Love hasn’t changed, but the way modern society views love has. The positive image of black love that has been portrayed by Hollywood has morphed into a misleading message of self-fulfillment.
Black love in Hollywood has lost its substance.
It no longer appears as a partnership or long-lasting friendship. It’s not sacred, desirable, patient, or real. Now it appears as a business deal, something people do to acquire a certain status. It is about personal gain, drama and “self.”
From the days of “Good Times;” “The Jeffersons;” “The Cosby Show” and “Martin” to the days of “Basketball Wives;” “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “Love & Hip Hop,” Hollywood has demoralized the appearance of black love. But is it Hollywood or is it society? Even with fairy tales and romances, some of what is depicted in Hollywood takes place in everyday life. Has the black society changed the view on love and why people should be in love?
There is a widespread trend of self-gratification and it has trickled into the sacred realm of love and contaminated it. The key source: reality TV.
Black women who have been showcased in the homes of America are money-hungry, self-centered and opportunistic. They use “love” as way to provide for their selfish desires. They would rather exchange their womanly nature for the promiscuous nature of their male counterpart’s until they’re ready to settle down.
Black men aren’t left out of this equation either. On TV they showcase themselves as egotistical who don’t honor women and indulge in high amounts of promiscuity. They’re career -oriented and focused, but unsure of themselves. The excuse of distrust in women or not being ready for commitment is a very popular motto these male characters use as well.
Besides adults, who else is watching these shows? Children.
The entertainment industry can influence the way a child processes certain situations. Young girls fantasize about what they see on TV. Being a young woman, I remember fantasizing about my future husband being like the men on TV. Back then, black love had substance, but where is it now? It has been altered to fit the lifestyle of self-gratification and I don’t think we will ever get that image back.