The "Beef" with BET

I have my own gripes with BET:

• The excess of weak and pointless reality shows.
• The lack of support for less mainstream artists.
• The discontinuation of consistent BET News.
• Rocsi.

However, I've continued to watch the programming that I can stand in an effort to support the network, mainly because there are still a lack of shows on other channels that represent the African American community. Black shows come and go. With the exception of "The Game," I honestly can't name a show with a majority African American cast (and I'm still not clear on the rumors that it's been canceled).

BET has boasted some pretty good series. The problem is the lack of consistency. BET sticks to a simple formula. BET = Mainstream Urban Radio + Visuals. Like radio, BET strives to appeal to its non-diverse audience. It's up to the audience to demand better programming, more shine for worthy artists and to actually tune in when they play it. The fact remains, when BET does play shows and specials that aren't based on absolute Stepit Fetchitism and Mantanery, I have a hunch that the regular viewers tune out.

Just like we demand of Hip Hop for instance, BET owes us balance. Fussing, fighting, fucking, and being excessively materialistic are all pieces of American culture. No one is asking for BET to shy away from reality. However, when all of these vices become the ultimate and only portrayal, BET's reality becomes BET's minstrel show. Where are the intelligent business women and men, the fine artists, the writers, the activists, teachers, etc. in the big scheme of things?

I started this post to touch on the BET Awards and the complaints about their Michael Jackson tributes throughout the show. I'm gonna keep that issue short. I actually think that BET did a pretty decent job of pulling things together in a matter of three days: The Ciara and Neyo solos. The Jamie Foxx routine. The Janet appearance. I won't complain.

I will, however, urge BET to raise the bar. The network is [unfortunately] our representation for the outside world. In spite of our beautiful black president and the multitude of talented artists, politicians and regular working folks who defy negative stereotypes on a daily basis, people continue to watch BET with hopes of understanding our culture. Be accountable and responsible.

Thank you.

Lately, I've been enagaged in the following...

Conditioning the hell out of and applying mad shea butter to my newly cropped hair.

Skimming through Touré’s Never Drank the Kool-Aid for journalistic inspiration.

Working on SchemeMag.com features, including the upcoming piece on Simon Illa.

Reworking my portfolio, buckling down, and looking for interesting freelance opportunities.

Catching up on The Wire’s Season 5.

Brainstorming over the one-thousand ways to approach novel #2.

Getting down to the business of starting my promotional staffing agency (with my esteemed colleagues and sisters, Brittany and Cass).

Maybe BET Doesn't Want to Destroy Black Folks.

So I'm sitting here (right now) watching the BET Honors and I noticed that Aaron McGruder wasn't in attendance. Not that I'm expecting him to be there, but as a much-needed, relevant, and critical voice in Black culture, he's deserving.

But we know why he wasn't invited...




I'm actually pretty impressed with BET honoring people who are doing positive things in entertainment and business. Now if they could only up the standards of their regular programming, I may be able to stand them. Otherwise, BET will remain on my shit list.