Goodbye Black Programming---Hello CW

(Caution: The pain and anger of my slavery ancestors is going to come out during this post)

I’m scared. Why would the combining of UPN and WB scare me you ask? Because of what it symbolizes. I can’t help but think that this was all done purposely to shut out successful black programming. It has taken years for intelligent blacks to find shows to relate to. We either had to deal with buffoonery stereotypical shows that made blacks look as ignorant, materialistic, sex crazed or poor as they possibly could. Many outside the black community may not realize that intelligent blacks hate BET. We hate programming that relies on stupidity only because networks think it’s easy to get cheap laughs out of black people. The intelligent black crowd turned their backs on BET and other outlets that continued to show blacks in a negative light long ago. That is not who we are although it may seem like it to many.

Black people are capable of having good shows without falling into the trap of letting networks motivate their purpose. Bernie Mac is the perfect example of a man who takes charge of his show. He told Fox how he wanted his show to be handled and that is how it has been run since it started. I admire people like Bernie who tell the networks to f--- off when they know a change would be harmful to a certain crowd or audience. But back to the CW…

I don’t know why I think of this so politically. Maybe it’s because I’m black. Maybe it’s because this seems to be another slap in the face to me. Just when we get a network (though UPN isn’t perfect) that caters to blacks, suddenly it has to go. Is it just a coincidence that UPN was cut out of the naming of the new network? C stands for CBS, and W stands for WB. Okay, what about the three letters U-P-N? They couldn’t fit that in anywhere? And should I believe it is just a coincidence that almost all of the WB’s shows that cater to white audiences are being handed over to the CW even though some of them were failing in the ratings? Yet the networks are keeping mum about UPN shows and have only named about three that’s making the move. One being Veronica Mars. I guess I should be glad of that right? At least the cast is somewhat diverse. (Note the sarcasm)

I don’t even watch UPN except for Eve but this still hurts. If you think that this was just a coincidence then you are fooled my friend. I believe the powers that be wanted to get rid of a network that it took years for blacks to obtain. Some people take a mile when given an inch. It’s funny how in television I can’t remember blacks having a mile. I know this was racially driven. I know this in my heart and you all know I am not one to play the race card. And this hurts. It really hurts because I am scared that blacks will go back to being nonexistent when it comes to television. They blame it on poor ratings for some of the black UPN sitcoms. Oh yeah? Who has the meters in their homes? The only black person I ever heard with a meter was my aunt and she gave it up years ago because it took too much time. I don’t believe too many families in Harlem or Brooklyn got the meters do you? But I bet everybody in Beverly Hills has one. So what does that say? We never had our chance to give input to the ratings. And of course our shows are not going to outshine those on major networks because they are not ON major networks. That’s the point. When will these networks see that comparing black shows to shows on ABC, NBC, and CBS is pointless when our shows don’t even have the fair chance to compete? I could be pissed just because Eve happens to be a show I enjoy. I could be pissed because I know deep in my heart that they won’t bring Eve to the CW. Hell I could be pissed about my wrists hurting or not having enough time to finish things I need to do. I could be pissed about a lot of things. But today, right now, at this point in time, I’m pissed about this. It is more than the combining of networks. It is the constant reminder of how we just won’t ever be accepted in this world. You know we don’t care about that anyway. Blacks don’t want to be accepted by " society " but we do want to be respected.

I just hope CBS and WB claiming networks were struggling fool no one. They were struggling years ago when they started too. But when UPN had a good dose of white shows a few years back, no one decided it was time to change things then did they? If they get rid of Eve it would be a shame. It is probably one of the most intelligent and non-stereotypical black sitcoms to be made in years. I loved the fact that three women owned their own business and didn’t rely on men for anything. Eve’s black characters are college educated with good jobs. You won’t find one " ghetto " soul on Eve. You don’t know how much watching something so positive for blacks meant to me. It’s also funny as hell so if they get rid of it, I know it wasn’t because of the show. I know the ratings are up there. Eve has always been one of UPN’s top shows. No, it’s just because this is how things are going to be done now and forever.

It hasn’t been easy hearing the racist statements about UPN over the years. Some people called it " The Nigger Network ". Others called specific line-up days " Welfare Nights ". But you think we cared what it was called? No we’re used to being called a lot of things. We just wanted to support the little inch of meaningful programming we had. Now that’s gone.

So don’t believe this is just a coincidence. It is much more. It may even mean that blacks are slipping backwards in network programming. That is, if blacks will even exist in primetime major network television at all any longer. I don’t know if we will or not? Do you? Seems like UPN was our last chance. And I hate to think how blacks might disappear from television once Oprah calls it a quits.

