And A Child Shall Lead: A Letter to BET

Sorry my bloggings have been so few lately - my computer has been under attack the past few week. I have been giving it TLC to no avail.

Anyway, I recently received an email with this letter addressed to Debra Lee of BET. It is from a 15-year-old Black teenager from Cincinnati, Ohio. We continue to see Black teenagers in the media portrayed in negative ways. I found this letter so refreshing that I thought you might like it too.

Ms. Janitra Patrcik: Dear BET, Why Do You Hate Us?

Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out every day, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for Black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of Blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operations.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to [be] thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. (Fifty-four percent of males of color in Ingham County graduated from high school, compared to 74 percent of white males). This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for White television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for Black television shows to do it is baffling.

Why do you hate us?
All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seem to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substances that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG A## CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery Exists Today.

You’d be surprised how smart young Black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate Black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of Black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for Black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean, if a jet crashes right in front of me, I’ll watch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.

Sincerely,

Janita Patrick

Cheney Says Powell: No Longer a Republican

Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Sunday he no longer views Colin Powell as a Republican. Cheney was appearing on “Face the Nation” and was asked about a dispute between Powell, who was secretary of state in the Bush/Chaney administration, and radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh over the role each plays in the Republican Party.

"My take on it was Colin had already left the party," Cheney said. "I didn't know he was still a Republican." The former vice president noted that Powell endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama in last year's presidential race. "I assume that that's some indication of his loyalty and his interests," Cheney said.

Colin Powell, in a speech last week, said "the Republican Party is in deep trouble" and said the party would be better off without Limbaugh. Limbaugh fired back on his program Wednesday, saying, "What Colin Powell needs to do is close the loop and become a Democrat instead of claiming to be a Republican interested in reforming the Republican Party."

Cheney and Limbaugh are in essence telling Powell that he needs to get back to the back of the bus and sit down like a good "boy" or get off. You're either with us or against us, you believe exactly what we believe or you're not included. Independent thought is not allowed. They are saying let’s distance ourselves from the man with one of the longest and most distinguished military and cabinet-level service records in U.S. history.

Some things never change in the “Good Old Boy Club”, if you don't agree with them you are not an American or patriotic. Retired General Colin Powell served his country in and out of uniform with integrity and honesty. Colin Powell should take it as a great compliment that both Rush and Dick don't want him in their clubhouse anymore.

So Joe Lieberman was a patriot who put country ahead of party when he endorsed John McCain but there are different rules for Colin Powell. Thanks for clearing that up, Mr. Cheney.

Let's see now, who should we listen to; someone who when he had the chance to serve asked for and received 5 deferments from military service in Vietnam but was perfectly willing to spend other peoples' blood; Or, a genuine war hero with the integrity and nerve to acknowledge when something is wrong. Colin Powell is an American first and a Republican second. He has always demonstrated his loyalty to the flag and ideals of this country. People such as draft dodgers and drug addicts have a difficult time with that concept.

Maybe he should leave the party that has robbed this country blind. Leave it to the Alan Keyes, Sarah Palins, Joe the not really plumbers, Rush Limbaughs, stuck in the 50's party when Blacks and women "knew their place".

Tricky Dick 2 should be happy he is not on trial as the traitor who engineered the war in Iraq, instigated and thwarted our laws to torture. Halliburton with Tricky Dick 2's endorsement have robbed U.S. tax payers of billions and now wants to move their headquarters to Dubai to keep from paying any taxes. Tricky Dick 2, one of the leaders of the party of war profiteers and oil profiteers who care about nothing else but their bank accounts. Tricky Dick 2 prefers a drug-addicted radio jock over a 4-star general, former chairman of the joint chiefs and former secretary of state. Tricky Dick 2 clearly puts God and Country behind Halliburton, Saudi Princes & anyone else with BIG MONEY.

In the interview Sunday, Cheney said he believes "there is room for moderates in the Republican Party." (Read: As long as the moderates do exactly what Rush or I say and don't talk back and voice opinions. Otherwise, they're not true Republicans. There is NO room for people with integrity, who have respect for the Constitution, an independent opinion, who disagree with us, who are critical of anything we do, and who don’t care what is right for the country – just say yes to what we do).

And the media is still listening to this arrogant dunta dunt.

Will Colin Powell Endorse Senator Obama?

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will appear on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday and is rumored to be set to endorse Senator Barack Obama for president.

By listening to his previous comments I predicted that Mr. Powell was voting for Senator Obama. But I don’t believe he will be publicly endorsing anyone. I do believe he will vote for Senator Obama.

His endorsement of Obama would be wonderful, since he is one of the most highly respected persons throughout the world.

