I was glad to see Denzel Washington has a starring role in a
new drama out entitled “Flight”. He, unlike many Black actors, has played the
leading role in many Hollywood block busters, which have brought in huge revenue
and many actor awards. He, unfortunately, is the exception and not the rule.
As I scan the 300
cable channels on TV, I am discouraged by the lack of Black faces I see on the
hundreds of stations I view. Growing up, Blacks were featured in comedy sitcoms,
if nothing else. With shows like “Good
Times”, The Jefferson’s”, “Sanford and Son”, “Baby I’m back”, “What’s Happening”,
and host of others Black sitcoms I grew up watching, it is really sad and discouraging
to see the lack of sitcoms showcasing Black family life, social problems and
humor.
With disproportionate stereotyping of Blacks and the over
reporting of crimes of Blacks in the media, it is extremely important that Blacks
have positive images that counter these destructive untruths of themselves.
Is there one serious drama starring an African American on television
today, I asked a colleague? I was told there was one: “Scandal”-featuring Kerry Washington.
I am not okay with only one drama featuring Black people on
TV today. I am not okay with one only one Black man being selected to play key
roles in good films. I am not okay with never seeing a Black super hero and with
hardly seeing Blacks who are smart, confident and leaders. I am not okay with
one Black princess to represent beauty and magic for our brown girls. I am not
okay with Blacks only being allowed to play: the helper, the assistant, the
side-kick, the follower, the nurturer and the muscle. I am not okay with having
not one new Black comedy on television that I can laugh too. Not one!!I am not
okay……are you?
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