Diversity in prime time -- or the lack thereof -- figures to be the hot topic as broadcast network executives meet with reporters at the summer TV press tour starting this week.

Kweisi Mfume, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, stated that this season's prime-time schedule is a "whitewash."

Of the 38 new series expected to debut this fall, only two feature lead characters who are not white: UPN's "Grown Ups" and "The Parkers," which changed its name from "Mo'Nique" late last week."

This glaring omission is an outrage and a shameful display by network executives who are either clueless, careless or both," said Mr. Mfume, delivering the keynote address recently at the NAACP's 90th annual convention.

It seem to me that the "clueless, careless, or both" designation might better be applied to Mfume. One would think that with such problems as poor education, crime, drugs, and legitimacy facing the Black community, he would turn his attention to something other than network television--a medium that has been on a downward spiral for several years.

Indeed, assuming that Blacks care about the lack of their presence enough to avoid watching TV, he should applaud the situation. As it is, Blacks now watch way more TV than any other ethnic group. Is that a good thing?

Beside, there is a group that shows up even less than Blacks on network and most cable TV, and that is people over 50. Perhaps AARP should sue somebody--but then again, who cares? Is it supposed to bother me that everybody on TV is young?

To perceive cosmic importance in what goes on in popular entertainment is, at the same time, foolish and sad. Most popular entertainment has ALWAYS been mediocre garbage--and that's OK if it makes money and people enjoy it. What if you COULD magically guarantee that every film and TV show had the proper amount of diversity? Who would benefit other than the actors?

Mfume attacking TV is part of a long tradition of avoiding dealing with the real issues.

In the 1950's they were blaming comic books and rock 'n' roll for teen delinquency. In the 1960's student protesters, rather than corrupt and incompetent politicians, were blamed for prolonging the Vietnam debacle.

And today, when we're all supposed to be so media savvy, a national figure plays a numbers game on Network TV, as if there aren't 100 other channels to watch, or videos to rent.

Mfume is beating a dead horse. Cable and the Internet have finally freed us from the information Mandarin class. Let him ask instead why Blacks lag behind other races in getting connected.

Better yet, how about something positive: A nationwide effort to get them connected. Let him use his bully pulpit to bring real benefit to his people, and not just grandstand on a meaningless issue.