Racist Television
Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009
by Ronyae
Writings by Ronyae
I didn't realize until my neighbor, looking for some old VHS tapes of movies, had asked me, "You got any 'black' movies?" It confused me at first - "Black movies," I asked. I hadn't realized the difference, actually - are the movies, tv programs, and/or sitcoms separated racially as well?
My detective skills broke in as my journalistic approach to everything in life hit the forefront. I had to find out if America truly watched a racist television. See, growing up for me didn't have racial barriers or borders, and I enjoyed watching all sorts of TV programs regardless of them being 'Black TV' or 'White TV'; now, I've heard of a black and white television set, but does that hurt the chances of separating the types of TV shows we watch? I know it's a bit on the joking side, but the topic is a serious one. For me, at least. Simply because I have never felt like I only watch TV programs, and/or movies that portray 'black' lifestyles, or have black actors, directors, producers and so forth.
A few of my all time favorite TV programs have been with 'White' actors and character-based; I Love Lucy; Friends; Sex and the City ... just to name a few. But I also love Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Sandford and Son; the Cosby Show ... and the list goes on. But I enjoy these programs for the same reasons I enjoy the others: they have good, comedic morals and values planted in their shows, and that's what I look for in TV shows like that. Not who is acting in them.
But then I thought after some time of observing different types of families, and felt that maybe these people are watching certain movies and TV shows out of relativity. Perhaps an elderly black man relates better with the Cosby Show than he would by watching According to Jim, or King of the Hill. And his next door neighbor, being of Latino decent may watch Two and a Half Men or George Lopez instead of My Wife and Kids.
On the other side of the fence lives a world where most people just care about quality television and entertainment. It's true that Reality Bites! But it doesn't have to hurt that bad.
My detective skills broke in as my journalistic approach to everything in life hit the forefront. I had to find out if America truly watched a racist television. See, growing up for me didn't have racial barriers or borders, and I enjoyed watching all sorts of TV programs regardless of them being 'Black TV' or 'White TV'; now, I've heard of a black and white television set, but does that hurt the chances of separating the types of TV shows we watch? I know it's a bit on the joking side, but the topic is a serious one. For me, at least. Simply because I have never felt like I only watch TV programs, and/or movies that portray 'black' lifestyles, or have black actors, directors, producers and so forth.
But then I thought after some time of observing different types of families, and felt that maybe these people are watching certain movies and TV shows out of relativity. Perhaps an elderly black man relates better with the Cosby Show than he would by watching According to Jim, or King of the Hill. And his next door neighbor, being of Latino decent may watch Two and a Half Men or George Lopez instead of My Wife and Kids.
On the other side of the fence lives a world where most people just care about quality television and entertainment. It's true that Reality Bites! But it doesn't have to hurt that bad.
This Article has been viewed 1,296 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Good article. Ron! This racism problem really annoys me so much. I don't understand how can humanbeing became so mean. SO irritating. I love black people. They are the best in singing & athletic. Nobody can beat them.God bless you & Keep writing...Chiradeep,Thanks on behalf of my other race! Even though I'm LOL, I appreciate your comment. For, it is one that I agree with wholeheartedly!Stay Blessed
Ronyae,Well said, Ronyae. Personally, my favorite TV shows and movies happen to be a blend of everything!Great article and I'm glad your back,NancyNancy,Thanks, and I'm so glad to be back!
Racism is alive and well. I listen to the most vile form 6 days a week, and I hate it, it eats away at my gut. Sunday is my day off, so I am spared at least one day of having to listen to it.
When I was 12 I won a writing contest at school. I used my gift certificate to buy a book about Motown. How I loved that music--still do. As I was reading the bios of the Jackson Five and Freda Payne, it occurred to me that they were all black! It was then I understood why my mother was trying to urge me to buy a "Guinness Book of World Records" instead, because she basically didn't like black people. But, you know, racism works both ways. I have been on the receiving end of black hate, and I'm not interested in the usual excuses for that, either.Anonymous,I agree with you as well. Racism is alive on all borders of nationalities; but what gets me is how many people are doing these things to people of their same race! How absurd, and such a long way for us to go!Thanks for sharing your comment.
Great article, Ronyae. You described me--watching the Cosby Show, I Love Lucy, The Jeffersons (one of my true favorites), and Friends. To me it was just good shows with great actors. And now we have an assortment of great movies from Starz East to Starz InBlack--they're all great channels. I'm a remote flicker and just go where the best movies are and color sets no one aside.Have a wonderful week.SandraMs. Sandra,I couldn't have stated that better myself ... even if I tried. It feels good to know that there are still people out there who enjoy 'valuable' entertainment.Stay Blessed! and, thanks for reading and sharing a wonderful comment.
Great article. Well done.I once saw a TV channel called Black TV. Why?What annoys me most is that Black white blue red or green we can all do the same things, have the same intellectual capacity and are equal. The whole idea of rational separation is completely pointless.I agree with you, Connor.Thanks for reading and sharing a comment.
A very good article Ron and very thought provoking too. I am glad you wrote on this topic.Regards always,SwapnaSwapna,Thanks for reading and sharing a wonderful comment.
"On the other side of the fence lives a world where most people just care about quality television and entertainment."
Ronyae, I couldn't agree with you more. A great topic and I admire your abilities as a sleuth! You don't miss the nail with your hammer. Keep at it, young lady!
Hugs,
AvisAvis! It's wonderful to see you on here, and thanks for the comment!Stay Blessed
Ronyae, I have never heard of any of those shows except for George Lopez - he is my cousin. ha! I just had to say that, I appreciate your sense of humor displayed in this write. Especially about the black and white TV. Seriously though, I had never heard this before either. Shows are shows, I have never asked anyone or have been asked about "black" or "Brown" movies. Just movies. Great write, I hope it gets people thinking and re-thinking this silly notion. I don't even know what a "black" movie is supposed to look like??? Excellent job! Blessings to you, my (black) friend. ha! who loves you, baby!Teresa,Just hilarious! But I appreciate your comment. I enjoyed reading the comedic side of it as well!Sometimes our best response is laughter because it keeps us on "higher ground". No need to get sucked into the pit. Maybe our laugther might help others out of the pit.I sure hope so, Teresa.Stay Blessed!
Good points. I think I definitely enjoy shows who have at least one actor to whom I can relate, whether it's due to gender, age, race or whatever.One of my favorite shows was Good Times. I loved Esther Rolle and could relate to her. The only similarity between us at the time, we are both women!That's a good relation to have when watching television, Anonymous. Thanks for reading and sharing a comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.