The photo is Eve

Stacy

Popping In Quickly

Hope you all had a good weekend. I have to force myself to stop dillydallying and do some work, LOL! Yes I have to finish this anthology so I can get that off of my mind. I will pop in and out this week but I don’t know exactly when. But you know me I tend to come on when I say I won’t so… I will try to visit some of my blog pals though.

You know I got a lot of things going down and I can’t wait to share them with you. I’m keeping quiet about them for now. I mentioned some things in my newsletter so if you didn’t sign up, too bad for you. You’re missing out on a good newsletter. I ended up fixing my computer myself which is good. It meant I wasn’t out of any money. Lila seems to be fine for now. Of course with computers you can never be sure until you do something different and you realize it’s not acting right, LOL.

I hope everyone starts the week off right and I hope you all had a good weekend. I have to get my head straight and focus this week. Let me get back to workaholic mode.

The photo is Mekhi Pheifer. Ah, papi chulo! And he has GOT to be the most gorgeous brother on the planet. They’re probably only two brothers that I think are extremely hot and Mekhi is one of them. I haven’t been able to come up with anyone else in years so he has to be the best. I love this gorgeous, gorgeous man! I don’t know what it is. Is it his style? His great smile? Those muscles? His wonderful acting? Woo, it’s getting hot in here.

Heck it’s the entire package but something’s been worrying me. I don’t know anything about the man’s personal life but I have " heard " things. Some people have said that Mekhi travels to the other side of the mountain if you know what I mean. At first I said, " No way! " But now, seeing how he goes everywhere alone, I’m wondering. When someone this fine is always alone, a girl can’t help but wonder. Maybe he’s just waiting for me, the woman of his dreams, LOL! I don’t know if he’s married or anything but I hear people saying he’s gay. Oh no. He can’t be gay. I’d faint from the possibility. But if he is, don’t tell me. You’ll shatter all my hopes and dreams.

Later

What’s Up?

Hola Everyone!

Just dropping in quickly to wish you all a good weekend. I’m putting my computer in the shop. Hopefully I will get it back in a few days. I haven’t had a chance to check all my emails so I will do that when I get my computer back. You all know I’ve been working on a lot of things so I’ll need Lila (my computer) as soon as possible. Yes I am like B.B. King! I named my computer. My other one is named Mable. LOL! Since I'm a workaholic this may be a good thing. Not having a computer will force me to rest and I probably need to.

I can’t wait to share all the future interviews I got going. I just landed a book review and interview for Thabiz Magazine: http://www.thabiz.com/index.htm
If you cruise through Thabiz don’t forget to check out my writer-pal Shelley Halima’s interview.

Because of computer problems I haven’t sent out my latest newsletter yet but I will. So for you that have signed up, please be patient. And for those who haven’t, do a girl a favor and sign up now, LOL! Show me some love! I tell you this has been a good week. I found out I was on the Disilgold Top Ten Best Seller List and got a spot in Thabiz. See what being positive gets you? Promise me that you all will stay positive to accomplish what you’re doing. It’s a journey we’ll all take together.

I have to run and will be back on the blog soon as possible!

Bootsy

The Land of the Fallen Pop Stars

Welcome to the Land of the Fallen Pop Stars. Enter if you dare.



Britney Spears
Fans call her " Brit ". Foes call her " Barbie " and every other name under the sun. I am not a Brit fan okay? As a feminist she embodies a lot that I don’t believe in. I wouldn’t know a Britney lyric if you shouted it at me. I know a couple of song titles but I have never listened to an entire Brit song and the only video of Britney’s I saw was " Baby One More Time " or whatever the heck that song is. We can’t help but notice that Britney is now a fallen star. You remember when she was the " queen ", they say " princess " but if you look at the numbers, Britney ruled music for about six years. That is quite an accomplishment whether we think she deserved it or not. I am still not or ever will be a fan. I don’t agree with women peddling their bodies to sell anything. I don’t agree with icons like the Brit who tells teenage girls you have to dress a certain way or put on a certain image to get attention. It’s dangerous and the reason most girls end up in eating disorder hospitals. Yeah, we all know that most women are puppets in the music industry and Britney was no exception. She went from big smiles (because she had every damn thing) to now, shamelessly using every ploy to get her name in the paper. She’s used her body, her relationships, her music, her so-called virginity and a tacky kiss with Madonna to get attention. And now she is using her baby and the fact that she’s found the real meaning of life. No Brit, the meaning was always there. It’s just that you never saw it. She went from everything she touched turning into gold to not being able to keep a cheap UPN reality show on the air. Will she ever be at the height she was before? Well, honestly she shouldn’t have been there then but nope. Her audience has grown up. Her antics no longer work. I guess motherhood is good for her. Maybe she will grow up and stand on her own two feet. I don’t believe Britney will ever make another album. I just don’t see it. And if she did, I know it won’t come close to anything she’s done before. Stay spiritual Brit. You need it.

