Written Thought: Article 9
BET Uncut
Four times a week BET is helping propagate the downfall of Black Culture. Heavy words, you bet, but in my own opinion a guaranteed truth. With their program BET Uncut, you can view and hear little known musical talent, which might not get noticed any other way. A great concept, showing off independent or just starting off productions, but my concern is that a high portion of these videos are a piece of clothing away from being pornographic. I know, I know, while reading this you might be saying, "Just turn the channel," but I do not believe that will solve the problem. In my house, the remote control is mostly controlled by an adult, but what happens per say if someone falls asleep at the wheel. BET is only a hop and a skip away from the cartoon network in my town, and my greatest fear is that an accidental viewing will turn into a problem. You see, I was always brought up with the belief that we were Kings and Queens, and I bring my children up to hold that same pride. When did being Pimps and Ho's become the fable of choice? What effect is this imagery having on our children?
How many of us have lived with preconceived stereotypes cast against us? I'm black, so I'm supposed to automatically eat chicken and greens every day or if some music comes on, I'm supposed to be able to keep step with no problem? These stereotypes, which there are many more of, are being handed down from generation to generation. Some I don't have a problem with, but BET Uncut is crossing a dangerous line in search of ratings.
Instead of helping propagate this image of what many people think black America is all about how about pushing forth the real deal. Black America is a collection of strong willed people, vocal in what they believe in, and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. This is the image that should be put forth or something positive. Instead of giving real independent talent a chance, BET Uncut is providing simulated sex, and barely hidden nakedness. It might come on at an hour not associated with the time children are usually up, but summer time brings along with it longer stay up times, and lets be completely honest, some of these kids today stay up later than the parents. In this world, it is hard to fight the stereotype of what being black is. I'm sure I don't want my own children believing that this is the height of black culture, and I don't want your children to believe it is also. You see, one day your child might meet my child and they fall in love. Only yours believes women should slide down poles or take care of the kids with no support. I am looking at my kids and seeing a bloodline, I do not want broken. I want them to succeed on a plateau I've only imagined reaching.
Black Culture has many positives associated with it, and it doesn't need Uncut to put forth the filthiest part of it. I would think being a leader would mean putting your best foot forward, but someone at that station doesn't buy into that belief apparently.
I've come to the realization that sometimes everything black doesn't have to be supported, and this is one of those things I hope goes the way of the dinosaur.
There are of course other issues at work here also. Lock key kids, uncaring parents, or one parent homes that have to do their best to keep it going. It's as much of a social issue as anything else, but for a company to be in the forefront of Black Entertainment, you would think they would try to be more of a help than a hindrance. Show some history of the Zulu nation or some historical figure we know little of. Do anything, but become part of the problem. If BET believes this is what black America wants to grow up with, they are sorely mistaken.
