Viacom

I could kick myself that it took me so long to get to Black Girls Rock on my DVR.

People do a lot of complaining about BET, but I am so grateful that they have taken the time and resources, again, to put together this inspiring, heartwarming and inspirational show for blacks girls of every size, shape, shade, age, geographic background and religion — they truly embraced the diversity and significance in all of our individual and collective stories.

Last year my favorite moment came from Janelle Monae. This year, though all the award-recipient highlights were phenomenal, I really gravitated towards Misty Copeland’s story; it’s not too long ago that I was a young girl in ballet class, and I was the only one. Despite the odds stacked against her, Misty served as the first, and only, African American female soloist with the American Ballet Theatre for 10 years.

Right after I finished watching the show, I texted my mentee to make sure she had watched the show — she did.

Find additional video from Black Girls Rock! 2013 here.

(To not give negativity too much shine, let’s be clear — it is possible to uplift and affirm one group of people without demeaning or undermining another.)

Related Articles:

Janelle Monae is Young, Gifted & Black!

As Jersey Shore prepared to go off the air for good, MTV began heavily promoting their upcoming lineup of programming that included Washington Heights.

When I was introduced to the show’s premise, I thought it was promising. As a Viacom intern last summer, I quickly learned within the industry there is a noticeable focus on developing shows that target the rapidly growing Hispanic demographic while still appealing to mainstream audiences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvHyl2dlAG0

Though the show had initial fanfare, the ratings never materialized and the show was moved to 11 by the end of the season.

I have come across a number of complaints that the show was “too positive” with a focus on the creative pursuits of the show’s personalities.

Then there was the opposition who felt the show was not positive enough. Some viewers felt the show did not accurately portray the neighborhood or “what it means to be Dominican,” and should have focused, in part, on young adults pursuing secondary education.

Why the cynics are wrong (and they are wrong)

I really appreciated MTV taking the chance and putting something on air that does not necessarily fit amongst the typical program selection (i.e. Jersey Shore, Buckwild, Ridiculousness). The show weaved in the usual relationship and drama storylines while also dealing with the effects of a broken home, the mistakes made in professional development, the alternatives to life on the street, and the struggles of pursuing non-traditional fields. I thought they were able to produce something that was stereotypically entertaining yet also a more realistic look at issues non-exclusive to the ones noted above.

And let’s get some things straight:

At the end of the day those characters are only representing themselves, not a race or ethnicity.

Do I think in certian instances characters can serve as the only representation of a group of people and therefore negatively impact an unconscious viewer’s perception of a whole race of people—yes.

Do I think many reality stars choose to represent themelves poorly on these shows, essentially exploiting themselves for ratings and fame—yes.

Can anyone really argue that the group of friends exploited themselves or negatively impacted the perception of Washington Heights and what it means to be Dominican—I don’t think so.

I wonder if I would feel differently if I was more familiar with the Dominican culture or Washington Heights for that matter, but as a general viewer I have only connected with the characters, their stories and what those stories can do for others viewers that find themselves dealing with similar issues.

Furthermore the characters may not pursue traditional career paths, but the message still transcends whatever career path you choose—any dream comes with challenges and real consequences, but if you follow-through you will see an evolution.

I wish viewers had given the show a chance because the show really found its own identity over the season. Why do you think the show failed to attract viewers?

List of Articles

MTV’s latest reality show scales ‘Washington Heights’ with 20-something dreamers

MTV’s ‘Washington Heights’ Stars Say Show isn’t About Being Dominican

In defense of MTV’s Washington Heights

Washington Heights: Where’s The ‘Dominicanness’ In MTV Reality Show?

MTV: Cancel the show “Washington Heights”

http://www.change.org/petitions/mtv-cancel-the-show-washington-heights

ayminor

J TV: Black Girls Rock! 2013

Washington Heights: Art, Dreams, Culture, and Perceptions Collide