OK, So What’s Wrong With This Picture?

The new Fox show “South Central” is the latest attempt to show one side of a particular Los Angeles community--and not a very happy side. Unfortunately, many watching will believe this is the only side. But the picture is far bigger than just another show featuring African Americans. Because there are so few truly diverse images of people of color on television, many were, and for me are, really looking forward to the standard that “South Central” has the opportunity to set.

Hopefully, the show will have a chance to go beyond the standard formula sitcom. “South Central” has merit but it shouldn’t offend the community it seeks to mirror even if it’s only “one side.” A constant balance will make a difference.

Yes, “South Central” deserves a chance, but so do the community voices that cry out in frustration over the impact that some of the troubling, recurring images of poverty and violence carry (“Drama of ‘South Central’ Stirs Debate,” Calendar, April 12). True, this “South Central” is just one story of lives occurring in the “ ‘hood.” But because the public perception about people of color is so deeply embedded, any new “old” stereotypical image is cause for concern. Television is a powerful medium and it shapes (distorts) the viewpoints of individuals around the globe. When the media fail to show a balanced look at any particular subject, the view becomes skewed and out of focus.

But the picture is far bigger!

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There really isn’t much in the way of diverse images of African Americans, and other people of color, in the mass media. Many talented African American actors in television are mired in an abundance of sitcoms. “South Central,” with its dramatic intent, is viewed as a change that was long in its arrival. I hope it evolves into a powerful vehicle that will help balance the negative image so often shown of South-Central Los Angeles and African Americans in general. Certainly the role of the store owner in the show strongly does that. Not to mention that the show has one of the best casts on the tube. I also understand that one show alone cannot carry the entire cultural burden.

Historically, the mass media (be it print, television or film) have made short work of the images of African Americans, and other people of color, in the supposed quest for reality, a great story or just for entertainment value. I am constantly appalled by the lack of consciousness displayed by film and television executives, who have (I thought) some responsibility to the citizens they seek to entertain. This is the picture that needs to be in focus.

I read Greg Braxton’s Calendar article and many other commentaries and articles in reference to the “community” being outraged over “South Central” and rarely do they say anything in regard to other culturally demeaning shows such as “Martin” and “Def Comedy Jam.” Perhaps the articles and commentaries should be focused on why these voices are speaking out, why they have such concerns about these issues, why they haven’t been given a platform to have meaningful dialogue-- why such concerns exist over our images, which for African Americans and other people of color is not a new phenomenon.

Furthermore, many in the community are just as eager to speak out on positive television shows, such as “Roc,” that balance our images and are socially responsible. However, articles and commentaries concerning the positive are few and far between.

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Our images always seem to be decided upon, judged and court-martialed by an unknown system our community is not supposed to question. The community rarely has a say on the distorted, one-dimensional images that repeatedly find their way into the public consciousness. When they do, the media tend to take honest feedback and make it controversial instead of finding the “root cause” of one’s frustration. This is the picture we must focus on and change immediately.

The bigger picture asks why, with all the surrounding talent, haven’t the networks put together more great dramatic series featuring African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos or Native Americans? (The bigger picture reminds me of a study that revealed that African Americans watch more television than any other ethnic group.) The bigger picture prods me to state that no one should be left out of the panoramic view! Just think of all the new, fresh, different, culturally rich shows that could be developed in a matter of weeks, if the commitment was there.

I would like to be quoted this time next year praising the new crop of shows, or films, because (finally) diversity and drama are walking hand-in-hand successfully.

Many in the community (silently in Hollywood) are struggling to make sure this happens, even through voices of frustration.

The picture could sure use a new angle.