VH1 Targeted for Seemingly Racist Programming

Okay, I have to admit it. I am a fan of VH1. Although I decided not to watch some of the shows aired on the network, like Flavor of Love, seasons one and two, I was completely enthralled with it's newest reality show, "Rock of Love". However, I have felt that many of the reality shows aired on VH1 have a tendency to show African Americans in a less-than-favorable way. That is why I wasn't surprised to find out that a boycott has been proposed within the Black community to stop all African American support and viewership of the network. An article on Eurweb.com (http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur36441.cfm) explains that the boycott comes on the heels of information stemming from an employee leak from within the VH1 network organization.

According to the VH1 employee, there was a production meeting regarding a pitch for a new reality dating show called "Interracial Love" in which a well-educated, professional Black woman who would look beyond race to find true love. Although it sounded like a pitch along the lines of what VH1 is doing on television, production executives passed on the idea. The employee wrote a letter to Black Press Radio that included intimate details about what was said in the meeting behind closed doors. According to the employee, the executive present stated that, "viewers are more interested in seeing black people in a ghetto role. This show will not sell." If this is true, Black Media News believes VH1 is purposefully choosing programming that shows African Americans in a derogatory manner. Many people in the African American community, including comedian Mo'Nique, felt that this would prove true with previous programming aired by the network, including shows like "I Love New York" and "Flavor of Love" in which many felt that the African American women who starred on these show were portrayed as promiscuous, classless and combative.

As I was listening to Black Press Radio, I was able to catch a report offering the newest communications from the VH1 network about these allegations. The report, aired August 14, and again on September 30 on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, revealed a statement sent to Black Press Magazine by VH1 Senior Publicist Maura Wozniak about "Interracial Love". In the statement, Wozniak said that the show was indeed rejected because it didn't fit with goals and the directions of the network. This does put VH1 in a very questionable situation. The show was pitched to be one that would break down negative stereotypes of African Americans, and it was modeled after VH1 successes like "Rock of Love" and "I Love New York", so for it to be rejected is a surprise. Fans of VH1 noted their thoughts on VH1RealityWorld.com, a blogsite devoted to VH1 reality programming, many agreeing with the boycott idea. Many voiced excitement about the original announcement of the show and its plot. So, with all of the positive feedback, it's hard to deny the racial implications of VH1's decision. Nevertheless, here's hoping we see "Interracial Love" on television someday, no matter what network it's on.