Just in case any of you doubted whether consumer-level/grassroots activism impacts corporate behavior…let the Hot Ghetto Mess controversy disabuse you of that notion.
Originally Mo’Kelly was of the opinion that BET would not EVER make any overture in which to begin the dialogue surrounding the perception of the network. Mo'Kelly doubted seriously whether the network ever take any steps in which to adequately address viewer concerns. If the past was any reasonable guide to the future, it was safe to say that BET was not about to cross that threshold. BET has been more than acquainted with The Mo’Kelly Report, its vitriolic Op/Eds and its overall stance that BET is/has been a cancer, not a conduit for highlighting the best of Black America. BET and Mo’Kelly were like President Bush and the WMDs…we weren’t on speaking terms and you weren’t going to ever find us in the same room at the same time.
Surprisingly enough; Mo’Kelly got a phone call from Ms. Jeanine Liburd, Sr. VP of communications for the network.
Two calls even…
Really, honestly,…BET actually picked up the phone to begin the dialogue. That in itself is news. Heretofore the network has largely opted for deflection and avoidance, so the phone call itself was more than a bit unforeseen. In fact, Mo’Kelly missed the first phone call and played phone-tag for awhile before the two of us actually connected for a pretty lengthy conversation.
Although certain aspects of the conversation were to be held in strict confidence, there are some general points made by both Ms. Liburd and Mo’Kelly which can be expressed in this medium.
Ultimately, the goal for Mo’Kelly was to understand how (and why) a show like Hot Ghetto Mess finds its way on to any production slate. The only people who seemed “surprised” why this controversy unfolded were the executives at BET. How could anyone NOT know this would happen? BET alleged that people “pre-judged” the program with no real evidence to support the criticism. Also, many at BET felt that too much emphasis was being placed on this one program and not enough credit given to the whole of its production slate.
In terms of Hot Ghetto Mess...
Not true, we had seen the website in which it was based for quite some time now. A show of the same name would obviously be in concert with the website. If the (hypothetical/ficticious) website, “cooninafterdark.net” were to become a television show…reasonably intelligent individuals can make the leap as to its likely content.
The problem in this situation has been the disconnect between BET and the community it “represents.” For many years BET has taken the stance that it is an “entertainment channel” first and foremost and has been averse to allowing the community-at-large an opinion in its programming direction. Ms. Liburd, who has worked at other networks under the Viacom umbrella before coming to BET could draw direct comparisons in the community “expectations” of BET versus MTV or VH-1 and seemingly how they are disparate in nature.
Mo’Kelly’s main point was that the moment BET named itself “BLACK Entertainment Television” 27 years ago, it asked all by itself to be treated “differently.”
That was Bob Johnson’s CHOICE.
The network could have named itself any number of things, but the moment you put “Black” in the name, the company chose to present itself as THE representative of an ethnicity, a culture even. You are going on record that you are allegedly THE cultural identity of Black people in
That was Bob Johnson’s CHOICE, not ours.
Therein lies the difference. The same would be true if Univision changed its name to “Latino Entertainment Television.” It would no longer be one of many networks that feature “programming directed at Latinos” but instead would be perceived as THE cultural reference point for Latino life and culture.
MTV is what it is…MUSIC television and will be held to a more general standard, based largely on acceptable business practices and its programs will be judged on the merits…for the most part. It does not “boast” any cultural identification or iconic status.
But “BLACK Entertainment Television,” by its very name is a proclamation and with it comes a higher level scrutiny, expectation and responsibility. This isn’t about semantics…Bob Johnson knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted his network to be a cultural focal and rallying point, in an attempt to gain wider viewership. Johnson just didn’t want the inherent responsibility that came with the title.
Can’t have it both ways.
Going back to not giving the network enough "credit" for the whole of their new slate of programming...
For its first 24 years, BET was inarguably THE cultural reference point for African-Americans; like or loathe it. There was no other game in town. It was for most of its history, Black-owned, Black-operated and its offerings featured nothing but African-Americans. It was “Black” by all measurements and perceptions; save the cynical “sell-out” criticisms. Its impact and inherent responsibility given these facts are undeniable. Its images, messages (and misogyny for that matter) ran unopposed and unfiltered.
BET, despite what the network historically has told African-Americans, had an implied responsibility...one it ignored. It is THE reason why the community has been so outraged over Hot Ghetto Mess and less concerned with shows like Flavor of Love. It is the reason why viewers have not given much "credit" for shows like Meet the Faith or the impending Hip Hop vs. America. The network could have avoided this situation if there was better communication and involvement with the community in which it “should” be serving.
“You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people…and you can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people.”
It stands to reason that if the depth of BET’s love for African-Americans and quality of its service have been negligible at best; then of course this controversy was unavoidable…and necessary.
BET has always positioned itself as a “leader” in African-American entertainment. If so, the level of real and enduring love for African-Americans is relevant in the discussion. BET executives have submitted that a show like Hot Ghetto Mess (and others in the future) are indicative of a shift in programming to provide a greater service to African-Americans. If so, then the history of the quality of BET’s “service” is relevant and also worthy of discussion.
But a “discussion” intimates an ongoing and consistent dialogue…one that hasn’t ever existed heretofore.
In this post-Imus entertainment world, a lot of “discussion” has been had as to the premises of free speech and freedom of expression…often times in a misguided manner.
Free speech is an inalienable right to avoid prosecution for your views, not persecution because of them. Free speech and freedom of expression infer an ongoing dialogue, not the monologue that the network has imposed on African-Americans for decades. BET is “free” to continue to offer questionable content without input from the African-American community…but must also remember in this dialogue that there inevitably will be a vitriolic response when appropriate.
