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.