Colin Powell received my admiration when he left the Bu$h administration after disagreeing with Dubya. He tried to reign in the stubborn president but was drowned out by the dunta dunt yes men that surround Dubya. I still trust his opinion and would have voted for him had he decided to run for president. I hope he will play a significant role in Barack Obama's administration. He is another voice of calm reason, much like Senator Obama himself.

Now the bloggers are saying that Mr. Powell is only endorsing Senator Obama because he is Black. And these are the people that say racism no longer exists in America. They would rather vote for a ticket that includes a woman who today called any part of the country against Senator McCain un-American. So we should dismiss all those White military generals who have endorsed Senator Obama as unpatriotic too?
And what about the media that has not covered the Keating scandal one bit. It was people and companies like Keating that got us in the financial trouble that we are in today. They have not mentioned that Plumber Joe was a plant and now found out to be a fraud. They have not mentioned that our troops overseas support Senator Obama something like 6-1.

Gwen Ifill Moderates the Vice Presidential Debate

The Vice Presidential debate at Washington University will be moderated by Gwen Ifill, a highly respected correspondent and moderator for nationally televised public broadcasting news programs on PBS. Gwen Ifill is moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer." She is also frequently asked to moderate debates in national elections, including the Vice Presidential debate during the 2004 election. Ifill is also the author of the forthcoming book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama. During the 2008 campaign season, Ifill brought Washington Week to live audiences around the country on a 10-city tour.

Now in its 40th year, Washington Week is the longest-running news and public affairs program on public television. Each week, Gwen Ifill brings together some of the best journalists in Washington to discuss the major stories of the week. Ifill has bolstered the program's journalistic roots and its commitment to hearing from the reporters who actually cover the news. Ifill joined both Washington Week and The NewsHour in 1999, interviewing newsmakers and reporting on issues ranging from foreign affairs to politics.

Before coming to PBS, she spent five years at NBC News as chief congressional and political correspondent, and still appears as an occasional roundtable panelist on Meet The Press. Ifill joined NBC News from The New York Times where she covered the White House and politics. She also covered national and local affairs for The Washington Post, Baltimore Evening Sun and Boston Herald American.

Ifill was born New York City, the fifth child of African Methodist Episcopal minister, Urcille Ifill, Sr., a Panamanian of Barbadian descent who emigrated from Panama and Eleanor Ifill, who was also from Barbados. Her father's ministry required the family to live in several cities throughout New England and the Eastern Seaboard during her youth. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts in 1977.

Ifill has received more than a dozen honorary doctorates and is the recipient of several broadcasting excellence awards. She serves on the board of the Harvard University Institute of Politics, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Newseum and the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

Ms. Ifill dismissed conservative questions about her impartiality because she is writing a book that includes material on Senator Barack Obama. Ifill said Wednesday that she hasn't even written her chapter on Obama for the book "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," which is scheduled to be published by Doubleday on January 20, 2009, the day a new president is inaugurated. She said it was the publisher, not herself, who set the Inauguration Day release date. It will be released then whether Obama wins or loses.

In its online description of the book, Doubleday says that Ifill "surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama's stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power." Ifill said Obama's story, which she has yet to write, is only a small part of the book, which discusses how politics in the Black community have changed since the civil rights era. Among those subjects is former Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as other up and coming Black politicians such as Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and Newark, New Jersey mayor Cory Booker. The publisher says of the book "Drawing on interviews with power brokers like Senator Obama, Vernon Jordan, Jesse Jackson, and many others, as well as her own razor-sharp observations and analysis of such issues as generational conflict and the 'Black enough' conundrum, Ifill shows why this is a pivotal moment in American history."

"I've got a pretty long track record covering politics and news, so I'm not particularly worried that one-day blog chatter is going to destroy my reputation," Ifill said. "The proof is in the pudding. They can watch the debate tomorrow night and make their own decisions about whether or not I've done my job." Although the topic of Ifill's impartiality was raised the day before the debate, the PBS journalist said that Time magazine noted she was writing a book in August, and that it has been available for pre-sale on Amazon.com. The book also is mentioned in a September 4 interview she gave the Washington Post.

Ifill questions why people assume that her book will be favorable toward Obama. "Do you think they made the same assumptions about Lou Cannon (who is White) when he wrote his book about Reagan?" said Ifill. Asked if there were racial motives at play, she said, "I don't know what it is. I find it curious." In 2004 Ifill was accused of favoring the Republican? There was much concern about her friendship with Condoleezza Rice.

While Joe Biden and Sarah Palin may have listened to dozens of mock questions in their debate preparation, they're sure to get one or two from Ifill that they don't expect. What she asks might touch on any topic imaginable under the negotiated rules, which call for Biden and Palin to be situated behind lecterns with short discussion periods and two minutes each for closing statements. Given Gwen Ifill's hard-news background, her questions are unlikely to be softballs.