Going forward, either BET can work WITH the African-American community or continue as it has, blithely touting programming created in a vacuum that many people find as offensive and simply unnecessary. Hopefully starting today, BET has opened the door to creating a less adversarial relationship with those of us who “want” to support BET.
Mo’Kelly “wants” to support BET but heretofore hasn’t had any legitimate reason to do so. Granted, the network has been clear it is trying to reach the 18-34 demographic…not change the world. And also, the overwhelming majority of its critics are from outside their target demo. Mo’Kelly understands the inherent opposition in ideologies from that standpoint. At the same time, there can and needs to be a healthier balance between BETs chants of autonomy and our subsequents chants of “boycott.”
This can be achieved by creating and maintaining this healthy dialogue. Hot Ghetto Mess has inadvertently done what it was “supposed” to do…create an entry point for the discussion of how “we got to do better.” But the “we” must also include BET.
“We” shall see…Thanks for the phone call Ms. Liburd, let's see if we can further build bridges in the coming months.
10 comments:
I believe that Americans of African heritage are entering a critical historical phase. They have for centuries been the victims of obvious totalitarian control and brutality. But we are now entering a period where you have one- maybe one and a half generations that have known no OBJECTIVE oppression. Yes we can argue subtle racism and legacies of this and that which are significant but not NEARLY as significant as overt institutionalized oppression. A victimized person is given a pass on many things because he/she is not totally responsible for their situation. If you now live in a context of personal responsibility for your situation and destiny and seemingly INSIST on being illiterate, immoderate, and mean spirited, then the tone and angle of criticism from your fellows takes on a different mood and urgency. Television (especially consumer product sponsored) is ultimately about mediocrity. Not to
label HGM as high-art, it was nevertheless arguably edgey and scandalous. You can't have that in a medium that MUST play ALWAYS to the middle. I won't go so far as to applaud HGM as relevant but how much on TV is REALLY high quality anyway? Could a genuinely edgy and provocative show make it? You have killed this show, fine. The episode I saw sucked. But when a show comes along that you think is high-quality AND EDGEY I can't wait until another group of organized weenies kills it for you.
There have been plenty of "quality" shows that didn't last...hence the prevalence of these "lucrative" minstrel programs.
There is a middle ground. We don't have to accept buffoonery as if it's the only reasonable option in terms of legitimate educational entertainment.
Please give African-Americans a bit more credit.
Not everything has to be the Cosby Show to pass the smell test. But nothing like HGM in THAT type of presentation needs to see the light of day in a programming sense.
Edgy and debate inspirational doesn't have to equate to Coonery. There is a wide array of space in between the extremes.
I can live without a "great" program if it comes with the insurance that isn't the worst of the worst. That in itself is a form of balance. TV doesn't have to be anyone's savior...nor should it be.
That's where adults tell children to pick up a book. Reading still supersedes television.
Do I have to remind you that ALL of the content from her website is taken from reality. It's not people dressing up, it's just reporting on ACTUAL instances in social behavior.
The key word there is instances. Instances can not and should not be viewed as representative of a group. That's how stereotypes and generalizations are born.
And, in my opinion, that's the reason why the HGM site content shouldn't be on tv. People have an unnerving tendency to take the images found on television and assume that they are representative of that group. Something about television makes people believe in it. The fact that the HGM content is real could have given it even more credibility to those who already take what they see on the screen for granted. Since the majority of the images are negative, and negativity stands out more in people's minds anyway, the overall impression from the show would be the same, and that impression would affect the image of the Af-Am community.
What is interesting is this. If Hot Ghetto Mess is supposed to be reporting what is really going on, why is there not a show being produced that shows what is going on across the board. I personally never grew up in a Ghetto. I know a lot of African Americans who have never grown up in a ghetto. Where is our reality show? I grew up as a mixed African American Jew. Now I am an Israeli citizen so where is my show?
Is negative behavior rewarded now with more attention than it's worth. Where are the African American action shows, where are the African American romances (with the ghetto mess involved), etc.
Also, at one time Gangster Rap was hailed as "street reporting" and look what happened there. It is about the bottom line. I think that choice of a show like this shows the priority of the creators. They could be making all kind of programs other than this that are not being done with African American perspectives, yet I guess ghetto is their priority.
Ehav Ever
One can I call tell you from having lived over seas. People outside of America see these programs and they often think that they describe ALL African Americans. The reason is because the shows are made out to explore African American culture. The problem is that they don't identify themselves as exploring particular groups of people. I live in Israel now and I can tell you that there people here, and when I was Japan and Ethiopia who form opinions based on shows like this.
Wait a sec here! Since when did the Black people in America become the only group in America that can't have its share of idiots? I agree with the whole fear of being minstrel-ized. At the same time, a lot of critics of HGM seem in the Serious Negro debate where they are all Highly Educated, into High Culture, talk only about Serious and Important Issues (and conveniently have Perfect Diction). Only a knuclehead would think shows like, say, Jackass or Viva La Bam are indicative of White America. So why, when we have our own equivalent, must we think that ever person in the world thinks this represents Black people? There seems to be little in programming in the media (name your format, folks) that isn't minstrelling or Serious Negro bullcrap. Let me know when a Black man can be a full-fledged multi-faceted individual capable of the profane and the sublime. Then you'll have my attention.
baba kifo- So you are only thinking of the poor saps who don't have the level of discernment that you have attained? Only people like you can tell fact from fantasy or the general from the particular?
BET serves no useful purpose to Black folks. I vote for it to be taken off the air.
The wall of understanding can be high at times, The position of BET in the people there trying to reach,will have an impact later in life,In the way they(18-34) think in the next 20yrs, by the choices they make today. True NEWS can bring some balance, but that's Right they(BET) removed the NEWS.
GOD BLESS
Bro CES
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