Black TV[edit]

Introduction[edit]

Black TV has a tremendous influence on television and has grown over the years since its mainstream introduction in the 1960’s. African Americans have always been marginalized and stereotypically represented in American television until African Americans said “no more”. Black TV has influenced African Americans to have inclusivity when it comes to entertainment. Recently however, Black TV has reached a wider audience which caused the inclusivity to be lost. There are many paths that were created for black actors and black writers and directors through this Phenomenon.

There are numerous examples of black television shows that created both a positive platform for African American advancement. Shows such as Family Matters, Martin, Soul Train, Fresh Prince, The Cosby Show, Girlfriends and many more did an amazing job displaying African Americans in a realistic way that was extensively accepted by diverse races, ages and ethnicities. Debatably, over time Black TV has also been diminished in a negative way through shows such as Power, Love and Hip Hop, Empire, Boondocks, Bad Girls Club, The Game, and many more.

Black television helps bring more black people into the film/production side of entertainment which is a great thing. According to The Washington Post, data reveals that about 96 percent of the more than 450 members in the executives branch are white and 87 percent are men (Harwell). African Americans gain acknowledgement to the industry and serve a voice to everyone as more individuals step into production, but it’s up to production teams to display and express quality media that will be respected. Black T.V. can be seen as a platform for African Americans to become role models and great idols to anyone. This is especially vital for the African American youth as well as any other race. Having great individuals, who are black, put into generally favorable/motivational spotlights give insight to more people on how African Americans really are instead of perceptions that people tend to associate black people with. With that platform, African Americans can also give out constructive beneficial

Today Black TV is a powerhouse in the filming and television industry. Black TV is featured on many programs and films on a number of cable stations such as VH1, MTV, MTV2 and more. Black TV even has its own mainstream television station, “Black Entertainment Television.” These stations thrive from reality television shows, giving them record breaking views when they’re airing them. However, the actions and character behaviors demonstrated from the actors in reality tv shows are praised when sometimes when they should be shamed upon. An article from the The Clay Center for Health Minds mentioned, “women in The Real Housewives franchise gossip, back-stab and behave aggressively, condescending and catty toward one another.” (Peek) All in all it is very evident that Black Television has changed over the years. Through its negative influence that has grown over the years and the different platforms that has made Black TV available on a larger scale. All in all the effects of the evolution of black tv should encourage African Americans to look within themselves, and to ask the question of what Black people should and should not tolerate when it comes to perception. It also should push African Americans to reverse the way we not only look at each other, but the way we look at ourselves as well.

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