Many of your favorite shows have returned with new episodes this year, but the NAACP is not pleased with the way some of those shows look. The civil rights group says TV shows are not diverse enough.
Marquand Ragland has dreams of becoming a big-time actor, but Ragland said there are not enough opportunities for black actors in show business. “We really don't have a fair shot,” he said. The NAACP agrees, saying diversity on television improves the public's perception of minorities. The civil rights group recently released a report to TV networks urging them to include more minorities in leading roles on both sides of the camera.
According to their report, minority actors and writers still remain flat on prime-time shows. There were 333 minority actors during the 2002-03 television season. That dropped to 307 four years later. The number of minority writers also significantly dropped.
The report praised CBS for making some improvements, like giving the lead role on The Unit to Dennis Haysbert, and Lawerence Fishburne who is now on CSI.
UNCW Communication professor, Anita McDaniel, said it is important for networks to bring in different types of minority actors to fill non-stereotypical roles versus the more common minority actors on television.
“It would be nice to see other actors, see lots of different types of actors, as opposed to the same actor in multiple things,” McDaniel said.
Ragland is hoping that day will come soon. “African-Americans need to get involved in this industry. They need to really realize that this industry is here,” he said.
The NAACP report also threatens to seek political action if no progress is made.
NAACP
.... is nothing more than the clan with a tan.
wow
wow
This stuff will never go
This stuff will never go away. The NAACP is an association with a national office, staff, and all the expenses that come with. Their salaries rely on dues and contributions. Racial harmony is not and will never be in their best interest - racial discord is what pays the bills.
I have great news
It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce the nation-wide premiere broadcast of a new and innovative network. After years of research into the legalities of airing such a network, WET (White Entertainment Television) will be broadcasting its first show, "English Roots", on Monday, May 11th 2009 at 8pm.
"English Roots" is a look into the history of the Caucasian culture and their recent struggles for religious and political freedom. Following "English Roots", get ready for an explosive look into the exciting life of teenagers with "You're So Emo," a reality-based competition showcasing a battle for the most emotional in this E-dropping hour starting at 9pm.
Please join us in this exciting endeavor to promote knowledge and acceptance of another race.
demand
I DEMAND MORE WHITE REPRESENTATION IN SPORTS.
Diversity on TV
Blacks make up 12% of population, and, according to a recent study, they are way over-represented on television--in shows and in advertising. Are the Asians demanding more representation? No, of course not, but they, according to the report, are under-represented and so are the Latinos.
And blacks are already cast in many roles that were written for white characters. The NAACP is, as usual, making outrageous demands because they know their demands will be met. Liberal guilt will give them anything they want.
Other Groups Need to Also Complain
Television can be a dangerous place to learn about politics, society, and life in general, if you get ALL your information and opinions from TV. You can be manipulated to go against your own best interests. Take the blinders off!
Moreover, many now feel that the so called "American Majority" is the most discriminated on today's airwaves, and that they also do not have a fair shot. This group could complain along with the NAACP.
NAACP
Yeah, when something don't go their way, time for the NAACP to get out and cry. Give me a break. NAACP needs to stop causing trouble in America. If they would quit stirring the pot, maby everyone could try and get along.
Spend a day in court
You'd be AMAZED at the number of actors there! You see Acdemy Award winning performances, every day.
Maybe just maybe.....
many of the AA are going into the music business. As for the TV/acting industry, you DON'T see as many. But I think if you keep your eyes open Tyler Perry may have a spot for you on one of his two shows (House of Payne or Meet the Browns). Perhaps even a movie.
If the NAACP finds a way to make it mandatory for the AA to be placed on TV next you'll have the Hispanics, which also have their own dedicated channel and the alternate lifestylers (BRAVO).
I think the NAACP needs to step back and let these uprising actors/actresses find their own way. Just because one door of opportunity may have closed doesn't mean the next door will not open to the world of opportunity.
naacp
The NAACP has nothing to complain about now, the opportunities are there for the taking.
They should bring back Sanford and Son-but then they would complain that it's a racist show!
They Could
also bring back Amos & Andy from the 1950's. Available on DVD.
