The Boonies
written by 4bars
written by 4bars
So I don’t know how many of ya’ll watch The Boondocks but if you’re black, I hope all of you do. And I only say the last part because I do not show ANY of my white friends the Boondocks for fear of the “Chappelle Effect”: when non-blacks watch something starring or pertaining to black culture and find it humorous without realizing why it is actually funny. That’s a whole different post but I’m gonna keep this one moving. The show is an incredibly funny and original satire touching on any and every issue you can think of regarding black people. From Hurricane Katrina, to Usher stealin people’s wife, to gay rappers, the show is simply genius. Episodes are not preachy yet present several sides of all issues; yet there are two episodes that are the most telling when it comes to creator Aaron McGruder’s personal feelings.
BET has been a constant target for McGruder, as he has made it known that he disagrees with everything that the network stands for. From its programming, which he calls “booty shakin music videos”, to its blatant disregard for the well being of its viewers, McGruder usually uses subtle references and caricatures to poke fun at what he probably refers to as “The Evil Empire”. But the above 2 episodes mercilessly mock and criticize BET CEO Debra Lee and her staff from the opening scene and were thus banned from airing in season 2. We talk a lot about rappers and the record companies taking responsibility for the images and messages that are sent out through the corporately dominant force that is Hip-Hop, but without BET and MTV (who are both owned by Viacom after being sold by Bob Johnson, another beef McGruder has) splattering these images across the screen as often as possible, there really wouldn’t be a visual outlet. McGruder’s take on BET, like his comic, is both hilarious and thought provoking, but my question is this: We place blame in a lot of places, is BET another viable candidate? Or is McGruder doin too much by clownin BET like this?
The Boondocks Episode 14
The Boondocks Episode 15
7 comments:
BET sucks. We even had a poll question on BET's effects on Hip-Hop and there was an overwhelming vote for that effect being negative.
Those two episodes are hilarious.
But I have to disagree with the "Chappelle effect" idea. I feel that white people who would see that show and laugh "at" black people instead of realizing the satire are those we couldn't protect anyway. They would laugh "at" us and draw on stereotypes all on their own.
I think many white people should watch the boondocks because at the very least it will bring out conversation. Oftentimes humor can start very powerful dialogue. (c. Any Chris Rock stand up)
Ok, McGruder has some personal beef with an employee of the station... This is not to say that he wouldn't have done a piece on the network anyway, but I just think he goes in with such passion due to this beef.
Im not saying this to defend the network, but the same beef I have with BET, I HAVE WITH MTV. I don't really like the fact that every show the network does, they feel the need to include the word BLACK before the title. BLACK POKER, BLACK CARPET, BLACK BLACK BLACK.... There are some very positive shows on the station that some people miss out on because of the preconceived notion they have of the network. EX: HIP-HOP VS AMERICA was serious and I think a lot of people would have gained from seeing that... I can't blame the network for showing videos THAT ARTIST MAKE...Lets get the artist to clean up their act and THEN MAYBE Ill go in on the network for ONLY SHOWING "the negative videos"
With that said, MTV has some serious issues with shows as well. Im tired of watching REALITY TV on the RICH GETTING RICHER... Can anyone name a show on MTV that isn't a reality show? MTV has more shows about sex and drugs as the focus, than any network that I know of.
The companies put the images out there, because they are catering to their audience. What does that say? I BLAME THE AUDIENCE.
Storm, I would agree with that if BET didn't screw Little Brother a few years ago. They didn't put LB's video for "Lovin' it" because they deemed it "too intelligent" for their audience. WTF?
There's plenty of artists that can and have made quality stuff but if BET refuses to play it what else can people do? ....
"B-b-booty butt cheeks, booty butt cheeks"
WOW THAT'S KRAZY. But think of it this way. Whos their audience? Predominantly, teens. When do they play most of their videos? DURING 106 & PARK after school hours...AGAIN, their audience: TEENS.
The programming of a lot of the show, caters to the audience. SUNDAY MORNING, whats on? SUNDAYS BEST... LATE NIGHT SAT, UNCUT...well not n e more we talked about that in a previous post though... I DIGRESS.
ITS THE AUDIENCE MAN.
I understand what you are saying K Storm, but seriously what is that saying? That video would be to educational for teens and better for adults? It wasnt even that serious they were throwing boxes off the back of a truck and the boxes had different stereotypes on them. I agree I don't like what MTV either but I get upset with BET because all there shows are basically a "black" version of the MTV shows. Its real original.
I'm not familiar with the video so I have no idea what to say to that specific video. But I do think that if BET or other networks don't think a show will attract their main audience then they won't show it. BET is dead wrong for not showing that video. Its not right but they are trying to cater to their main audience. Sad but in my opinion, true... I yall though...
I think that's the equivalent to DJs not playing new music on the radio, though. Give it a shot. If it doesn't work, scrap it. If it does, surprise surprise.
If Common and Dialated Peoples and Talib and Kidz in the Hall and Lupe can make it for a little while on 106 and/or TRL, BET definitely shouldn't consider Little Brother "too intelligent." That's a cop out. It's really 'cause they didn't have a bigger name attached. Throw Jay-Z on a track with LB; I bet they won't be too intelligent then.
Post a Comment