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With the arrival of the new TBS show, 'Are We There Yet?' the black community is getting another option for network television viewing. We all know that black shows are rare these days, with few outside of the family sitcom genre even getting produced. There is much family fare on TBS now, including the shows created by Tyler Perry, 'House of Payne' and 'Meet the Browns.' But these two black sitcoms are based on what some perceive to be stereotypes of the African American family. The characters tend to be loud and animated, in scenarios in which dancing and jokes that are sometimes a little ignorant abound. We can only hope that 'Are We There Yet' will offer more balanced images of African Americans. But it is troubling that, despite our diversity of experience, the only new major black show in years is another sitcom.
There is always room for a good black comedy -- but it's sad that black shows have been limited to such a narrow form over the years, and often a vehicle for stereotypes at that. It's true that the most successful black shows in history have been family comedies, including 'The Jeffersons,' 'Sanford and Son,' and 'Good Times.' At the same time, most of us can't think of a serious black show that has been on the air for more than one season. Why? And what does this mean for the African American community?
Dr. Alvin Pouissant of Harvard Medical School said this about the state of blacks on television in an interesting article on FamilyEducation.com: "Overall, the position of blacks on TV is better than that of other minorities, but it is hampered by the racial conflicts and segregation that are embedded in American society. Historically, black actors have been grouped stereotypically and assigned to comedy and buffoonery." That seems about right.
Much of the reason that network executives are more interested in black comedy is because they know that it is a recipe that works. Other types of unproven shows are risky. The money necessary to produce a show can be substantial. Networks put their money in places where they know they are going to get a solid return on their investment. And complex black shows are not the place. This puts the black community into a position in which quality shows like 'The Game' are canceled, while black family sitcoms are continually produced because they are like printing money -- for giant corporations with no interest in supporting diverse African American representation. This lack of representation is harmful to the self-esteem of the younger generations, leaving an immense psychological vacuum. This not only harms young blacks, but encourages young whites to see black people in dehumanizing ways.
One solution to these issue is for more blacks to get into positions where they can make decisions regarding which shows are going to be picked up by the networks. There should also be a greater emphasis on media ownership and creation of the capital needed to finance quality programming. Another possibility is digital production, and Internet distribution, which African Americans can more easily control. The Federal Trade Commission may need to get involved to ensure that we have a more diverse set of shows on the air -- fueled by more diversity in network executive offices. By pointing out the issues and analyzing them carefully, we might then be able to make government entities aware of the problems so we can start fixing them.
When it comes to diversity of the black experience on television, we should ask ourselves the question "are we there yet?" The answer to that question is a resounding "no."
Lawrence Watkins is the Founder of Great Black Speakers. He is also the owner of speakers' bureaus dedicated to Hispanic speakers and Christian motivational speakers. His book, "Frame Your Future: 8 Principles to Effectively Focus on the Future and Not Dwell in the Past", will be released in August 2010. If you would like Lawrence's articles delivered directly to your email, please click here.
Comments: (25)
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By: meanvee on 6/07/2010 3:27PM
After watching the first 2 shows of "are we there yet", I found it to be the same ol same ol, with a lot of over acting, kinda corny and not that funny. Maybe it will get better, I hope, I like the cast a lot, but they need a better script.
http://www.StinesDvdMachines.com
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By: MiMi on 6/07/2010 5:29PM
I too, hope this show improves. I did not enjoy the premier episodes.
I like Terry Crews & Essence Atkins personally for their previous work on televsion.
I think that Terry Crews looks too old to play Essence Atkins husband. Essence looks so much younger than him. They may be the same age in realilty, not sure, but she has a young look due good genes I guess.
I did not like Nick & Suzanne characters how they were arguing and acting really petty on the first episodes. Where is that Black Love? Yes married couples have issues but the love needs to be shown.
Ice Cube as the uncle is not necessary to me. Cube appearing in the show won't necessarily get people to watch it, for one he is not a comedian. He should remain behind the scenes.
I think this show will need better writing and material in order to stay alive.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne & Meet the Browns have the same issue, the writing isn't good material. Meet the Browns is painful to watch.
TV isn't what it use to be, thank God for channel TV One airing the classic Black shows with re-run episodes like The Jeffersons, A Different world, Living single & Good Times to name a few.
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By: Enough on 6/08/2010 1:27AM
I agree MeanVee and MiMi. The show just sucks. Ice Cube needs to stay behind the scene. He’s just not funny. I’ll give it one more chance. After that, it’s over for me. As far as the other two shows, it’s too painful to watch – so I don’t.
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By: King on 6/07/2010 7:34PM
As like all premieres they will never be up to par, i.e. Fresh Prince and Family matters, but within time they can work out the kinks and create great shows. There is a lack of support in Black TV, we are too busy wanting the guns, sex and drama (crappy black reality shows like Tiny & Toya, Neffe, and other crap) If we support what we have then more will come.
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By: Miss Val on 6/08/2010 12:28PM
I agree with you. Blacks always complain about the shows that are on and say they are silly and bafoonery because they are not filled with sex and violence. I plan to give this show a chance. All shows have to develop and the chemistry sometimes has to progress as the characters interact. I also like Tyler Perry's shows. I can truely appreciate watching tv without having to put up with all the bad language and sex scenes. It's no wonder our children are messed up. All they want to watch is media fed thuggery. Give these new comedies a change to stay on the air by supporting them and soon some of those involved in those shows will be in positions to have some say-so about getting other types of shows produced.
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By: Monique on 3/28/2011 3:15PM
This reply is for Miss Val, but i didn't have the option to reply to her:
Sooooo, not wanting to watch sitcoms filled with stereotypes means that we just want sex and violence? Do contain your crazy.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829202/plotsummary
If people supported more films like this rather than just supporting the stereotype loving Tyler Perry types, representation wouldn't be AS MUCH of a problem.
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By: Fashionedbygod33 on 6/07/2010 7:48PM
I pretty much agree with all of the comments. I believe these actors also lack chemistry; it's an odd pairing. Hopefully, it will get better. HOP have come a long way writing wise and is actually a pretty good show. I cannot stand Meet the Browns.
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By: malika on 6/08/2010 9:14AM
I agree with all of the comments regarding "Are we There Yet." They are an odd pairing...he does seem a little to old to play her husband and the first two episodes were extremely boring! I don't think I'll watch again. As for the Tyler Perry shows...I'm a little bias! I just love the man!
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By: tunyadb on 6/08/2010 9:22AM
Please give chance to new things. We are so quick to judge, I thought the show did very good.
Keep great things coming. We need it on the only channel we can get!
Ohio!!!!
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By: Unknown on 6/09/2010 9:23AM
I believe all shows are good. I get tired of us complaining all the time about there are no black shows on the air, but we run to the television when a reality show is on. I truly believe this is sad. Tyler Perry show did not start out great, but have gotten better. No Are We There Yet do need some changes, but come on give me a break the show was funny, and none of the shows are stereotypes. On ABC Family they canceld Lincoln Heights after four seasons to put on another show with white teenagers running around doing the same thing such as backstabbing each other, sex, and portraying them as if they that is all we want to see on televison. If we give the shows a chance then they will survive, and I have a chance for improvement.
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