Did someone forget that memorable "Good Times"
Then there's "What's Happening"
What about Fresh Prince of Belair?
How about Benson?
Did someone forget Cosby?
How about I Spy with Bill Cosby?
What about Sergant Rutledge? Classic 1950's western about the Buffalo Soldiers produced by John Ford?
Better to criticize Ward & june for not bringing up the Beaver & Wally in a racially diverse neighborhood? I see their point??
Hey HATERS
ITS SAD THAT PEOPLE MAKE COMMENTS LIKE THIS. YOU SHOULD GET MORE KNOWLEDGE ON THE ISSUSE FIRST! Have a wonderful and blessed day.
You are correct
It is sad the naacp is making comments like taking political action if they don't get their way. A bunch of cry babies that do nothing but set the black race back 400 years because they make it look like black people can't survive without their assistance. The naacp is a much larger group of "haters" then anybody posting here.
naacp
SCREW THE NAACP
You are correct
AMEN BROTHER, I have traced my families history back to the 1650's and no where did we have any slaves. We had to work our asses of just like most americans had to do. Somewhere in the early 1800's we came to America as so many other races did. There has never been a slave in our familly tree black or otherwise. We don't owe the Black people a damn penny. They want to cry foul that thier ancestors were slaves and that is true. But they also have to look back to who sold them for slavery there own DAMN people. But they don't won't to mention that they just want to blame all white people for there problems. I grew up in a house that didn't have any heat , no water and no bathrooms, whose problem was that, I don't know. But I made sure that my chrildren did not have to go through what I had to. And DAMN sure didn't live off of the GOVN'T. SF Roger Fleming
Rediculous
I get so sick of hearing this. What exactly is "not diverse enough?" Where do you draw the line? The fact of the matter is that African-Americans are a MINORITY. Therefore their representation is most likely going to be a minority in acting, politics, etc... Not to say this is how it has to be, just how it likely will be. Who is to say when a group or organization isn't diverse enough. I'd like to know how that equation is decided and devised.
Someone had to use it
Ya know, I have been reading all these posts and I can't help but laugh. People finally speaking out against the NAACP. I was wondering how many posts I would have to read until someone used the phrase "African-American". 99.999% of black people in this country have never seen Africa and were born in this country. Their parents and grandparents were born in this country. That makes them Americans. Just like me. No different. I don't go around claiming I'm Irish-American. I am AMERICAN. Born and raised in NC and proud of it. More people should be proud Americans instead of wanting to label themselves. I think it ridiculous.
NAACP Film Industry???
"The NAACP report also threatens to seek political action if no progress is made."
What are they going to do tell President elect Obama, like a spoiled child throwing a temper tamptrum when it does not get it's own way???
I am really tired of the NAACP looking for anyway to cry wolf. The blacks in the entertainment business has had many success stories. They have a whole station just for blacks, but yet that is not enough. To be a succesful actor one must have talent and audience appeal. That is not something that can be mandated from a political platform. The NAACP needs to shut up and quit pushing the race card at every opportunity. The leader of the nation is black in case they haven't noticed. That should tell them that their political cries of injustice is outdated and unfounded.
NAACP not pleased?
WHO CARES ?????
n double a
The naacp is nothing BUT a racist group and movement! They have legally twisted the books for a format of legal racism so intense that is is simply disgusting and immoral.
naacp
Instead of complaining about TV (that has rotted the brain of most kids) why don't they take on the real problems facing their young black males? Gee, like murdering each other, drugs, teenage pregnancy, illiteracy ?? Guess whining about TV is easier.
Its Funny
That as soon as anything negative about an African American is on here, there's so much commentary, when its caucasians, there's slim to any fanfare on here. My point is this, yes all these issues are real, but its not just the african american community where it exists but its like a secret shame that gets no light shed on it. Let's be a little more un-biased on here folks
tired of it
It is because we are tired of the race card being playing when convenient. The criminals that use it as an explanation for why there did what they did. The worker wanting to be hired but maybe isn't qualified will complain it is racist. Doesn't matter if he is incapable of doing the job, it has to be because of his race. It is an old worn out tune that needs to stop being played.
well
Talk about biased ?? Where is our White TV channel, Miss White USA, The White kids college fund, Where is our NAAWP?? When we get a NAAWP and they are continuously whining about white folks NOT having or getting their way we will comment on them as well.
naawp
Its been the government for hundreds of years
same government?
