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Blogs Music for Life Down With B.E.T.? by Mitchell Mensa | Down With B.E.T.? by Mitchell Mensa |
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| Written by Mitchell Mensa | |
| Monday, 24 September 2007 | |
I applaud the proactive efforts of these individuals; and agree that the overall content of B.E.T. network needs improvement. However, I also believe that although television and other media outlets can have a great deal of influence on the minds of the young and impressionable youth. These outlets should not take the majority of the blame; a lack of parental responsibility plays an equally or even more important role than these unfavorable images on display. I was exposed to hip hop, television and various negative stimuli at an early age. But, I had parents who taught me the ability to discern reality from fantasy and right from wrong. Take a second to skim the Washington Post article. What do you think? “Channeling Their Discontent” by Marissa Newhall Comments
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In BET's defense, things HAVE gotten better. I dunno if you remember the BET that played Uncut and the same degrading videos all day. Shows like Baldwin Park and College Hill might still occasionally show the ugly side, but are overall positive or real portrayals of black life. I'm glad BET is there and yes it is largely an embarassment, but it's getting better. The problem I have with these "black" outlets like BET and the now defunct UPN is that they gave the major networks an excuse not f*ck with black programming. Growing up, there were hit black shows with very positive portrayals on major netowrks that all of America watched on a weekly basis. That has changed because since we seem to be "taken care of" by BET, there is no need to cater to our interests. That's the biggest problem I have with BET. It has turned into our prime outlet for black programming and has abused that privilege. But its changing. I have faith in Debra Lee
Yeah BET is super bootleg most of the time, but I can't put them 100% at fault. For the most part, they are giving the viewers what they want. There are people out there that want to see the Uncut videos, I mean that was one of their most popular shows ever! So the problem stems much deeper than BET, it has to do with the fact that a lot of blacks only want to see the ignorant stuff on TV. I'll keep it real, I used to shake my head in shame watching Uncut, but it was still entertaining! So just like with everything else in the world there has to be a balance. I'm lucky to have had parents to teach me right from wrong, etc. so television didn't raise me, but unfortunately most black kids in the inner city, who love watching tv all day don't have that same luxury. Everyone has a bit of the responsibility, rappers, BET, the viewers. We have to work collectively to see some real change in the programming.
I don't mind when people express dissappointment about anything, but I do mind when those same people did not take the time to think of reasonable atlternatives. I don't believe BET has improved over the years. I do believe its slightly different, but I wouldn't call that change an improvement just yet. However I can't complain to much about the current programming because I still do watch BET from time to time. Most importantly I can't think of any good alternatives that would be entertaining and still appeal to the viewers of that channel.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 24 September 2007 ) |
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