Thumbs Down Award” in August at the annual NABJ convention in Las Vegas. “BET’s ‘Hot Ghetto Mess’ is not social commentary, it just mocks those who have less than most,” said RedEye columnist Kyra Kyles. “How can they re-title that show ‘We Can Do Better,’ when BET clearly can’t?”
Earlier this year, BET introduced “Hot Ghetto Mess,” a show based on a website of the same name. It featured photos and video sent in by viewers to illustrate the show’s title. After public criticism, the network renamed the show--less than 48 before its debut.
While some panelists said BET missed an opportunity to raise standards, local media critic Sergio Mims defended its founder. “Bob Johnson was not a visionary – he wanted to make some money,” he said.
Lance Williams, a professor of inner city studies at Northeastern Illinois University, deflected blame from BET and placed it on its parent company. “Nobody talks about Viacom’s role in BET or protests at the chairman of Viacom’s house,” Williams pointed out, alluding to a protest earlier this month outside the home of Debra Lee, BET’s president and chief operating officer. Williams said that media giant Viacom’s silent ownership of BET is indicative of a fundamental social problem. “This is a socio-cultural phenomenon demonstrating the need of our dominant society to see black folks in a dehumanized way.”
He also cited BET’s highest rated premiere in history, “Countdown to Lockdown,” a reality program chronicling hip-hop star Lil’ Kim’s last days of freedom before going to prison for conspiracy and perjury. Williams found it offensive. “Why was this the highest rated program on BET? Because the dominant white society always needs to dehumanize to justify their behavior toward us, but unfortunately, we are starting to want to see ourselves like that,” he said.
Local actor Cedric Young said that in his experience with national television shows, “producers often ask writers to change reputable characters from black to white. Hollywood and the dominant media as a whole has a restricted image for black people.”
When Steele asked the panel when the line between humor and racial stereotyping is crossed, Mims had a quick response.
"Something is funny when we [black people] know about it, but that becomes a stereotype when white people see it," Mims asserted. “The real reason everyone is upset about ‘Hot Ghetto Mess’ is because white people will see this.”
During one of many exchanges with Mims, filmmaker Barbara Allen, encouraged a more positive portrayal of the black community.
“Humor might be subjective, but degradation is not funny,” Allen countered. “Media must take more responsibility, but we as black people must raise our own standards and demand quality.”
Panelists offered positive examples as well. Kyra Kyles cited Comedy Central’s defunct “Chappelle’s Show” and “The Boondocks,” currently running on the Cartoon Network, as steps in the right direction.
“Not everything has to be ‘The Cosby Show,’” Kyles proclaimed. She praised the two contributions for being more realistic. “We should have high quality choices, not just a caricature or Bill Cosby.”
The caricature portrayal, such as the show, “Amos ‘n’ Andy,” represented a “culture of buffoonery,” long established in black communities and stemming from the days of slavery, Williams said.
Panelists and audience members vocally agreed that while successful and different for its time, “The Cosby Show” was not a realistic portrayal of working black families.
Still, panelists collectively yearned for an everyday representation of black culture and identity that did not send them running for the remote. And more important, a way to foster a movement toward better black images in the media.
Ultimately, Steele asked how those in power could help young black people make a difference in media. “Think of media as a cultural producer,” Williams said, “and cultivate a critical consciousness among young people by using these negative images to teach them.”
Allen offered: “Look at what we allow our kids to consume. They think that’s what they’re supposed to be.”
Panelists encouraged the black journalists who attended the meeting to encourage the positive images they already see in the media by actively writing and calling the appropriate outlets.
“Back the good stuff,” Mims said.
Links:
Reel Movie Critic - Sergio Mims
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