"A VIRTUAL WHITEWASH"?

August 1999
		The NAACP challenged NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox over the lack of minority characters in their new fall programming. Two experts take your questions.

Forum introduction Should the networks be required to have minorities in leading roles? Do some minority characters reinforce stereotypes? What about diversity behind the cameras? What can minorities do to help diversify television? Are the networks misrepresenting the U.S. to an international audience?   July 26, 1999: A discussion about diversity on television. December 12, 1995: A newsmaker interview with Kweisi Mfume. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of race relations and the media.     The NAACP NBC ABC CBS FOX

Sianne Ngai of Brooklyn, New York asks: Do you have any thoughts or comments on shows which do feature minority characters, but which have been criticized for their negative representation of these characters? Damon Standifer responds: Shows such as "Martin" and "The Wayans Bros." Have been criticized for being "modern day coon shows" by the NAACP, the L.A. Times and many others. This is an unfair and unfortunate characterization. What these shows seem to have in common is the use of exaggerated physical comedy as the main comedic element rather than character-driven conflicts and witty dialogue. Unfortunately, due to the lack of African Americans on television, these shows have had bestowed upon them the burden of being the window through which white America views black America. Because exaggerated physical comedy often makes the participants look foolish, it is the erroneous belief of many black activists that whites will therefore stereotype all blacks as foolish. However, there is no proof that a bigot forms his opinions based solely on the images found in wacky sitcoms. If he did, it is most likely true that he isn't bright enough to be in a position to hinder the advancement of African Americans.   Earl Ofari Hutchinson responds: Yes, all the sitcoms perpetuate the same tired stereotypes of blacks as clowns, buffoons, and ignoramuses.

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