Is that the same government that has supported your family with WIC, food stamps, section 8 housing and medical care?
guess theyre getting bored
Wow... I'm in shock. What more do they want? How much more can they demand? What ever happened to progress being made by their own efforts and work ethic? Ever think these people should ask themselves why? Maybe getting into the business by their own hard work? Not just demands? Thats not the way it works folks. well, maybe it is. Uggh!
Not enough??
I guess a whole network dedicated to black shows isn't enough? More more more. But if there was a network dedicated to white shows that would be racist, wouldn't it?
From the story
“African-Americans need to get involved in this industry. They need to really realize that this industry is here,” he said.
The NAACP report also threatens to seek political action if no progress is made.
What are they going to do, force blacks to go to work in the film industry? And if not throw a hissy fit?
Be open minded
Let's be serious about this the BET network is mostly reality shows now with stars on it. The NAACP is speaking about how at one time there was a very diverse programming schedule, you had shows that catered to demographics on all networks i.e Full House and Family Matters on ABC, yes those days are long gone due to the influx of reality shows. But a great example is the Real World on MTV, not just from a ethnic standpoint. That show creates a melting pot of culture each season. The NAACP isn't trying to have all black shows but lets see more than just one token black guy in an office set sitcom, becuase we are a part of coporate america also
no offense, but nobody
no offense, but nobody watches real world because it is very unentertaining and dumb.
Who Needs to be Open Minded????
The NAACP needs to be more opened minded and quit trying to force a race issue on everything in this country. I would say that this country as a whole has shown that the citizens are pretty opened minded when you consider who won this past election. I will admit that to label the majority of the actors (regardless of their race) out there as talented is a bit of a stretch. But for the NAACP to threaten to go to the government if they don't have more blacks in the industry is just another slap in the face to the success of the blacks that are already in the industry because of hard work and dedication to the careers they chose. NAACP does not want equality from hard work and dedication to a career, they want it given to them because of their race, it being irrevelant if they are qualified or talented enough for the job. That has always been the problem with the NAACP. So I guess they think because the future President is black they can hold the country hostage for the next 4 maybe 8 years?
The NAACP is a JOKE
The NAACP is a joke. They are just as racist as the people they are calling racist. There are several shows that showcase black talent, some in leading roles some in support roles. The NAACP needs to be done away with, they have turned into a JOKE!!!!!!!!!1
NAACP
PLEASE!
REALITY CHECK
The reason that the NAACP exists in the first place is due to the fact that black people were brought to this country against their will and forced into slave labor FOR CENTURIES. It was born out of necessity. The playing field HAD TO BE LEVELED. Those who have the audacity to even form their mouths to suggest that given fact that the nation has chosen its FIRST BLACK LEADER in the TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE YEAR HISTORY of our country in some way means that racism no longer exists and diversity no longer has a place in the public discourse is LIVING IN A FANTASY WORLD. The fact remains that there ARE NOT ENOUGH Black, Brown, Red, or Yellow people on television and in movies. Just turn on the TV on any given day on any given channel (except BET or UNIVISION) or go visit your local video store and pick up the "hot new release" and there you have it, point made. Oh and here's a zinger, black people remain a minority in this country but the DEMOGRAPHICS OF OUR NATION ARE CHANGING and there will come a day when the sons and daughters of Europe will be in the minority. When that day comes, and it will come, I wonder if you will have the same ignorant views that you have now. To the poster who asks about a so-called "NAAWP", You have one, it's called the KKK. How's that working out for you? I am a TRAINED ACTOR AND MUSICIAN WITH TWENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE BUSINESS and have lived here for nearly three years. In that time I have only been on a few auditions. Not sure why but trust me it ain't because I am not talented. Shame that not many opportunities exist for actors of color in a town where a MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STUDIO is housed. The day that America is TRULY EQUAL IN ALL SECTORS, (BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) is the EXACT SAME DAY that organizations such as the NAACP will no longer be needed. Funny how things work out, huh?
