So yes, I was glad this past week to see more black faces on television, holding their own and discussing an important issue. It showed me that the networks know someone to call other than Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Great. Actual black professors, black business people, black liberals, and yes even black conservatives. It does prompt considerable eye rolling to have rich white men discussing the issue of race in America amongst themselves.
That said, I just know these people are going to disappear. The news shows and cable news channels will say “see, we covered it” and then go back to their mostly lilly-white guest lists. Until the next bigot eruption, it will be in essence as Jesse Jackson said: “All day, all night, all white”.
It doesn’t have to be that way. There are numerous experts, politicians, authors and other talking heads across the racial and sexual spectrum that are available to opine on not just racial issues, but everything. Way too many people this week were “shocked” at the reaction to Don Imus’ comments. Why? Some out of ignorance, but most people just don’t get exposed to other races and cultures. People segregate themselves in private life, but there’s no reason for our press to not play a role in this by forcing society to hear each other.
I want to be hopeful. I want to think that there will be more minority and female voices represented in the venues that are, in essence, our national town hall. I don’t want to see yet another panel of white guys discussing the latino voter as if they were a lab animal. Please.
The powers that be at the Networks are not necessarily racists. But they are demographic “bean counters” par excellence.
How many shows on television have “the black character”, “the gay one”, “the dumb one”, “the sexy woman” (often incorporating “the dumb one”)?
When there is a public outcry for “More __________”, then,by Jove, more “__________”’s will appear.
Why do they do that?
Why does it work?
Those are the mysteries to be solved…
As a white person, I have wondered why there are not more minorities on the news. There is one guy on CNN in the afternoon who I think is really good and wish he would get a shot at more than as an anchor.
I watch Cspan and so, I am aware of the many intellegent voices that should be heard and on the tv of middle america.
I suppose it’s because they think the same way as they do of Obama. White people won’t like them or watch. Phoey! White America does not hate blacks. White America wants to be introduced and understand how the black community feels. We don’t want to be stupid and keep sounding stupid like Biden when we do not mean to. But, unless we have that exposure we remain ignorant.
And white people support black candidates. In Illinois Obama won by 70%. We have alot more white people here than 30%. I have an Obama bumpersticker on my car. He draws 20,000 to rallies. some of them are white.
One reason white people seems uncomfortable around blacks is that we think we will sound stupid and feel self conscience. We want to be confident and sound normal but, we think we will offend. I have had the fortunate experience to have had neighbors, co-workers, bosses, friends who were black (and from India, Mexico, ect. My mom is from France).
I think many white people would welcome it if the stupid msm would put more blacks on the air as hosts and guests. On Cspan there is one man who is a host who is black and even the conservatives treat him like they do anyone else. Same with the hispanic host.
It’s the msm who keeps the people apart rather than bring understanding.
In reference to the “Who Knew?” post, that “mysteriously” won’t allow comments on it.
THEY GOT TO OLIVER! HE IS ONE OF THEM NOW!
Isnt it amazing that Meet The Press had two count them 2 BLACK guests on today…WOW
Why does it take some sort of racial controversy to even get one black voice heard on the MSM..its like the only time blacks can appear on these programs is to talk solely about their skin color and NOT their area of particular expertise…that is truly the lesson I take out of this week’s Imus gate
Unless of course your are a republican BLACK face ready to bash down any other black for political entertainment.
Amy Holmes has a place in the table … I’m not sure if she is at the main table, but she’s definitely fulfilling her purpose.
Totally OT : So … ahem … did CK inspire the new redesign?
Liza Sabater
http://www.culturekitchen.com
We’ve been talking about how Jackson and Sharpton have now been getting death threats over Imus on the Highbrid Nation website and it got me thinking. Sharpton and Jackson may need to stop tryin to speak on behalf on all black people. I’m starting to feel like that are very out of touch with the average black person. Especially Sharpton who I feel is a joke.