BET on BLAST!

I am one of the thousands of Africans in America who are disgusted with the leadership role that Black Entertainment Television (BET) has taken in OUR community. Fat asses, big rims, and bottle popping seems to be the only thing that we have going on as Black people….well if you watch BET on the regular that is what is seems. Music Videos and reality shows seem to plague us even in our sleep as they are constantly broadcast on OUR station.

What does entertainment mean to US? Entertainment means hope. Entertainment equals an attempt at a peace of mind. Entertainment has often been the source for which WE are able to rise above our surroundings. Entertainment allows so many of us to escape the pain and the harshness of OUR reality. A reality that we had no help in creating.

Just when I was beginning to give up on BET as a source of inspiration, a light bulb clicked and programming changed. Today as I sit and watch OUR entertainment television, I am delighted inside and out. My Sunday morning has been filled with inspirations on every end. “Heart of the City” is a documentary that looks at Detroit’s educational system and its’ high volume of failing kids. SO? One show is not going to change the 3/10 graduation rate in one of the country’s largest cities. No. It will not. But one show can spark a light in one individual that can become one Russell Simmons. A heartfelt interest can become a Barak Obama!

Shows like Rising Icons, Pressure Cooker and even 106 and Park are becoming major sources of knowledge and the spread of relevant information for US. 106 and Park has run a “BE Successful” week featuring photos of Black graduates and success stories all around the country. What a way to shine! Uplift and congratulate those who are making steps towards the better of themselves and you give encouragement to people who have thought it impossible to better themselves. With the odds that WE as Africans in America face, I believe it is a RESPONSIBILTY of OUR few entertainment outlets (t.v. and radio) to educate, entertain and inform.
Want to check out another responsible source for OUR entertainment. WCSU Radio, Chicago State University’s very own radio station, hosts several shows by rising students. For Us By Us. Listen to me LIVE every Monday from 1 pm – 4pm CST @ wcsu.csu.edu.

Talk back with me. How has BET influenced or affected your life? Do YOU believe that entertainment outlets in the Black community have a responsibility to US?