Not as good
Maybe you have not been on as many auditions as you like because you are not as good as you think you are. Or maybe you have a very demanding personality and they may think you might be difficult to work with. Want to try a fun game?
Brad Pitt Will Smith
George Clooney Laurence Fishborne
Billy Bob Thornton Forest Whitaker
Leonardo DiCaprio Ice Cube
Matt Damon Denzel Washington
Tom Cruise Samuel Jackson
Brendan Fraser Morgan Freeman
Want to go for more?
Angelina Jolie Halle Berry
Jennifer Aniston Jennifer Hudson
Julia Roberts Angela Bassett
Kate Winslet Jada Pinkett Smith
And this can go on all day. So tell me again how tv is discriminating against blacks?
Really
These are all film/movie actors moron. The complaint wasnt abt the box office at mayfaire
yes, really
That is right, I forgot that Will Smith wasn't on a popular TV show for years. Oops, I guess that isn't Laurence Fishborne I saw on CSI. Golly gee, wasn't that Forest Whitaker that had a major role on The Shield? I do think he was also on ER. I also think Denzel Washington was on St. Elsewhere. Halle Berry was on Knots Landing and has hosted MADTv. I also forgot that movies are never show on TV. If your IQ were higher than the outside temperature you could see I was answering JB who was complaining about not getting any auditions at the local movie studio. Next time know what you are talking about and go check IMDB.com. You sir or maam are a dolt.
Time
And have any of these appearances happened in the last 10 years as part of non-syndicated programs.. this isnt before they were stars
Yes
Yes, CSI is currently on, The Shield just ended and MADTv is still on. Any other questions? I used little words just for you Guestme
you forgot
Mr. Cosby and the entire cast, Family Matters, In Living Color, Jamie Fox show, Bernie Mac show etc.
I'm a trained actor
"I am a TRAINED ACTOR AND MUSICIAN WITH TWENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE BUSINESS and have lived here for nearly three years. In that time I have only been on a few auditions. Not sure why but trust me it ain't because I am not talented."
______________________________
Apparently, you're a legend...in your own mind. Quit whining!...and use proper grammar "Ain't 'cause I'm not..." Maybe if you spoke properly, you might get a job.
Proved my point for me
I am glad someone of color finally admitted the NAACP is nothing but a hate group much like the KKK.
Reality Check?
Reality Check? You really believe the hype don't you? Do you think that achievements of Caucasians, Hispanics, etc. took place because someone HANDED IT TO THEM? They worked and worked hard. Don't offend other races by suggesting that one race deserves a free pass while the others must work and earn what they get. You say that there will come a time when the NAACP will no longer be needed. They are not needed now. They have a specific political agenda which has no place in our society today and, which creates more division than it resolves. I believe that society, as a whole, is becoming really sick of this constant whining. Time to grow up folks.
kkk?
How can you say that whites have the KKK and its the same as the naacp? That is completely idiotic. The KKK do not represent whites they represent HATE, intolerance and bigotry (not to mention most of them are illiterate hillbillies).
Being a trained actor does not make you any good. Ask any of the thousands of them working in restaurants (black and white). I guess you would rather "act" because the naacp says they have to hire you rather than on your own merit. Typical.
You can't be serious
Who sold the blacks into slaverly? Could it be their won race???
As far as the NAACP, I agree they were a necessaity when they were initially formed, but not anymore. Look at what they did with the Duke lacrosse scandal. The NAACP has turned into a joke.
If the NAACP really thinks we need more equality in movies, then how about they form their won movie production company and make movies just for blacks? They did it with TV channels (ie BET).
I think it's funny how the NAACP complains about equality when they have their own pagents, tv stations, scholarships, colleges, etc. Just imagine if us "white" folks had those exact same things just for us?
race card
Did you see how the NAACP is now trying to get the 'southern belle' dresses removed from a parade in Alabama because the dresses are 'racist'?
It's for an Inaugural Parade at that!
Yes, this has become a joke. Here is the story:
http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9655036&nav=menu33_2
It's completely ridiculous
It's completely ridiculous