We have been reading and talking a lot about stereotypes in the media these days. We have also been discussing how there is a lack of racial variety in especially TV entertainment, where for many years most shows have been very dominated by white characters. Thinking about what TV shows i had seen commercials for lately, i quickly remembered two TBS shows, namely Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" and "Meet the Browns".
Now at first sight, you may think "great! Finally some shows that aren't all white" but if you actually see one of these shows, you might start thinking otherwise. Yes, the main characters in both these shows are African-American, which does show that at least some of the large companies are taking some chances by putting tv-shows on the air that follows strictly minorities, however, the content of these two shows in particular, is downright horrible.
Don't just take my word for it, take USA Today's: "Indeed, if ever a show could cause actual physical pain, TBS' House of Payne might be the one. Glaringly, shamefully, insultingly inept, this new cable comedy from filmmaker Tyler Perry isn't just the worst sitcom of the year, it's one of the worst of the modern era."
Not only one of these few "all-minority" shows on TV extremely unfunny, but it is also filled with stereotypes about African-Americans, that we should be trying to get rid of, instead of putting them on prime-time TV. It is disturbing to see how TBS can get away with even airing this show, when the only thing it has going for it, is increasing Format Diversity. Same exact criticism goes for "Meet the Browns" take a look at a sneak-peak for an episode here, and judge for yourself.
Personally, I didn't laugh a single time - and I think that perhaps instead of just choosing to air a show, just because you show the population that you have diverse programming, TBS should find shows that are diverse but at the same time actually work - like "Everybody Hates Chris" or even "The Cosby Show"
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I agree with this idea. The notion that a network must show diversity tends to lead to unfunny and downright bad programming. Do the stations believe that these shows will draw in a wider variety of viewers? I believe that instead these stations are putting on an act for the public, allowing themselves to appear to appeal to a more diverse audience. However, they are actually pushing away those who they wish to appeal to due to the use of these blatant stereotype.
ReplyDeleteYet, Tyler Perry is a very successful "brand" of movies and television among Black audience- not to mention he himself (the creator) is a Black man. Many argue that it is in a positive thing to have a Black film creator making films and TV shows with predominantly Black casts. Yet that doesn't address what many agree are sometimes troubling representations- of Black people by Black people. I think the question to is not simply- how can anybody put this on the air, but why ARE they so popular? Perhaps it speaks to the lack of content like this in the first place. Others have criticized Perry's portrayal of Black women specifically: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090831/young. Definitely an interesting topic. The goal is not to demonize Perry but to examine what the presence and success of someone like Perry says about race in the US.
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