Jessica Simpson
Fans call her beautiful. Foes call her dummy. She’s gorgeous. You can’t deny that and she’s much prettier than Spears. You all know I was writing a bio on Jess. I stopped. It just didn’t hold my interest anymore and since her popularity has faded, I lost the desire. I didn’t know anything about her but as I wrote about her, I found respect for her. I didn’t like how she let the music industry sway her since she grew up in the church but hey…I guess she fell down that same road. Jessica experienced a little popularity, more for her looks than ever for her singing. Hands down little sister Ashlee is the most talented. No one took Jessica seriously and she became overexposed very fast. Will she ever sing again? I doubt it but who knows? I believe Nick Lachey will carry on. He’s talented in more ways than one. In my opinion, Jessica has joined the ranks of Britney, in the pop graveyard. It’s funny how people can be so successful one moment than laughingstocks the next. But it happens. Look at this picture. How come they all do that same, " hair blowing, hand on the waist " pose? LOL! That’s why I always liked Aaliyah’s photos. She was so original compared to other singers.

Christina Aguilera
Fans call her sexy and fine. Foes call her a Britney knockoff.She is definitely the most talented of the pop divas. Being the only Hispanic pop star to come along in recent years, Christina has had to prove herself. I bought her first album and loved it. Then, she turned into everything I couldn’t stand. After talking about how Britney used her body to sell albums then Christina goes and does the same thing but took it to such a level that she made a hooker look like a nun. She really overstepped her bounds and I think it not only cost her, her true fans but also her career. Hopefully married life will tame her. But these days being married (in Hollywood) has become such a joke I can’t imagine her staying married for more than three years. I can see Miss Aguilera retiring early. She’s a great singer but she just needs to regroup and get back to what made her so unique. She’s another singer who fell from " class " to " trash " by using her ass (yep I cursed but it needed to be said) in less than two years. When will some women learn that this doesn’t work for long?

Justin Timberlake
Fans call him a joke. Foes call him a pathetic joke. Another person I’ve never listened to. All I know is I was sick of him and Britney hogging up the press. Justin is another case of a fallen pop star due to overexposure. He rode on Britney’s coat tails then when she became bigger then he did, he told all of their bedroom secrets. Shame on you, Justin. Shame. He made some hit songs, stole Michael Jackson’s style and rationalized that by saying he’s MJ’s biggest fan. I never gave Justin a serious thought until the Janet Jackson scandal. This is when he turned pathetic for most by using Janet’s famous " wardrobe dysfunction " to get more attention. Then he got a spot hosting a black awards ceremony or something. I don’t remember what it was exactly. The blacks were enraged because of what he’d done to Janet so they got him kicked off of the special. Now he’s not singing and is embarking on films. In fact he has one coming out soon. How can you be so big on Monday then on Tuesday your life is on a, " Where Are They Now? " segment? It’s amazing when you think about it. People say he had a lack of real talent but I am not one to judge. And by the way, am I the only one that thinks Justin is biracial or has some black in his family? He looks black to me, LOL! I’m serious. I think down the line Justin had some jungle fever going around in his family. Look at that nappy hair. And when he cuts it he really looks black doesn’t he? My mother agrees.

Mandy Moore
Fans call her Mandy. She doesn’t really have any foes. She’s pretty cool. I don’t listen to her music but I’ve seen her in movies and she’s okay. The only thing I didn’t like was that she dated that conceited Andy Roddick (tennis player). I always thought she was so cute. She tried to go the route of Britney and Jessica for a short while by dressing sexy and everything but she seemed to grow out of that. Mandy is the levelheaded one of the pop divas. I am not sure if she is still singing but I know she’s doing pretty well as an actress. I wish her well. She keeps her nose clean and I respect her for that. Probably the only one of the pop divas that will stick around. She's blossomed like a beautiful butterfly.

And last but not least…

The Backstreet Boys
WHO?

Boy this was fun, LOL! Did I leave anyone off the list? You be the judge.

With love,

Bootsy
P.S. (Do you like my cute little link ladies over there? Look to the right.) I think the one in the black looks like me. But you be the judge.