Imperious Entertainment

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written by karen , October 10, 2007

Wow..this was very insightful. You made a very valid point, maybe bet could find a time slot between there GREAT programming to devote 30 minutes to business men/ leaders. athletes you we should look up too. But I wouldnt hold my breathe. Great piece sable.

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written by NY , October 10, 2007

Sable, this piece is a sharp commentary on a very influential media corporation in the Black American community, particularly the youth. The media has responsibility to counter such representations shown in American Gangsters with alternative and varied representations of Black Americans.

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written by Simple Man , October 10, 2007

I like American Gangster. I think the show is very informative. Rap music has much more influence over kids.

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written by Gwendolyn , October 10, 2007

You bring up a great point in this article, “Is BET hurting or helping the black community?". This is a question that has had my mind boggled for some time now. Many people put a lot of weight on this television station regarding the representation of black people. This is probably because of it name "Black Entertainment Television" but I also wonder if we tend to hold BET accountable for our own insecurities. First off, it is entertainment: The act of entertaining. The art or field of entertaining. Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts. So I think it’s safe to say that the people running BET are just doing what their supposed to, entertain. And this is true because if they weren't people wouldn't tune in as they do. Secondly, when viewing shows and videos on this station you shouldn't be viewing them as your only source of learning. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you’re watching these shows and you have a problem with them or even if you don't maybe you should go and do your own research. Try to see things from other perspectives. And if you decide not to take it that far take the shows and videos for what they are, entertainment!
Sabe you did a great job on this article keep up the good work!

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written by KW , October 10, 2007

It's a great discussion that's playing out in hip-hop, as well (as Simple Man suggests). Chuck D has spoken very powerfully about Black masculinity and the downside of the gangsta ethos in rap. See him interviewed in Byron Hurt's film "Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" (Jadakiss appears and supports Gwendonlyn's point that the labels are only turning out what sells). A good question is, who's buying into this stuff? It's not just Black audiences...is this the image of Af Am's that White America wants/needs to see?

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written by DIVA , October 10, 2007

Even though i have never seen an episode of American Gangster, i think it is important to emphasize that the type of media that is constantly being portrayed about Blacks, not only affects the black community's image, but it also inflicts a negative image on our black youth. Where are the television shows that are educational and thought provoking? Does BET feel that the media that they are syndicating is benefiting the black community or are they just trying to make a quick buck? I thought having "our own" television show meant that we would be able to present a positive image of blacks for the world to see. I think BET needs to rearrange their thought process in what they deem as good television because it is clearly evident at the types of shows that BET is syndicating is only perputating the stereotype of Blacks in the wolrd. I perceived BET's main goal was to develop a network that would assist in trying to deminish those stereotypes by providing the world with syndicated television that brought a posititve image of the Black community.

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written by Marsha D. , October 10, 2007

I really feel you. I think it is true that BET's main purpose is to entertain, and considering what it is that we tune into, it does reflect back on us (even us educated folk) on what we view as entertainment. I know for a fact that many of us blacks in higher education still watch female exploiting, videos that send questionable messages about our people...so what does that say about us? Furthermore, in response to a previous comment, we cannot be so naive and complacent so as to let BET or any other channel for that matter off the hook. We have to take into account, the historical and current state of Blacks in the United States.which basically is at the bottom, and in terms of wealth in the negative. When there comes a time when Blacks are widely and well represented in all sectors at all levels in proper proportion, then perhaps we can take such shows as mere entertainment, however, considering the facts its more along the lines of denigration and perpetuation of ignorance. In terms of responsibility..well its all our responsibility, if we really take issue with these shows and/or this channel. Stop watching it and send a clear message. If there was a show sending poor images about homosexuals, Im sure we wouldn't only hear about it, but something would be done about it..Let's not only talk the change, but be the change!

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written by Kennis The Menace , October 11, 2007

I think at some point we need to release BET as an official representative of the black community because clearly there isn't much it can do besides entertain. But, to work within the social constructs of today, maybe it would be a constructive solution for BET to place a disclaimer before its programming just in an attempt to let the masses know that they are not attempting to be an accurate representation of blacks as a whole.

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written by smokey , October 14, 2007

Great story Sable. I remember one time i read how Spike Lee said BET is worse than crack. Majority of the shows have no substance. But we as a BLACK people still are hooked to the shows they run, regradless if they are positive or not. I can bet the house if they came out with a prank type show on BET which basically they have white people go around and calling random BLACK "N'-words. Then give away free rims if you keep your cool. It would be a HIT in all caps, I can see it now some one asking you did you see the last episode of "My Bad My nig**a?"

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written by Sincere2112 , October 24, 2007

American Gangster.

Well, I have a two-fold approach and opinion in regards to the show. One, in a sense, I am fan of the show and I watch it when it comes on with a Newark American Gangster. It is interesting to see the individual’s tales of “hood” success and corruption in the world. Yet, I would not point the finger directly at BET, or the American Gangster show for hurting our communities. In some regards it is good to see the whole story of this men and how they HAD all the fame, money, and power but were always ended by jail or death. It is better for many young individuals in urban areas to see the whole story of many men that have come before them in order to truly see the outcomes. But these poor neighborhoods, inadequate public school systems, and a government that truly doesn’t care about what happens in these communities are to blame. They pass the “No Child Left Behind Act” but then fail to provide the money for the program to operate properly.

Furthermore, I think the show slightly helps however, it does have some negative impacts since, yes there will be some individuals that will see the show and say I want to be him or I can be better than him and will never be caught, which is foolish. Melvin on the last episode said, I hope that everyone watching this realizes that all of us were caught at some point, all of us even the brilliant ones. In addition, I haven’t heard anyone say that John Gotti, the Mafia, or a show like “The Sopranos” has hurt the image of Italian Americans. I know there is always a flip-side when it comes to African Americans, however I would rather people see the tales of these individuals instead of just watching the current American Gangsters at their peak in many of these urban neighborhoods throughout society.

Moreover, you say why doesn’t BET have a series of shows on African American leaders and I would say because us as a people will not tune in, yes there will be a few who watch but the same turnout will not be there.