In an effort to force Black Entertainment Television executives to commit suicide, Huey Freeman went on a hunger strike. However, the revolutionary episode was never televised.
Two episodes of “The Boondocks,” a cartoon series created by Aaron McGruder, were banned from Cartoon Network, according to TV Week News. Since the show usually pushes the envelope with its over-the-top satire, one must wonder why this particular episode was banned from TV.
The Hip Hop DX Web site explained Huey blamed BET CEO Debra Lee and BET President Reggie Hudlin for ” dumbing down” the network’s programming.
When Robert L. Johnson created BET in 1979, his intent probably wasn’t to enhance the stereotypes that adversely affect the black community.
BET came at a time when people of color were almost non-existent on cable TV. Creating a network that was targeted, focused and centered solely on blacks was a positive, history-breaking event that many people were looking forward to. BET was launched Jan. 25, 1980 and viewed by more than 3.8 million cable subscribers, according to BET.com.
Tell me you remember the days of shows like “Video Soul” with Donnie Simpson and “Teen Summit,” which gave the youth positive alternatives to the negative enforcements in their lives.
So what happened?
It’s sad a channel that once displayed productive and enjoyable images of blacks now reveal the misogynistic and materialistic ideals driven by the dollar.
It all comes down to making money. These shows, such as BET’s “Uncut,” made millions off degrading black women.
How did this show become an overnight success? The answer is very clear.
We are watching this crap!
So many people made an uproar over rapper Nelly’s 2003 video “Tip Drill.” If we don’t approve, why do we still watch?
It’s evident BET has clearly become a modern-day minstrel show depicting blacks as nothing more than booty shaking, money hungry buffoons.
But can we really blame BET for the ignorance we allow to be displayed? Would there not be a “106 & Park,” if it weren’t for the millions of viewers requesting certain videos to be played?
Has BET held us back, or have we simply adopted these negative stereotypes and allowed them to mirror what is going on in the community?
The bottom line is this: While BET has definitely played its role in the defamation of blacks, it can’t be held responsible for what should be taught in the home.