What Ever Happened to Equal Access for All?

“ . . . Are you watching those uppity white folks again?”

--Teen-age son on “South Central”

It seems contradictory that black sitcoms such as “South Central” repeatedly use racially disparaging language when at the same time black interest groups (such as the NAACP) continue to fight and march for racial equality.

Howard Rosenberg wonders why there’s so much public protest over “South Central,” which he praised highly, while such shows as “Martin” and “Def Comedy Jam” often escape criticism. (“To Critics of ‘South Central’: What a Joke,” Calendar, April 15.)

One important reason is that “South Central” is a family-oriented show that airs in prime time, unlike “Def Comedy Jam,” which airs at midnight and is intended for an adult audience. Also, “Martin” and “Def Comedy Jam” rely heavily on outrageous humor, not attempts at realistic portrayals of our culture.

That’s why, after several weeks of viewing, I find “South Central” the most disturbing of these shows.

If an African American bounced a check, used food stamps or said the “N” word on “Home Improvement,” it would probably result in a racial protest. Yet when our own shows portray us this way, creators of such shows expect us to sit back and say amen.

No way! In times like these, we can’t afford to be reticent.

I am old enough to remember when African Americans were a rarity on television. I grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, when most roles for African Americans were mainly stereotypical. Black interest groups fought to change that. Now today, it’s intriguing that so many show creators (black and white) choose to retreat.

To say that “South Central” is stereotypical is an understatement. Any stereotypical image (new or old) is a concern when it conveys that African Americans (or any race of people) are unworthy.

What’s wrong with “South Central”? No money. No job. No husband. Food stamps. Bad checks. Crude language. Drugs and gangs. The assertions that this show depicts reality is deliberate distortion. The view of reality that television transmits can be almost debilitating. The “ . . . see, I told you so,” attitude--that’s the way black people behave--becomes inherent.

Whose problem is it anyway? Television executives cannot be responsible for the way one perceives another but they can surely do their part in breaking the chains of prejudice, which would directly and indirectly benefit all of us.

It would be fallacious to assume that African Americans are the only ones subjected to stereotyping. Undoubtedly no one is immune--the old, the young, Asians, Latinos, blondes, males, females, the rich, poor, fat and skinny.

There’s not a thing wrong with comedy. We can all use a good laugh. However, I see nothing funny about open antagonism, fiery rhetoric and black shame on any program.

On “South Central,” in particular, the irony and sarcasm is routinely debasing. “Why not just carry a sign: ‘I’m young, I’m black, I’m stupid, shoot me,’ ” the mother teases her son. And also, the satire on this show, in my opinion, is waaay too contemptuous.

African Americans have such a diversity of gifts and our talents are multifarious. It’s a sad commentary to see such energy wasted on portraying negative images instead of the betterment and uplifting of our society.

“South Central,” why not “Rebuild L.A.?”