What’s Up World???
You guys know how difficult it is for me to get along with BET. First, it was their “Top 25 Events that Mis-Shaped Black America” which was somewhere between comical/ridiculous and thought-provoking (an accurate description for the network itself) and now “American Gangster”. I guess the series is meant to portray and tell the story of Black American crime kingpins and how their demise (eventually, they always fail) came about. My issue isn’t in the retelling of thier story with a Black point-of-view, I think that’s kind of a fresh take actually. My issue is with the glorification and celebrity-type glamor that they associate with these criminals…murderers…you know, the same people who brought and sold drugs to their community and killed thier own for a couple of dollars!!! My beef with the show’s premise is the same one that I had with Chapelle’s Show…while the intention might be one thing, the reception is another. In the case of both shows, I’m not sure if the audience is watching with an eye of concern or that of entertainment or humor. The more I think about it, I can really just make a list of the reasons why the show is counter-productive to any Black progress in this country:
1. It glorifies criminals who, in many cases, murdered their way to the top. The message sent? Killing, selling dope, and having a lack of morality is an ok exchange for money/pseudo-respect. [Imagine if the same type of show was done for Jefferey Dahlmer or child rapists...it seems out of place, right? That's because most people choose NOT to glorify convicted felons for the crimes that they committ!]
2. Code words. In Black culture, the term “gangster” evokes some sort of respect or prowess. To be accurate, the show should be named American Idiots or American Embarrassments.
3. It airs on BET. The idea that Black people would inherently be interested in seeing how their communities were ravaged is kinda a slap in the face. It would be like a Holocaust television show focusing of the profiles of “important” Nazis….AIRING ON A JEWISH CHANNEL!
4. The episodes are centered around the crime boss’ frivilous lifestyles and/or the expensive tastes afforded from living a life full of women, drugs and money as opposed to focusing on the damage and hurt caused by these people. I mean, many of them still have victims or families of the victims walking around trying to live their lives. Again, the message being sent? Kill, kill, kill…they’ll get over it…and you may even get a TV gig on the side.
I don’t know, the title of the show wrapped around the way that it is presented, just seems a bit absurd. Afterall, aren’t the true American Gangsters still running rampant in America??? Like the AIG execs who figured that they’d take a $500,000 vacation while thier company (and all of its shareholders!) drown in a recession. Like the politicians who are able to use thier political influence to further their own wealth. Like the original owner of BET, who found it acceptable to sell BET to Viacom even at the risk of lowering the integrity (Hot Ghetto Mess) and cultural relevance (Top 25 Things that Mis-shaped Black America) of a network that already had lower standards (word to Bob Johnson LOL).
So how do you feel about BET’s American Gangster or shows like it??? Do they expose without glorifying or celebrate negative stereotypes, actions and role models???
// TCS
Ok, let me be the advocate TCS….
Let’s be clear that those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. Now I’m not saying that every person who watches American Gangster comes from that perspective, because you can educate someone about protection when it comes to sex, but that doesn’t mean he (or rather they) will listen. I say that because from the point of view of a teacher, If I can change the mind of one person, I’ve done my job.
Secondly, interesting point that it is shown on BET…. But let’s consider the alternative. What other channel would you expect this from, and what other station would you consider this not a biased attach against Blacks in America? CNN? The History Channel? Surely not Fox News???
At any rate (lol), I agree that this show does glorify the life of criminals (at least from what I have seen). And I surely HOPE we can get the CHANGE we need from *this* season.
G’Obama 08
@ Mix: Hmm….I know this is kinda off topic, but the whole “those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it” quote never really made sense to me since ALL history is not MY history. I mean, selling crack and peddling super-addictive drugs to kids is NOT my history and I refuse to recognize it as even associated with me!
*deep breath*
OK, looking from both sides, I guess I can see the value of the show…if packaged correctly. Hopefully, in the future the show will be presented in such a way that the emphasis is made on the damage done and not the image the criminals portrayed in their prime.
With all of the discussion about CHANGE in 08 and more descriptively, the notion that America has a strong possibility of electing its first Black President, wouldn’t you see it as a positive CHANGE if Obama would speak out against detrimental cultural showcases like this TV show? Does Obama have any responsibility as a Black man on a large stage to stand up and lead his people socially, or even culturally???
// TCS
Just One second Uncle Tom… I’m mean TCS
Are you suggesting that Obama berate his own people in the public eye? Are you ready to turn him into a three-ring circus member that responds, “how high”, when someone asks him to jump? I’m a firm believer of taking care of in house affairs… IN HOUSE. We learn how America can turn us against each other, (Jesse Jackson to Obama). Obama is already seen as a sellout to some communities, because of his lack of “voice” for Black Americans. Little do they know, by not directly speaking, his actions are having a far greater impact for generations to come. Obama’s goal was to not make this about race (in the public eye) and he has succeeded with that.
On a side note: This whole discussion of elite vs. non-elite America, Pro-America vs. Anti-America, and “Hockey Mom” with “Joe Six-Pack”, is clearly code that needs to be discussed. (Just a thought…)
Lastly, I recognized that the gap between the Poor and Wealthy is becoming ever increasing with the amortization of the Middle Class. But there is an even severe intellectual gap between the educated (informed voters) vs. an uneducated (terrorists/Muslim fearing).
Thanks for commenting on my blog, I really enjoy your point of view. It seems to be a healthy and relevant critique focused on the welfare of those you care about. Good for you. Keep up the good fight.