"A True Disgrace to TV and a People"

There was a time when African-Americans desired to have their own. Their own neighborhoods, their own schools, and even their own television networks. So what happened? Well, the world gave them what they wanted. Then what? Let's just say that some things should just have restrictions.

This year's B.E.T. Awards were intended to be dedicated to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, in rememberance of the legacy and impact that he made on this world. B.E.T.'s CEO Debra Lee announced at the awards ceremony that the network had been working around the clock for three days to see to it that the entire show be dedicated to the King. Well, in my opinion if that was a revamp of the entire show, the station once again became the best of the worst.

Sure, there were a few performances dedicated to Michael, and when the stars accepted their awards they said their condolences to the family. But was that enough? NO!!!! Not by a landslide. MTV, VH1 and CBS all featured hours upon hours of segments and television specials dedicated to the King of Pop all in a matter of hours after his death had been confirmed. How is it that a predominantly white station could show so much more effort in honoring this icon whilea predominantly African-American station does less than the very least for this international incon? It's a mystery that even I cannot solve...and I know I am a great problem solver.

B.E.T. and its networks have notoriously disappointed its viewers with outlandish sitcoms, degrading and ignorant reality shows, and have displayed African-Americans as uneducated and unsuccessful people. It is true that there are other stations that feature other races as being ignorant as well. But the African-American race should be able to count on its own people to portray them in such a way that is completely opposite of the majority of society. The sad fact of the matter is that even we as a people can't even do that. I find it very shameful that this network would rather show hours of black women being degraded rather than being celebrated for their strength. I find it horrifying that this network would rather give two "hood rich" women a reality show about living a ghetto fabulous lifestyle than featuring a segment that teaches smart financial tactics. I find it just down right rediculous that this station would rather portray our men as uneducated street walkers and thugs rather than glorifying the men that live successful lives and pursue degrees at universities and colleges.

The fact of the matter is that B.E.T. needs an entire makeover as far as I'm concerned. It makes no sense the things that they put on this station. It seems that this stations becomes more and more of a disgrace to the African-American race each and every day. I don't think that this station will ever get better. It doesn't accurately portray the black race and it definitely doesn't know how to put together a good dedication to an icon. B.E.T. should simply stand for Bafoonery Entertainment.