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>Im presuming that your discontent and >the discontent of others with >BET is that you feel >that certain depictions of our >people are fundamentally demeaning and >derisive of our dignity and >undermine our entitlement to disrespect....BLAH >BLAH BLAH
First of all let me state that you've COMPLETELY missed my point of dissention with BET (and I volunteer the others as well, but as usual I won't answer for them. I'll do my best to stick with my own arguements).
A little chronology:
Over in general, there have been several threads about the lack of "quality" programming on BET. There have also been several discussing certian "shady" business practices. I don't know if you saw any of these. But they did happen. After a particularly verbose discussion, one of the other OkayPlayers brought up the fact that in their opinion it was odd that the NAACP chose to boycott the "major" networks for the images of minorities they choose to portray, the lack of minorities behind the cameras and such. It was the opinion of this player that BET also shows a poor representation of th diaspora. While they DO emplo more blacks, she pointed out that their turnover rate is pretty bad and referred to the stories of some former BET employeesa about the "unfair" way they were treated (Ananda, DL Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer as well as the aforementioned ComicView Comics). She stated that if the other networks did THOSE things we (Black folk) would have a fit. The player also pointed out that many BET viewers have problems and aside from several ignored spatterings of letter writing there was never a unified body who brough forth any arguements to the BET powers in an effort to have change made. So this player said "Lets DO something. Lets not wait on the NAACP or anybody else, lets get it started. So this player sounded the call to arms and solicited ideas. At this point things got weird.
Fast forward to NOW:
All those other OkayPlayers who previously vented suddenly got lockjaw and had nothing to say or contribute. I noticed this, and not wanting the players energy to be wasted or squashed offered encouragement and a little suggestion for direction. I too have problems with BET (which have been outlined in this and the other BET post currently posted) and because I'm just that type of brother was fully down to support te idea of getting changes implemented. I'm fully aware that my idea of quality might very well be different than the diaspora, but I've heard enough viewpoints similiar to mine that wonder why BET is comfortable with not realizing the potential of what they could be. I hear folks say, "you gotta support" and in my own ways I do, but I also think they could tighten up and am willing to address those specific issues. "Quality" is a relative term. "Diverse programming scope" is not. I don't hink BET needs to go away, it IS valuable, but they can simply do better period. I have a few suggestions that could help, and so do some others here. I'm truly not one of those folk who think that just because someone Black is pumping it out, that I have to accept whatever is given to me if I feel the service provided is subpar. Not just related to BET, but ANY Black business I support (which I go WAY out of my way to do, not just sometimes but ALL the time). If that makes me an elitist (which I have been called elsewhere), self-righteous, a crusader or whatever I don't care. I'll be that.
See Koala, you and I are actually quite similar in our belief that there is a certain amount of dignity/self-reliance and self determination exhibited by those things some folk call "ghetto" or demeaning. In all my discussions with you and others, I've never acted like I'm better, more knowledgeable or whatever. But I AM smart enough to have valid points which I can back up.
So all that trying to label/pigenhole me via your "presumptions" about my intentions, methods or ideas won't work. In the Lesson you may be able to rile folks with that. But it amuses me to no end. I enjoy discussing things with you because you are good at finding holes in people's arguements. I also respect your viewpoints without judgement. I respect your ability to disagree (which you do quite well). I have no idea what you do BESIDES talk a good game, but over here some of us are about action to go with the rhetoric. Not action without direction and clear focus. We realize THOSE things take time to build (and were in the middle of taking thst time when you jumped in with your patented KoalaLove indignation). You're correct that this may not be the avenue for this discussion betwen you and I, just let me know where and I'll be happy to continue it elsewhere (it really IS kinda fun).
But back on topic. To the individuals who have decided to do something BESIDES run their mouths and cute little fingers over keyboards I say this:
Keep fighting. You know where your hearts are and I believe your intentions are pure. I got your back.
------QUOTE STARTS HERE------ Help BooDaah STAY the Moderator for the OkayActivism Board....
Fill Angiee's Mailbox full of requests for me (HAHA she'll LOOOOVE THAT!!!)
How's THAT for pandering HMMMM???
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