The NAACP is again working to right injustices in the United States. No, we’re not talking about the low test scores amongst minority children. No, I’m not talking about the deterioration of the black family unit. No sir, far more important than that. Yes, the NAACP is mad that no new television shows will feature African-Americans in a lead role. NAACP president Bruce Gordon said the lack of shows like 'Martin' and '227' was “unconscionable.” Not to get on a tangent but a few words only appear in print when somebody wants to sound really damn smart. Unconscionable and abomination are two of my favorites of these “look at me, I smart” words. Now maybe I’d save those words for something more serious, but hey, kudos to Mr. Gordon for getting it out there.
As much as I lampoon the NAACP for being a shell of its former greatness, quality shows starring minorities are few and far between. There is a disconnect between what shows white and black America like though. Look at the top 10 all time lists. Seinfeld will be on one while Martin is on the other. If folks aren’t watching the same shows, the group with the most members will be catered to. Harold Perrineau in 'Lost' and Dennis Haysbert in '24' and 'The Unit' shows that an African-American can have a damn important role in mainstream television. Heck, 'The Cosby Show' was one of the biggest hits ever. However do viewers in the hip-hop generation care for Bill Cosby-type shows on the air or would they prefer 'Fiddy’s World'? Yeah, that’s what network executives think too and they aren’t going to risk losing advertising dollars by catering to a smaller demographic.
